São Tomé
Travelers come to São Tomé for Gulf of Guinea beaches, old cocoa estates on volcanic slopes, and a slow pace on an equatorial island.
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São Tomé is the capital and largest city of São Tomé and Príncipe, a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, off the west coast of Central Africa. The city sits on São Tomé Island, a volcanic island with a hilly, forested interior. Portugal ruled the islands for centuries, and the country became independent in 1975. Portuguese is the official language, and the older streets and buildings still show that colonial past.
Cocoa drove much of the islands' economy, and old plantation estates, known locally as roças, still dot the countryside. The capital works well as a base for day trips to the coast, the forest and the plantations. The trip suits travelers who want a small capital, nature and a slower pace more than nightlife or large resorts. The drier months, roughly June to September, are the easiest time to travel. Plan a few days in the capital, and add more time if you want to reach the farther plantations and beaches by road.
São Tomé in five
- Carry cash in dobrasCards may not be accepted outside a few hotels, so bring enough dobras (STN) for the whole stay. Ask your lodging where to change money before you need it.
- Book the flight to Príncipe earlyFlights to Príncipe are few and use small planes, so book as soon as your dates are fixed. A missed flight can change the whole plan.
- Set up offline maps before you leaveMobile coverage may be weak outside the capital, so download maps and your lodging's address before you travel.Phones and eSIM
- Check yellow fever paperwork before you flyAsk your clinic whether your route needs a yellow fever certificate, and carry the paper copy with your passport.
- Hire a driver for the island roadsRoads outside the capital can be slow and rough, so agree the driver and the price for the day before you set off.
Things to do in São Tomé
See all attractions in São Tomé
Need to know
- Currency
- Dobra (STN)
- Entry
- Visa rules depend on your passport; check with the embassy before you book
- Emergency
- Ask your lodging for police and ambulance numbers
- Tipping
- Ask your lodging what is customary; check whether service is on the bill
- Time
- UTC+0, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryRainy season
- FebruaryRainy season
- MarchRainy season
- AprilRainy, green
- MayRainy, green
- JuneDrier, cooler
- JulyDrier, cooler
- AugustDrier, cooler
- SeptemberDrier, cooler
- OctoberRains return
- NovemberRainy season
- DecemberRainy season
Right now in São Tomé
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
26
- Feels like
- 29°
- Humidity
- 83%
- Wind
- 13 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 99%
São Tomé
08:39 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today29°25°99%Monday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 99%.
- Tue27°24°100%Tuesday: Rain. High 27°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Wed26°24°100%Wednesday: Rain. High 26°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Thu28°24°100%Thursday: Rain. High 28°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Fri27°25°96%Friday: Rain. High 27°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 96%.
- Sat27°25°100%Saturday: Rain. High 27°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Sun28°24°100%Sunday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 100%.
Updated 05:54 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 21.95 STN
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Roça estates inlandVaries with the road; ask your driverFormer cocoa plantations on rough roads. Go with a driver who knows the route.Read the guide
- Ilhéu das RolasAsk your driver or tour operator about the routeA small islet on the south coast, where the equator passes through.Read the guide
- PríncipeFlight, check schedulesThe second island, a separate trip with its own flights and stays.Read the guide
Before you go to São Tomé
Rules for São Tomé, checked
- Check the entry rules for your passport with the São Tomé and Príncipe embassy or consulate before you book any flight.
- Carry proof of yellow fever vaccination if your route requires it, and check the requirement with your clinic first.
- Keep a copy of your passport and visa separate from the originals, since officials may ask for them at checks.
Plan around São Tomé
The country hub, with both islands and the wider trip
Read the guideGetting around the islandsFlights, car hire and drivers between towns
Read the guideMoney and costsCash, cards and typical daily prices
Read the guideVisas and entryEntry rules and documents to check first
Read the guideWhere to stayHotels and guesthouses by area
Read the guideTours and ticketsBooking a guided day or a driver in advance
Read the guideSão Tomé FAQ
Is São Tomé worth visiting?
Yes for a slow trip with beaches, rainforest and old cocoa estates. Expect few nightlife options and slow roads outside the capital.
How do you get to São Tomé?
Most visitors fly into São Tomé International Airport. Check flight options with your airline or a travel agent, since routes change.
Do you need a visa for São Tomé?
It depends on your passport. Check with the São Tomé and Príncipe embassy or consulate, because rules can change.
How many days do you need in São Tomé?
Allow several days for the capital and trips into the island. Príncipe is a separate trip with its own travel, so add days for it.
Is Príncipe worth the trip?
Yes if you want a quieter island with few roads. Book the flight early, since seats are limited.
When is the best time to visit São Tomé?
June to September is the drier and cooler part of the year. October to May is wetter, and trails and roads can turn muddy after heavy rain.