What to Do in Maresias When It Rains: Tours and Tips
By MaresiasTur · · 5 min read
Quick answer
With overcast weather, the best thing to do in Maresias is swap the beach for the guided hike to the Cachoeira das 7 Quedas waterfall, as long as there's no heavy rain. With rain, it's worth visiting the free Sacred Art Museum in São Sebastião's historic center, or the museums in Ilhabela.
Knowing what to do in Maresias when it rains starts with checking how heavy it is. With overcast weather and no heavy rain, the guided hike to the Cachoeira das 7 Quedas waterfall is still a good option, because the forest stays cool and the tour remains beautiful. With real rain, the best move is to swap the beach for cultural programs, such as the Sacred Art Museum, with free admission, in São Sebastião's historic center, or the museums in Ilhabela.
This guide shows when it rains most in the region, which tours depend on the weather, and where to find covered options nearby. The information was checked in September 2026. Museum hours change often, so confirm before you go.
When does it rain most in Maresias?
According to the technical climate assessment of the North Coast Marine Protected Area, from the São Paulo State Government, the summer months are the rainiest in the region and the winter months the driest. The same document cites CEPAGRI's classification, which describes São Sebastião's climate as tropical, with heavy rain and a dry winter, and points to August as the driest month, with an average of 36.3 mm of rain.
In practice, rainfall is concentrated in summer, from December to March, and decreases in winter. The assessment also shows that, on average, the northern part of the North Coast (Ubatuba) gets more rain than the southern part, where São Sebastião and Ilhabela are located. To choose the month for your trip based on the type of tour, see the guide on the best time for tours in Maresias.
Can you hike in Maresias with overcast weather?
You can, and it's one of the best activities for those days. The Maresias Waterfall Eco Hike (7 Quedas) is a 2 km round-trip walk, easy level, through preserved Atlantic Forest, to a waterfall safe for swimming. The tour lasts about 3 hours, departs at 9 am and 2 pm, and includes a certified ecotourism guide, passing through a protected conservation area.
The thing to watch for is heavy rain, which makes rivers and rocks more dangerous. So follow the forecast and talk to the team on the day. If the departure is canceled due to weather, travelers choose between rescheduling at no cost or a full refund. More hiking options are in the guide on trails in Maresias.
Which tours depend on the weather?
- Boat and speedboat tours: depend on safe navigation conditions. Bad weather, maritime safety, or unfavorable tides can cancel a departure, with rescheduling or a full refund.
- Rappelling: also depends on safe conditions, especially waterfall rappelling, like the one at Calhetas.
- Land tours: the BikeTour 360º and the Maresias Adventure Package take place in the village, along the river, and on the trail. The team confirms whether the departure happens based on the day's forecast.
A planning tip: under MaresiasTur's cancellation policy, date changes can be requested up to 48 hours in advance, subject to availability. With the forecast in hand, you can swap a boat tour for a calmer day without rushing. To keep an eye on the sea, see how to check the São Sebastião tide table and rough-sea warnings.
What can you do in São Sebastião when it rains?
São Sebastião's historic center is about 30 km (19 mi) from Maresias via the Rio-Santos highway (a route estimate; during high season the trip takes longer). That's where you'll find the Sacred Art Museum, housed in the 17th-century Capela de São Gonçalo, on Rua Sebastião Silvestre Neves, s/nº. Admission is free, according to FUNDASS, the municipality's cultural foundation. Official sources list different hours, so confirm beforehand by phone at (12) 3892-4286.
FUNDASS also runs the São Sebastião Municipal Theater, downtown, and other cultural venues, such as the Museu Adélia Barsotti, the Casa da Cultura, and the Historical Archive. The theater's schedule can be checked with the foundation at (12) 3892-2815.
Is it worth going to the museums in Ilhabela on a rainy day?
It can be, if the ferry line is short. In 2025, the Ilhabela City Hall listed museums with free admission on the island:
- Nautical Museum: on Praça Coronel Julião, in the historic center (Vila), in a 1913 building that was once a jail and courthouse;
- Afro-Brazilian Culture Museum: at the Fazenda Engenho d'Água, near Praia do Engenho;
- Waldemar Belisário Cultural Center and Museum: on Rua da Padroeira, 174, which also houses the Cine Villa Bella;
- Lighting and Energy Museum: on Rua José Bonifácio, in the Água Branca neighborhood.
Since this information is from 2025, confirm hours and operations with the city hall before crossing over. Fares, schedules, and crossing tips are in the guide on the São Sebastião–Ilhabela ferry.
How do you prepare for rainy days?
- Sign up for the São Paulo Civil Defense's free alert: text your ZIP code (CEP) by SMS to 40199.
- In floods or landslides, the São Sebastião Civil Defense operates 24 hours at 199.
- Avoid rivers and waterfalls during heavy rain, which makes rivers and rocks more dangerous.
- Bring a rain jacket and footwear with good grip. The full list is in what to bring for a boat tour, hike, and rappelling.
Useful phone numbers and the region's reference hospital are in the guide on emergency and health in Maresias.
Frequently asked questions
- Does it rain a lot in Maresias?
- Rainfall is concentrated in summer, from December to March, and decreases in winter. In São Sebastião, August is the driest month, with an average of 36.3 mm.
- Can you hike to the waterfall on a rainy day?
- With overcast weather, yes: the 7 Quedas hike is short, easy level, and guided. With heavy rain, rivers and rocks get more dangerous and the departure may be canceled, with rescheduling or a full refund.
- Is the boat tour canceled if it rains?
- If the weather or maritime safety prevents the departure, MaresiasTur cancels it and travelers choose between rescheduling at no cost or a full refund.
- Is there a museum near Maresias?
- The closest one is the Sacred Art Museum, with free admission, in São Sebastião's historic center. In Ilhabela, the city hall lists free museums, such as the Nautical Museum; confirm hours before you go.
- What is the driest month in Maresias?
- According to North Coast Marine Protected Area data for São Sebastião, August is the driest month, with an average of 36.3 mm of rain.
