Seasons
The estates can be visited in any month. The dirt roads are easiest in the gravana (about June to August) and in the sunnier spell around December to February. In the wettest months, March to May and October–November, allow extra time and expect showers.
Cocoa calendar
Cocoa is harvested in two main flushes, with the larger one towards the end of the year. Visit then to see pods being split, and beans fermenting and drying.
Dates to know
- 29 May: the anniversary of the 1919 eclipse, sometimes marked with talks or events.
- Mid-August: the Auto de Floripes in Santo António — rooms across the island fill up.
Time of day
Go to Sundy in the morning, when it is cooler, and save the Belo Monte lookout for the afternoon, when the sun lights Praia Banana.
Roça Sundy & Belo Monte 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.
