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When to Go to St Helena?
St Helena has a tropical climate, but this is heavily influenced by the South East Trade winds which keep the temperature mild and can lead to very changeable weather. The coastal areas are generally hotter and drier than the interior, with temperatures in the coastal capital of Jamestown ranging between 14-32ºC, and the central hill area around 4-6 degrees cooler.
There are no drastic weather patterns and therefore no distinctive seasons in St Helena. The hottest months of the year are between January and March, where temperatures in Jamestown average between 20-32ºC, and the coolest months are from June to September. The heaviest rainfall is experienced from late March to early May and between July and September, however this is variable across the island, with the interior receiving considerably more rainfall than the coast.
The main tourist season is November through to March when the days are mostly sunny and hot. April to October is generally wetter and cooler.
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The Best Time to Visit St Helena
In January, St. Helena gets mild, pleasant weather. The ideal range for outdoor activities and exploration is between 75°F and 85°F (24°C and 29°C), which is the normal range for daytime temperatures. You can see the island's birdlife, including the rare wirebird, in January. There are opportunities for dolphin and whale watching because of the marine life that is drawn to the warm seas.
St. Helena experiences summertime weather in February, with daytime highs of 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C). The island gets a lot of sunlight, which is ideal for outdoor activities. February is a great month for birdwatching since it offers the chance to see the island's native wirebird as well as other bird species. On boat tours, you might also see marine animals like dolphins and whales.
March is a pleasant and temperate month in St. Helena. Normal daytime temperatures fall between 24°C and 29°C, or 75°F and 85°F. As a result of the island's abundant sunshine, outdoor activities are ideal. Birdwatchers will get the chance to see the island's endemic wirebird and other avian species throughout the month of March. On boat tours, you might also see marine animals like dolphins and whales.
St. Helena gets pleasant, warm weather in April. Normal daytime temperatures fall between 21°C and 27°C, or 70°F and 80°F. It's still great for outdoor activities even if it's a little cooler than the summer. Birdwatchers may see the island's endemic wirebird and other avian species during the month of April. During boat excursions, marine life, such as dolphins and whales, may still be visible.
St. Helena experiences a beautiful and mild winter in May. Normal daytime temperatures fall between 18°C and 24°C, or 65°F to 75°F. Even though it's cooler than the summer, it's still pleasant for outdoor activities. With the chance to see the island's endemic wirebird and other avian species, May is a good month for birdwatching. During boat excursions, marine life, such as dolphins and whales, may still be visible.
St. Helena experiences a pleasant and chilly winter in June. The usual range for daytime temperatures is 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C). It is the coolest season of the year, making it ideal for vacationers who love chilly weather. The endemic wirebird of the island can be seen around June, making it a good time to go bird watching. While there is less marine life activity in the cooler months, boat excursions may still allow you to see dolphins and whales.
St. Helena gets cool winter weather in July, with daily highs between 60°F and 70°F (15°C and 21°C). It's the coolest season of the year, making it perfect for vacationers who like more comfortable weather. With the chance to see the island's rare wirebird and other avian species, July continues to be a fantastic period for birdwatching. Dolphins and whales may still be spotted on boat excursions, despite the fact that marine life activity declines during the cooler months.
St. Helena gets cool winter weather in August, with daily highs between 60°F and 70°F (15°C and 21°C). It's the coolest season of the year, making it perfect for vacationers who like more comfortable weather. Birdwatchers may see the island's endemic wirebird and other avian species throughout the month of August. While there is less marine life activity in the cooler months, boat excursions may still allow you to see dolphins and whales.
St. Helena experiences pleasant, warm spring weather in September. Normal daytime temperatures fall between 18°C and 24°C, or 65°F to 75°F. Outdoor activities are great at this time of year. Birdwatchers may see the island's endemic wirebird and other avian species throughout the month of September. Boat excursions could become more rewarding as marine life activity rises.
St. Helena has pleasant, warm spring weather in October. Normal daytime temperatures fall between 18°C and 24°C, or 65°F to 75°F. The weather is ideal for outdoor activities. Birdwatchers may see the island's endemic wirebird throughout October, in addition to other avian species. The increase in marine life activity may potentially be increasing boat excursions.
The weather in St. Helena is moderate and comfortable in November as summer approaches. Normal daytime temperatures fall between 21°C and 27°C, or 70°F and 80°F. Outdoor activities are great at this time of year. In November, there is a good chance to see the island's endemic wirebird as well as other bird species. The increase in marine life activity may potentially be increasing boat excursions.
St. Helena experiences warm, comfortable summer weather in December. Normal daytime temperatures fall between 24°C and 29°C, or 75°F and 85°F. The weather is perfect for enjoying the outdoors and going to the beach. Birdwatchers may see the island's endemic wirebird and other avian species throughout the month of December. The abundance of marine life may be at its greatest, making boat trips more enjoyable.
January - February
While St Helena does not experience dramatic seasonal changes in weather, January and February are the hottest months of the year, with temperatures reaching 32ºC by the coast. This is also the best time to experience swimming with whale sharks, which are attracted to the increase in plankton and regularly appear off the coast of the island, sometimes in groups of up to 35 individuals.
March - December
St Helena has a mild and agreeable climate year-round, however the island experiences heavier rainfall from late March to early May, and from July to September, peaking in April and August. The coldest months are from June to September, although temperatures in Jamestown still usually range between 15-26ºC.
- The best time to see whale sharks is during the hotter months of January and February when the higher sea temperatures correlate with plankton blooms and attract large numbers of whale sharks. This is the optimum time to see whale sharks, and they have usually left by May
- If you want to see humpback whales travel between July and December.
Things to do in St Helena
Diana's Peak National Park
Hike to Diana's Peak, the highest point on the island, to take in sweeping views of St. Helena's verdant surroundings. Unique plants and animals can be found in the park.
Jacob's Ladder
For breathtaking views of Jamestown and the nearby coastline, brave the 699-step walk up Jacob's Ladder, a mediaeval staircase.
Forts and Historic Sites
Discover the past of the island by visiting ancient forts and locations like High Knoll Fort, Rupert's Valley, and Fort James.
Photography
With its spectacular vistas, brilliant fauna, and colourful buildings, St. Helena is a photographer's dream.