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Natal, on Brazil’s northeastern tip, is famed as the “City of the Sun” for its consistently warm, tropical climate and abundant sunshine. The city enjoys steady temperatures year-round, a pronounced wet and dry season, and refreshing Atlantic breezes. With warm sea waters and minimal temperature extremes, Natal is a favourite for beachgoers and water sports 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.
The climate of Natal
Natal’s climate is tropical, marked by little temperature variation and distinct wet and dry seasons. Average daytime highs range from 29–31°C throughout the year, with nighttime lows rarely dipping below 21–24°C. The warmest months are January to March, with highs up to 31°C, while July and August are slightly cooler at 29°C. Humidity is high, but constant trade winds from the Atlantic keep the air feeling pleasant.
The wet season spans from March to July, peaking in April, May, and June, when monthly rainfall can exceed 200–350 mm and rain falls on up to 19 days per month. Showers are typically brief and heavy, followed by sunshine. The dry season runs from September to January, with October and November being the driest months, often seeing less than 50 mm of rain and only 4–5 rainy days. Sunshine is abundant year-round, averaging 7–10 hours per day, and the city boasts over 2,800 hours of sun annually. The sea is warm and inviting year-round, ranging from 26°C in winter to 28–29°C in late summer. Winds are moderate to strong, especially in winter, making Natal a world-class destination for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Snow is unknown, and extreme weather is rare.
| Average climate data for Natal, Brazil | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 30 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 24 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 62 | 96 | 135 | 132 | 82 | 72 | 52 | 11 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 27 | 693 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 20 | 20 | 22 | 23 | 20 | 17 | 16 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 17 | 195 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 74 | 75 | 74 | 77 | 78 | 80 | 80 | 77 | 76 | 74 | 74 | 75 | 76 |
| Average wind speed (km/h) | 20 | 20 | 18 | 18 | 19 | 22 | 23 | 25 | 26 | 25 | 23 | 22 | 22 |
| Average water temperature (°C) | 28 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 28 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Average cloud coverage (%) | 38 | 40 | 38 | 42 | 44 | 45 | 49 | 42 | 38 | 36 | 36 | 39 | 41 |
| Average UV index | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
Travel info
- Dry Season (September–January): Warm, sunny, and breezy, with highs of 30–31°C. Minimal rainfall and long days – ideal for beaches, water sports, and sightseeing. Book early for peak season (December–February).
- Wet Season (March–July): Hot and humid, with highs of 29–31°C. Frequent heavy showers, especially April–June, but rain is usually brief. Good for lush scenery and lower prices – pack rain gear and plan for flexible activities.
- Transitional Months (August, February): Warm, with decreasing/increasing rainfall. Fewer crowds and comfortable conditions for travel.
- General tips: Use high SPF sun cream year-round. Trade winds make evenings pleasant but can feel cool – bring a light jumper. Sea is always warm for swimming. Book accommodation early for holidays and festivals.
The best time to visit Natal
The best time to visit Natal is from September to January, during the dry season. These months offer the sunniest weather, warm temperatures, minimal rainfall, and ideal conditions for beach activities, water sports, and sightseeing. December to February is peak season, with vibrant festivals and lively city life.
The worst time to visit Natal
The least favourable time to visit Natal is from April to July, when rainfall is highest and humidity peaks. While showers are often brief, they can disrupt outdoor plans. However, the city remains warm, and lush landscapes make this a quieter, more affordable period for those seeking fewer crowds.
Frequently asked questions
Natal has a tropical climate with steady warm temperatures (average 26–28°C), high humidity, and abundant sunshine. There is a distinct wet season from March to July and a dry season from September to January.
The best beach weather is from September to January, when rainfall is minimal, the sea is warm (26–29°C), and sunshine is abundant. December to February is peak season for festivals and lively beach life.
Natal’s wet season runs from March to July, with the heaviest rainfall in April, May, and June (over 200 mm per month). The dry season (September–January) sees little rain, especially in October and November.
Summer highs in Natal typically reach 31°C, with nights around 24°C. The heat is moderated by Atlantic trade winds, and humidity is high but comfortable thanks to the breeze.
Yes, the sea in Natal is always warm, ranging from 26°C in winter to 28–29°C in late summer. Swimming, snorkelling, and water sports are possible year-round.
Natal is known for its steady Atlantic trade winds, especially in winter, making it a top spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Winds help keep temperatures comfortable even during the hottest months.
Pack light, breathable clothing, swimwear, sun protection, and a hat. Bring a light jumper for breezy evenings and a rain jacket if visiting in the wet season. Always use high SPF sun cream due to strong sun.
Minimum and maximum temperatures in Natal
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is March (30.3 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is July (27.7 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 29 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is February (26.3 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is July (23.7 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 25.1 °C.
Water temperature in Natal
The month with the highest average water temperature is April (28.7 °C). The month with the lowest average water temperature is August (26.7 °C). Overall, the average water temperature over the whole year is 27.7 °C.
Rainfall amount in Natal
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is March (135.2 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is October (6.9 mm). Over the whole year there are 693.2 mm of rainfall on average.
Rainfall days in Natal
The month with the most days of rain is April (23.4 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is September (7.9 days). Over the whole year there are 195.4 days of rain on average.
Relative humidity in Natal
The month with the highest average relative humidity is June (80 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is October (73.8 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 76.1 %.
Wind speed in Natal
The windiest month, with the highest average wind speed, is September (26.1 km/h). The calmest month, with the lowest average wind speed, is March (17.8 km/h). The overall average wind speed over the whole year is 21.8 km/h.
Cloud coverage in Natal
The month with the cloudiest skies, so the highest cloud coverage, is July (48.9 %). The month with the clearest skies, so the lowest cloud coverage, is October (36.1 %). Over the whole year there is an average cloud coverage of 40.7 %.
Daylight hours and sunshine hours in Natal
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is December (Average daylight: 12 h). The months with the shortest days, so the least daylight, are May, June, July and August (Average daylight: 11.1 h). Over the whole year there are 11.7 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is October (Average sunshine: 8.1 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is July (Average sunshine: 6.9 h). Over the whole year there are 7.6 h of sunlight per day on average.
UV index in Natal
Over the whole year the average UV index is 7.
- Natal climate overview
- Climate table
- Related travel information for Natal
- The best time to visit Natal
- The worst time to visit Natal
- Frequently asked questions
- Temperature summary
- Water temperature summary
- Rainfall amount summary
- Rainfall days summary
- Relative humidity summary
- Wind speed summary
- Cloud coverage summary
- Daylight hours and sunshine hours summary
- UV index summary
- Other recommended travel destinations