Best Time for Tours in Maresias and the North Coast of São Paulo
By MaresiasTur · · Updated on · 4 min read
Quick answer
The best time for tours in Maresias depends on your goal: summer is hotter, busier and rainier; winter is the driest season and good for hikes and rappelling. Tours run year-round, and if weather cancels a departure, you can reschedule at no cost or get a full refund.
The best time for tours in Maresias depends on what you want to do. Boat tours, hikes and rappelling run year-round; what changes from one season to another is the crowds, the heat, the rain and how often the sea gets rough. Knowing this helps you choose the date, the time of day and the type of tour.
In short: summer brings heat, crowds and rain; winter is the driest, calmest season; fall and spring fall somewhere in between.
When does it rain most in Maresias?
According to the technical diagnosis of the APA Marinha do Litoral Norte, from the São Paulo state government, the summer months are the rainiest in the region, and the winter months are the driest. The CEPAGRI classification cited in the document describes São Sebastião's climate as tropical, with excessive rainfall and a dry winter, and points to August as the driest month, with an average of 36.3 mm of rain.
In practice, rain concentrates between December and March and eases up in winter. The same study shows that, on average, the northern part of the North Coast, in Ubatuba, gets more rain than the southern part, where São Sebastião and Ilhabela are located.
| Season | What it's usually like | Tours that fit |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | Hot, high season and the rainiest time, with afternoon showers more common | Boat tour around the islands on morning departures, and diving |
| Fall | Rain tapering off and fewer crowds | Boat, hikes and rappelling |
| Winter | The driest season, cool days, colder water and cold fronts that can stir up the sea | Hikes, rappelling and the Adventure Package |
| Spring | Fewer crowds than summer and pleasant temperatures | Boat, hikes and rappelling |
What's summer and the holidays like in Maresias?
- Crowds: it's high season, with more visitors and tours filling up earlier. Book ahead. One measure of how busy it gets: during Carnival 2026, about 14,000 people a day used the ferry between São Sebastião and Ilhabela, according to SEMIL.
- Weather: hot days, with afternoon showers more common.
- Schedule: the shared boat tour to the South Coast islands leaves at 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m. Prefer the morning departure, when the sun is milder and the weather tends to be more stable.
- Getting around: Uber, 99 and similar apps don't work in São Sebastião, and the road gets busier during high season. Plan your transportation and arrive 30 minutes before boarding.
Are fall and spring worth it?
They are, especially if you want less crowded tours. There are fewer visitors than in summer, temperatures are pleasant for hikes and rappelling, and it's a good time for cheaper lodging.
One thing to watch for in low season: shared boat departures depend on a minimum quorum of 8 people. If it isn't reached, MaresiasTur offers rescheduling or a full refund. If you don't want to depend on a quorum, you can book a private boat, priced per boat.
Is Maresias worth visiting in winter?
If you like nature and adventure, yes. Winter is the region's driest season, with cool days that suit the Cachoeira das 7 Quedas waterfall hike, Lookout Rappelling and the Maresias Adventure Package.
- The ocean water gets colder: bring extra clothes for after the swim on boat tours.
- Cold fronts passing through can make the sea rough for a few days.
- The Brazilian Navy publishes severe weather warnings, including storm surge alerts, when waves above 2.5 meters hit the coast.
What happens if the weather turns on the day of the tour?
Boat tours depend on safe sailing conditions. When weather, maritime safety, unfavorable tides or an operational issue cancel the departure, MaresiasTur's policy lets you choose between rescheduling at no cost or getting a full refund. That's why it's worth booking your boat tour for the first days of the trip, leaving room to reschedule. Date changes requested by the customer can be made up to 48 hours in advance, subject to availability. Details in the cancellation policy.
To track the weather before you head out:
- Forecast for the city at CPTEC/INPE – São Sebastião.
- Free SMS alerts from São Paulo's Civil Defense: text your ZIP code to 40199 (SP Sempre Alerta).
- Tide times in the São Sebastião tide table guide.
Which tour to choose in each season?
- Hot days with calm seas: boat tours around the islands, snorkeling and try-scuba-diving.
- Cool days: hikes, rappelling and the Adventure Package.
- Cloudy days: the forest hike stays cool and is still beautiful, but heavy rain makes rivers and rocks more dangerous, so follow your guide's instructions. See more ideas in what to do in Maresias when it rains.
Frequently asked questions
- What's the best time to visit Maresias?
- It depends on your goal: summer brings more heat, crowds and rain, while fall, winter and spring are calmer and more pleasant for hikes and rappelling.
- What's the driest month in São Sebastião?
- August, with an average of 36.3 mm of rain, according to the technical diagnosis of the APA Marinha do Litoral Norte. Rain concentrates in summer.
- Are there boat tours in winter?
- Yes. Departures depend on sea conditions; if the tour is canceled due to weather, you can reschedule at no cost or get a full refund.
- Do I need to book ahead in high season?
- Yes. In summer and on holidays, tours tend to fill up early, so book in advance.
- What happens if the shared boat doesn't reach the minimum number of people?
- Shared departures have a minimum quorum of 8 people. If it isn't reached, MaresiasTur offers rescheduling or a full refund.
