Things to Do in São Tomé in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in São Tomé
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak dry season with only 65 mm (2.6 inches) of rain across 10 days - perfect for island hopping and outdoor activities with minimal weather disruptions
- Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs 20-30% less than peak months while weather remains excellent, with most hotels offering flexible booking policies
- Ideal water conditions with 25-28 m (82-164 ft) visibility for diving and calm seas around Príncipe and São Tomé's south coast beaches
- Cocoa harvest season brings unique cultural experiences - plantations offer fresh-to-bar chocolate tours and local markets overflow with seasonal fruits like breadfruit and soursop
Considerations
- Higher humidity at 70% makes midday activities (11am-3pm) uncomfortable - you'll sweat through cotton shirts within 30 minutes of outdoor exploration
- UV index of 8 requires constant sun protection and limits comfortable outdoor time to early morning and late afternoon without proper preparation
- March falls during turtle nesting preparation period - some beach areas have restricted access and turtle watching tours don't start until April
Best Activities in March
Plantation Heritage Tours
March coincides with cocoa harvest season when plantations like Roça São João offer behind-the-scenes access to chocolate production. The 32°C (90°F) temperatures are ideal for walking the 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 mile) plantation trails in early morning, and you'll witness the fermentation process at its peak. Local guides share stories of Portuguese colonial history while you sample fresh cocoa pods.
Príncipe Island Diving Expeditions
March offers the year's clearest water with 25-28 m (82-164 ft) visibility around Príncipe's volcanic reefs. Calm seas and minimal rainfall create perfect conditions for exploring untouched coral gardens and endemic fish species. Water temperature stays at comfortable 26°C (79°F), requiring only 3mm wetsuits.
Obo National Park Rainforest Hikes
March's moderate rainfall keeps the rainforest lush while minimizing muddy trails. The 1,000 m (3,281 ft) elevation provides relief from coastal humidity, with temperatures dropping to comfortable 24°C (75°F). This is prime season for spotting endemic birds like the São Tomé fiscal and ibis before nesting season begins.
Ilhéu das Rolas Day Trips
March's calm seas make the 45-minute boat ride to the equatorial island comfortable with minimal seasickness risk. Perfect weather for the 2 km (1.2 mile) coastal walk to the equator monument and snorkeling in crystal-clear lagoons. Low tourist season means you'll often have beaches entirely to yourself.
São Tomé City Cultural Walking Tours
March's shoulder season means fewer crowds at colonial landmarks like the Cathedral and Presidential Palace. Morning temperatures of 24°C (75°F) make the 3 km (1.9 mile) historic center walk comfortable. Local markets buzz with seasonal produce, and you'll experience authentic daily life without tourist crowds.
Traditional Fishing Village Experiences
March's calm waters allow fishermen to use traditional pirogues for daily catches, offering authentic cultural immersion. Join 5am fishing trips to catch tuna and red snapper, then participate in beach-side fish preparation with local families. The experience includes learning traditional fishing techniques passed down through generations.
March Events & Festivals
Festa de São José
São Tomé's patron saint celebration featuring traditional danço-congo performances, palm wine ceremonies, and community feast preparations. Local families open their homes to visitors, offering authentic tchiloli theatrical performances and traditional dishes like calulu and funge.
Cocoa Harvest Festival
Plantation communities celebrate the cocoa harvest with traditional music, dance competitions, and chocolate-making demonstrations. Visitors can participate in pod-breaking ceremonies and learn traditional fermentation techniques from master chocolatiers.