Fortaleza features a tropical climate with warm temperatures, high humidity, and refreshing ocean breezes year-round. The city experiences two main seasons: a rainy period from January to July and a dry, sunny stretch from August to December. With little temperature variation and abundant sunshine, Fortaleza is a popular destination for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Fortaleza’s tropical wet and dry climate brings consistently warm weather, with average daily highs ranging from 30°C to 32°C and nighttime lows between 23°C and 25°C. The city’s proximity to the equator means there is little seasonal temperature fluctuation, but rainfall patterns are distinct. The rainy season spans from January to July, peaking in March and April when monthly rainfall can exceed 300 mm. Showers are often heavy but brief, usually in the afternoon or evening, and are followed by sunny intervals. Humidity is highest during this period, often above 80%.
From August to December, Fortaleza enters its dry season. Rainfall drops dramatically, especially in October and November, which are the sunniest and driest months. Despite high temperatures, the city’s steady ocean breezes and low rainfall make this period especially pleasant. Sunshine is plentiful year-round, with up to 9.5 hours per day during the dry months and around 2,800–2,900 hours annually. Sea temperatures remain warm (26–29°C) all year, ideal for swimming and water sports. Winds are moderate, averaging 18–25 km/h, and help temper the tropical heat, especially along the coast.
| Average climate data for Fortaleza, Brazil | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 31 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 31 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 24 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 22 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 119 | 202 | 320 | 355 | 255 | 143 | 95 | 22 | 23 | 13 | 12 | 44 | 1,602 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 11 | 15 | 22 | 21 | 19 | 14 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 135 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 77 | 82 | 86 | 85 | 83 | 81 | 78 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 73 | 75 | 79 |
| Average water temperature (°C) | 28 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 28 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 7 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 |
| Average UV index | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
The best time to visit Fortaleza is from August to December, when the weather is driest, sunniest, and humidity is lower. Daytime temperatures remain warm (31–32°C), and ocean breezes make the heat comfortable. These months offer ideal conditions for beach days, festivals, and water sports, with minimal rain and long hours of sunshine.
The least favourable period is from March to May, the peak of the rainy season. Heavy afternoon downpours and high humidity can disrupt outdoor plans, and some days may be cloudy or wet. While the city is lush and less crowded, frequent rain may limit beach activities and sightseeing.
Fortaleza’s average daily highs range from 30°C to 32°C, with nighttime lows between 23°C and 25°C. Temperatures are stable year-round, thanks to the city’s tropical location near the equator.
The rainy season runs from January to July, with the heaviest rainfall in March and April. Showers are usually intense but brief, and humidity is higher during these months.
August to December is the dry season, with minimal rainfall and abundant sunshine. October and November are the sunniest and driest months, ideal for beach activities and outdoor events.
Sea temperatures in Fortaleza remain warm year-round, ranging from 26°C in August and September to 29°C in March to May. Swimming and water sports are enjoyable at any time.
Yes, Fortaleza experiences moderate, steady ocean breezes, especially in the dry season. Average wind speeds are 18–25 km/h, which help keep the coastal areas comfortable even during the hottest months.
Pack lightweight, breathable clothes, sun protection, and a hat. Bring a rain jacket or umbrella if visiting in the rainy season. Swimwear is essential year-round, and comfortable sandals are recommended for the beach.
No, Fortaleza is tropical and never experiences cold weather or snow. Temperatures remain warm throughout the year, and the city is known for its consistently pleasant climate.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is December (30.8 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is July (29.4 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 30.1 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is December (24.6 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is July (22.4 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 23.6 °C.
The month with the highest average water temperature is April (28.8 °C). The month with the lowest average water temperature is September (26.7 °C). Overall, the average water temperature over the whole year is 27.8 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is April (354.8 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is November (11.8 mm). Over the whole year there are 1,602.4 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is March (22 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is November (2.9 days). Over the whole year there are 134.9 days of rain on average.
The month with the highest average relative humidity is March (85.5 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is November (72.8 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 78.8 %.
The months with the longest days, so the most daylight, are January, November and December (Average daylight: 12 h). The months with the shortest days, so the least daylight, are May, June and July (Average daylight: 11.1 h). Over the whole year there are 11.8 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is October (Average sunshine: 9 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is March (Average sunshine: 4.1 h). Over the whole year there are 7.4 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are January, February, March, April, September, October, November and December (UV index: 12). The months with the lowest average UV index are June and July (UV index: 10). Over the whole year the average UV index is 11.5.
