Saotomeandprincipe in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Saotomeandprincipe

28°C (82°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

180mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Lush rainforest at peak greenery - waterfalls are strongest and most spectacular, with Cascata Caboverde flowing at maximum volume
Lowest accommodation prices of the year - guesthouses and eco-lodges offer 30-40% discounts during wet season
Sea turtle nesting season begins - witness olive ridley turtles laying eggs on Praia Jalé and Praia das Conchas during evening hours
Cacao harvest season - participate in traditional chocolate-making processes at working plantations across Saotome island

Considerations

Heavy daily rainfall 15+ days per month makes outdoor activities unpredictable and muddy hiking trails dangerous
High humidity (85%) creates uncomfortable conditions and increases risk of tropical illnesses
Rough seas limit island-hopping and fishing excursions - boats to Príncipe often cancelled

Best Activities in May

Rainforest Waterfall Tours

May's heavy rains create the most powerful waterfalls of the year. Cascata Caboverde and Rio do Ouro waterfalls flow at peak volume, creating swimming pools impossible to experience in dry months. Morning tours (7-10am) avoid afternoon downpours that start around 2pm daily.

Booking Tip: Book through certified eco-guides at least 1 week ahead. Tours cost 400,000-600,000 STD ($20-30). Look for operators with rain contingency plans and proper safety equipment. Check current waterfall access in booking section below.

Plantation Chocolate Tours

May marks cacao harvest season when pods are picked and processed into chocolate. Visit working plantations like Agostinho Neto or Roça Sundy to see traditional fermentation and drying processes. Rain doesn't affect indoor chocolate-making activities, making this perfect for wet season.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically cost 250,000-400,000 STD ($12-20). Book directly with plantations or through licensed cultural guides. Many include chocolate tasting and purchasing opportunities. See current plantation tours in booking widget below.

Sea Turtle Nesting Experiences

May begins olive ridley turtle nesting season on Praia Jalé (southern Saotome). Evening tours (7-10pm) offer chances to witness nesting without disturbing wildlife. Rain typically stops by evening, and wet sand is actually better for turtle observation as it reduces dust and noise.

Booking Tip: Turtle watching tours cost 300,000-500,000 STD ($15-25) and must be booked through certified conservation guides. Maximum 6 people per group. Weather rarely affects evening tours. Book current turtle experiences through operators below.

Cultural Village Tours

Wet season is perfect for visiting local communities as agricultural work intensifies. Experience traditional palm wine tapping, observe coffee processing, and participate in communal cooking. Indoor cultural activities provide excellent rainy day alternatives when outdoor plans are cancelled.

Booking Tip: Community-based tours cost 200,000-350,000 STD ($10-18) and include traditional meals. Book through community tourism cooperatives at least 3 days ahead. Many villages offer covered areas for activities during rain. Find current community tours in booking section.

Birdwatching Tours

May's rains bring peak bird activity as endemic species like Saotome sunbird and giant sunbird are most active. Early morning tours (5:30-8am) before daily rains offer best sighting opportunities. Obo National Park's dense canopy provides natural shelter during light showers.

Booking Tip: Specialized birding guides charge 500,000-750,000 STD ($25-38) for half-day tours. Essential to book guides with proper rain gear and covered observation areas. Best success rates with tours starting before 6am. Check current birding guides in booking widget below.

Colonial Architecture Walking Tours

Saotome city's Portuguese colonial buildings are best explored during May's cooler, cloudy weather. Many historic structures like the Cathedral and Presidential Palace offer covered areas during sudden downpours. Afternoon tours (3-5pm) often coincide with dramatic lighting during storm breaks.

Booking Tip: City walking tours cost 150,000-300,000 STD ($8-15) for 2-3 hours. Look for guides offering umbrellas and flexible indoor stops. Many tours include covered markets and museums as rain shelters. See current city tour options below.

May Events & Festivals

Throughout May (preparation period)

Festival da Independência

July 12th independence celebrations begin planning in May with community preparations, traditional dance rehearsals, and cultural exhibitions throughout the month. Local communities practice tchiloli theater performances and prepare traditional costumes.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support - trails become muddy and slippery, streams rise 30-60cm (12-24 inches) above normal levels

Quick-dry synthetic clothing - cotton stays wet for hours in 85% humidity, synthetic fabrics dry within 2-3 hours

Heavy-duty rain poncho - umbrellas are useless in tropical downpours with wind gusts up to 40km/h (25mph)

Waterproof phone case - essential for photography during wet weather activities and sudden afternoon storms

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 7 combined with reflection off wet surfaces increases burn risk significantly

Insect repellent with 30% DEET - standing water from rains increases mosquito populations dramatically in May

Waterproof daypack cover - protects electronics and documents during 2-3 hour afternoon downpours

Flip-flops or water shoes - for beach activities and muddy plantation visits, easier to clean than sneakers

Light fleece or jacket - temperatures drop to 22°C (72°F) during evening storms, feels cooler with wet clothes

Antifungal foot powder - prevents foot problems in constantly damp conditions and humid 85% environment

Insider Knowledge

Local fishermen know weather patterns - if they're not going out by 6am, seas will be too rough for island activities all day

Stay near Saotome city during May - rural roads become impassable during heavy rains, and you'll need quick access to covered activities

Bring USD cash in small denominations - ATMs frequently run out of money during wet season when supply boats are delayed

Book accommodations with backup power - electricity outages lasting 2-4 hours are common during May storms, affecting Wi-Fi and air conditioning

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning only outdoor activities - 60% of hiking and boat tours get cancelled due to weather, always have indoor backup plans

Wearing cotton clothing - takes 6+ hours to dry in May's humidity, synthetic fabrics are essential for comfort

Scheduling tight itineraries - allow extra time between activities as transportation delays of 1-2 hours are normal during heavy rains