Having lived in Florianópolis in 2023, a year considered one of the rainiest ever recorded there, we can definitely say that choosing the month you go can make a big impact on your experience of Florianópolis.
We were there. Aug 2023 – Jun 2024 & Jan 2026 — about a year living in Campeche
The short version
- Our favorite months: April and May, less rainy than the summer, with the crowds already gone.
- Beach days and swimming: November to April, when we swam without a wetsuit.
- Surfing: August to November, when the bigger east and southeast swells hit the island.
- Hiking: the sunny and warmer winter days of July and August.
- Parties and big events: late December through Carnival.
- Whales: mostly July to September around the island.
Our Favorite Time to Visit Florianópolis After a Year on the Island
The rainiest months are from September to March, with January to March being the top ones. Unfortunately, this is also usually the best time of the year to be in Florianópolis, with all the things that happen in the city.
If you’re like us and prefer a more laid-back, not-as-busy place, there are some very good months to go. April and May are our favorites for sure: they’re less rainy than the summer months, and it’s also the time when the crowds have already started to subside.
Before You Go: How the Weather Works on the Island
A Subtropical Island with Real Seasons
Being in a subtropical area of the world, and in an area that is also very affected by El Niño, Florianópolis can have quite unpredictable weather. However, this also brings pretty good temperatures throughout the year, from highs of around 30 °C (86 °F) at the peak of summer to lows of around 13 °C (55 °F) in winter. It makes for a pretty comfortable place to be in.
Florianópolis is a place with very defined seasons, but you’re still in Brazil: the winters are way less cold, but will still give you a fresher time, not so humid and not so hot.
The climate is humid subtropical. On INMET’s 1991–2020 averages, February is the warmest month, with an average high of 29.5 °C (85 °F), and July the coolest, with an average low of 12.9 °C (55 °F).
Why the North Can Be Calm While the East Is Rough
Because of the way they face, the beaches in the northwest of the island are usually protected from the prevailing south and east swells, so the water tends to be calmer and better for little ones. Still, be careful: never disregard rip currents, and always look out for the lifeguard signs.
The predominantly east and east-southeast swells bring cold currents, though, and make the water pretty chilly even in summer.
How Much It Rains, and When
Florianópolis gets about 1,766 mm (70 in) of rain a year on INMET’s 1991–2020 averages, spread across every month: January is the wettest, with about 241 mm (9.5 in), and June the driest, with about 86 mm (3.4 in).
El Niño years tend to bring a rainier spring to southern Brazil, and 2023 was one: that October, INMET measured 419.6 mm (16.5 in) of rain in Florianópolis, the most for any October in about 100 years.
The weather in Floripa can change quickly, so stay flexible and swap days around if needed. The Ilha do Campeche boat trip only runs when sea conditions allow, so it’s worth keeping a backup day for it.
Sea Temperature Through the Year
The water in Florianópolis is noticeably colder than in northeastern Brazil. The sea is warmest from December to March, at around 24–26 °C (75–79 °F), while in July and August it drops to roughly 18 °C (64 °F).
We swam without a wetsuit from November to April, but outside that window the water felt refreshing at best, and Artur usually surfed in a wetsuit. In the cooler months, it reminded us of the water in Portugal or South Africa.
Fun fact The water in Floripa is much colder than in most of Brazil: in winter, you can even spot penguins!
Florianópolis Weather by Season
Summer (December to February)
Summer is hot and humid, with average highs of 28–30 °C (83–85 °F), nights around 21 °C (70 °F) and the warmest sea of the year. It is also the rainiest season.
Florianópolis is a city of almost 590,000 people. In summer, though, national and international tourists arrive by the million: the city expected around 3 million of them over the 2025/26 season. The peak, from late December through the first weeks of January, is out of this world.
Summer weekends are when Florianópolis is at its busiest. On a sunny day, the roads to and from the beaches fill up fast, and a drive that normally takes 30 minutes can suddenly stretch into several hours. If you can, plan your beach days for weekdays, or leave early in the morning and head back before the afternoon rush.
During the summer the UV index tends to be high, often reaching 11 or more, “extreme”, around midday, so protect yourself and your skin.
Autumn (March to May)
In autumn the rain eases, from about 180 mm (7.1 in) in March to about 116 mm (4.6 in) in April, and the sea stays warm into April, at around 24 °C (75 °F). Average highs drop from 29 °C (84 °F) in March to 24 °C (75 °F) in May.
When Michelle’s family came to visit us in April 2024, Pousada Ilha Faceira gave them a great place to stay, with a great breakfast, right by the beach and across the street from where we lived in Campeche.
Winter (June to August)
Winter is mild and, on average, the least rainy season: highs around 21–22 °C (70–71 °F), lows around 13–14 °C (55–57 °F) and about 86–101 mm (3.4–4 in) of rain a month. The sea drops to around 18 °C (64 °F) in July and August.
It’s low season on the island, but it’s also whale season, and the best surf season starts in August.
Spring (September to November)
In spring the rain picks up again, to about 147–153 mm (5.8–6 in) a month, and the air and sea warm slowly: average highs go from 22 °C (72 °F) in September to 26 °C (79 °F) in November, and the sea from about 19 °C (66 °F) to 22 °C (72 °F).
It’s also the best time to surf: between August and November, the bigger east and southeast swells hit the island.
Florianópolis Weather Month by Month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sea |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 29 °C (85 °F) | 22 °C (71 °F) | 241 mm (9.5 in) | 26 °C (78 °F) |
| Feb | 30 °C (85 °F) | 22 °C (71 °F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) | 26 °C (79 °F) |
| Mar | 29 °C (84 °F) | 21 °C (69 °F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) | 25 °C (78 °F) |
| Apr | 27 °C (80 °F) | 19 °C (66 °F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 24 °C (75 °F) |
| May | 24 °C (75 °F) | 16 °C (60 °F) | 126 mm (5.0 in) | 22 °C (71 °F) |
| Jun | 22 °C (71 °F) | 14 °C (56 °F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 19 °C (67 °F) |
| Jul | 21 °C (70 °F) | 13 °C (55 °F) | 101 mm (4.0 in) | 18 °C (64 °F) |
| Aug | 22 °C (71 °F) | 14 °C (57 °F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 18 °C (64 °F) |
| Sep | 22 °C (72 °F) | 15 °C (60 °F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 19 °C (66 °F) |
| Oct | 24 °C (76 °F) | 18 °C (64 °F) | 153 mm (6.0 in) | 21 °C (69 °F) |
| Nov | 26 °C (79 °F) | 19 °C (66 °F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 22 °C (72 °F) |
| Dec | 28 °C (83 °F) | 21 °C (69 °F) | 177 mm (7.0 in) | 24 °C (75 °F) |
January
The rainiest month, with about 241 mm (9.5 in) of rain, average highs of 29 °C (85 °F) and a sea around 26 °C (78 °F). It’s the peak of the season, and the first week of January has parties every day in Jurerê Internacional, with big concerts and DJs.
February
Just as hot, with the warmest sea of the year, around 26 °C (79 °F), and about 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain. Carnival is usually in February: in 2027 it runs from Saturday, February 6, to Tuesday, February 9.
March
Still summer weather, with highs around 29 °C (84 °F) and a sea around 25 °C (78 °F), but less rain than January, about 180 mm (7.1 in). Once Carnival is over, the peak season is too.
April
One of our two favorite months: highs around 27 °C (80 °F), the sea still around 24 °C (75 °F), and the rain down to about 116 mm (4.6 in).
May
Our other favorite: cooler, with highs around 24 °C (75 °F), lows around 16 °C (60 °F) and a sea around 22 °C (71 °F). On 1 May, the tainha (mullet) fishing season opens, and surfing is banned on many beaches until 10 July.
June
The driest month, with about 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, highs around 22 °C (71 °F) and lows around 14 °C (56 °F). The sea drops to around 19 °C (67 °F). Since 2005, the city has celebrated Dia do Manezinho, the day of the people born on the island, every 5 June.
July
The coolest month: highs around 21 °C (70 °F), lows around 13 °C (55 °F) and a sea around 18 °C (64 °F). It’s low season, and southern right whales usually reach the island between late June and July.
August
Much like July, with highs around 22 °C (71 °F) and about 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, and the start of the best surf season, from August to November.
September
Spring starts and the rain picks up again, to about 147 mm (5.8 in). Highs around 22 °C (72 °F), a sea around 19 °C (66 °F), and whales still around the island.
October
About 153 mm (6.0 in) of rain on average, though October 2023 had 419.6 mm (16.5 in). Highs around 24 °C (76 °F) and a sea around 21 °C (69 °F).
November
Warmer, with highs around 26 °C (79 °F), a sea around 22 °C (72 °F) and about 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain. From November to April, we swam without a wetsuit.
December
Summer begins: highs around 28 °C (83 °F), a sea around 24 °C (75 °F) and about 177 mm (7.0 in) of rain. The high season starts in late December, with Réveillon on the 31st.
The Best Time to Visit Florianópolis for What You Want
For Beach Days and Swimming
Go between November and April, when the sea is warmest. Our favorite beach is Ilha do Campeche: calm turquoise water, white sand and granite boulders on a protected island, with the clearest, calmest water we found anywhere around Florianópolis. Visitor numbers are capped, so book an authorized boat tour in advance.
In summer, the beaches are at their busiest on weekends: go on weekdays, or early in the morning. For more ideas, check out our guide to the best beaches in Florianópolis.
For Surfing
The surf in Florianópolis is quite consistent throughout the entire year. The best time to surf is between August and November, when the bigger east and southeast swells hit the island.
From May to July there are also some good south and southeast swells, but this is exactly when the tainha (mullet) fishing season starts, and surfing is banned on many beaches. In Florianópolis, the ban on surfing and other water sports runs from 1 May to 10 July.
The water stays quite fresh throughout the year. We would say that a 3/2 mm wetsuit, or a 2 mm one, suits most of the year, and a 1 mm one the warmer days. Beginners will find plenty of surf schools in Campeche and Barra da Lagoa (book a surf class here), and our guide to surfing in Florianópolis has the spots by level.
For Hiking
Our truly favorite time for the Lagoinha do Leste hike is on the sunny and warmer winter days that happen in July or August. For a hike we consider a bit harder, it is the perfect time. Of course, we recommend skipping the day after heavy rain, just because it’s muddy and can become harder (or go with a guide).
The same goes for the forest trails all over the island: the Costa da Lagoa hike can get muddy after rain, and we avoid the steeper forest trails after a lot of rain, when they get muddy and harder.
For Nightlife and Big Events
In Lagoa da Conceição, the bars are busy all year, and busiest in summer. The biggest parties, in Jurerê Internacional, are more common in the high season, between December and March; in the low season you might still find a concert or a DJ, but far less often. For where to go, check out our Florianópolis nightlife guide.
For Lower Prices and Fewer Crowds
April and May, when the crowds have already started to subside, or the winter low season. Hotels and hostels cost between R$200 and R$1,500 per night, depending on the season.
Car rental rates also vary by season. If you’re going in high season (especially December to February), we’d recommend reserving your car at least a month in advance, or even earlier, as rates get a lot higher and the options a lot more limited. We once had to rent a car for a day after selling ours when we left in July, which is low season, but there was a concert in town and it was pretty hard to find one.
For Whale Season
Southern right whales come to the coast of Santa Catarina to give birth, usually from July to November. Around the island, most are seen between July and September, often in the south, off Morro das Pedras and Campeche, and sometimes as far north as Moçambique and Ingleses.
Their main breeding area is further south, in the Baleia Franca Environmental Protection Area around Garopaba, Imbituba and Laguna, where the last whales of the season are usually seen in early November.
Where to Stay, and When to Book
During the summer months the island gets very busy, especially around New Year’s Eve and Carnival. If you go during those months, make sure to book your stay way in advance, as Floripa tends to get fully booked.
These are the main areas of the island, what each is best for, and our picks in each:
| Area | Best for | Where we’d stay |
|---|---|---|
| South: Campeche (our favorite) | A good balance of nature, great beaches, restaurants and nightlife | Pousada Ilha Faceira, Vila Tamarindo Eco Lodge |
| East: Barra da Lagoa and Lagoa da Conceição | Laid-back, beach-filled days, budget stays and meeting other travelers | The Search House Hostel, Pousada Casa da Lagoa |
| North: Jurerê Internacional, Canasvieiras, Santinho | Calm beaches, all-inclusive resorts and luxury beach clubs | Fuso Concept Hotel, Costão do Santinho, Palace Praia Hotel |
| City center | City vibes, bars and restaurants (and budget stays) | Novotel Florianópolis, Majestic Palace Hotel |
Prefer a different area or budget? Check out our full guide on where to stay in Florianópolis.
Festivals and Events Through the Year
Réveillon (New Year’s Eve)
New Year’s Eve and Carnival are two of the biggest parties in Brazil, and both happen in the high season. For New Year’s Eve, known in Brazil as Réveillon, the clubs can charge from US$200 to more than US$1,000 per person, depending on the place and how early you book. The parties tend to be open bar and open food, and remember to wear white.
The city’s own fireworks are over the bay: to welcome 2026, they were fired for 15 minutes from barges off Beira-Mar Norte and the mainland’s Beira-Mar Continental, as low-noise fireworks under city law, ending in a cascade from the Hercílio Luz Bridge for its centenary.
Carnaval
Carnival changes from year to year but is usually in February: in 2027 it runs from Saturday, February 6, to Tuesday, February 9. Carnival is simply the biggest party in all of Brazil. We have never been to a Carnival in Florianópolis, but the city has more than 100 blocos, crowds of people following a sound truck through the streets, from Berbigão do Boca, which opens the Carnival, to the Bloco dos Sujos.
Mullet Fishing Season (Pesca da Tainha)
At the island’s southern tip, in Pântano do Sul, weathered wooden fishing boats rest on the sand, and between May and July, during the tainha (mullet) season, you might even watch local fishermen hauling in their nets straight from the shore. The season opens on 1 May and lasts until the catch quota is reached: in 2026, the beach-seine fishing was stopped after 38 days, on 7 June, with 90% of its quota caught.
Tainha is at its best during the fishing season. Bar do Arante, in Pântano do Sul, is our pick for fresh fish and tainha, and our guide to where to eat in Florianópolis has the rest.
Fenaostra, the Oyster Festival
Florianópolis grows about three-quarters of Santa Catarina’s oysters, and the state farms almost all of Brazil’s shellfish. Fenaostra, the city’s oyster festival, is held at CentroSul, in the city center, with oyster dishes, crafts and concerts. Its dates move from year to year: it opened on 31 October in 2023 and ended on 12 October in 2026, so check the city’s calendar before you plan around it.
What to Pack for Florianópolis by Season
- Sun protection: all year, and above all in summer, when the UV index often reaches 11 or more around midday.
- A wetsuit, if you surf: a 3/2 mm or 2 mm one suits most of the year, and a 1 mm one the warmer days.
- Good shoes for the trails: they get muddy after rain.
- A warm layer: for winter, when average lows are around 13 °C (55 °F).
- A rain jacket: above all from September to March, the rainiest months.
Things to Do in Florianópolis When It Rains
On cloudy or rainy days, switch your beach day for something that works in any weather: Costa da Lagoa (take the boat instead of hiking, since the trail gets slippery), Centro and its food markets, or the day trip to Balneário Camboriú.
Florianópolis’ historic center has a few great museums to escape the rain. Our top pick is the Palácio Cruz e Sousa, a striking pink palace on Praça XV de Novembro that houses the Santa Catarina Historical Museum, with rotating exhibitions and beautifully restored rooms.
When the weather really turns, the city’s malls are a reliable backup. Villa Romana Shopping and Beiramar Shopping offer plenty of stores, food courts and cinemas to keep you busy until the sun comes back out.
For more ideas, check out the rainy-day section of our 15 best things to do in Florianópolis.
FAQs About Florianópolis Weather
What is the best month to visit Florianópolis?
For us, April and May: they’re less rainy than the summer months, and the crowds have already started to subside. For beach days and swimming, go between November and April; for surfing, between August and November.
What is the rainiest month in Florianópolis?
January, with about 241 mm (9.5 in) of rain on average. The rainiest months run from September to March, with January to March the top ones. June is the driest, with about 86 mm (3.4 in).
Is Florianópolis cold in winter?
Not very. In July, the coolest month, average highs are around 21 °C (70 °F) and lows around 13 °C (55 °F). Florianópolis has very defined seasons, but you’re still in Brazil: the winters are way less cold, but will still give you a fresher time, not so humid and not so hot.
Does it snow in Florianópolis?
No. The lowest temperature INMET has recorded in Florianópolis since 1931 is 0.9 °C (33.6 °F), on 30 August 1958.
When is the sea warmest in Florianópolis?
From December to March, at around 24–26 °C (75–79 °F). In July and August, it drops to roughly 18 °C (64 °F).
Can you swim in Florianópolis in winter?
You can, but the water is cold: roughly 18 °C (64 °F) in July and August. We swam without a wetsuit from November to April; outside that window, the water felt refreshing at best, and Artur usually surfed in a wetsuit.
Is Florianópolis worth visiting in winter?
Yes, if you’re after hikes, surf or whales more than beach days. Our favorite time for the Lagoinha do Leste hike is the sunny and warmer winter days of July and August, the best surf season starts in August, and southern right whales are seen around the island mostly between July and September. It’s also low season.
When is high season in Florianópolis?
From late December through Carnival, with the peak from late December through the first weeks of January. That’s when the island fills up: the city expected around 3 million tourists over the 2025/26 season.
Does bad weather cancel boat trips in Florianópolis?
It can. The Ilha do Campeche boat trip only runs when sea conditions allow, so it’s worth keeping a backup day for it. On rainy days, take the boat to Costa da Lagoa instead of hiking, since the trail gets slippery.
Final Thoughts on the Best Time to Visit Florianópolis
Choosing the month you go can make a big impact on your experience of Florianópolis. The rainiest months, from September to March, are also usually the best time to be there, with all the things that happen in the city. But if you’re like us and prefer a more laid-back, not-as-busy place, April and May are our favorites for sure.
Our biggest tip is to stay flexible. Swap days around for the weather, beat the traffic by starting early, and don’t feel bad about spending an extra afternoon at the beach.
More Florianópolis Guides
- 15 Best Things to Do in Florianópolis
- The 10 Best Beaches in Florianópolis
- Where to Stay in Florianópolis
- Campeche Island: How to Visit Ilha do Campeche
- Lagoinha do Leste Hike: Both Trails, Timing and What to Pack
- Surfing in Florianópolis: The Best Surf Spots by Level
- Florianópolis Itinerary: 3 to 5 Days on the Island
- Balneário Camboriú Day Trip from Florianópolis
- Florianópolis Nightlife: Where to Go Out, Area by Area
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