Seasons
For classic beach weather, the best window is usually the gravanito, around December to February: hot, bright and relatively dry, with clear, calm water. The gravana, from about June to August, is drier still but cooler and often overcast, with more wind and swell.
March to May and October–November bring the heaviest rain. You will still get beach hours between showers, but grey days and muddy access tracks are common.
Wildlife
- Turtles: nesting at Praia Grande and other beaches from about November to March; hatchlings follow.
- Whales: humpbacks pass the island from about July to October and are sometimes seen from shore.
Crowds
There are none. Even in the busiest weeks — August and around Christmas — you can expect long stretches of sand to yourself. What does fill up is the small supply of rooms and flight seats.
Príncipe Beaches month by month
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Visit rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C | 23°C | ★★☆ Good time |
| February | 30°C | 23°C | ★★☆ Good time |
| March | 31°C | 23°C | ★☆☆ Wettest months |
| April | 30°C | 23°C | ★☆☆ Wettest months |
| May | 30°C | 23°C | ★☆☆ Wettest months |
| June | 28°C | 22°C | ★★★ Best season |
| July | 28°C | 22°C | ★★★ Best season |
| August | 28°C | 22°C | ★★★ Best season |
| September | 29°C | 22°C | ★★☆ Good time |
| October | 29°C | 22°C | ★☆☆ Wettest months |
| November | 29°C | 22°C | ★☆☆ Wettest months |
| December | 30°C | 23°C | ★★☆ Good time |
Temperatures are approximate long-term averages and vary with altitude; rain is possible in any month. Check a forecast before you travel.
