Brazil surf forecast

Surfing in Brazil

Brazil's surf coast runs for thousands of kilometres and splits into two quite different seasons. The spots on this page cover both. In the south-east and south, from Saquarema in Rio de Janeiro state through Ubatuba and Maresias on the São Paulo north coast to Florianópolis, Garopaba and Torres, the beaches face broadly south to east. They come alive on south and south-east swells from Southern Ocean storms, so the best and most consistent waves usually arrive between about April and September, the southern autumn and winter. At south-facing Saquarema and Maresias a northerly wind is offshore, and a passing cold front often brings a swell followed by cleaner conditions. Saquarema and Maresias are powerful beach breaks better suited to experienced surfers, while Garopaba and the many beaches around Florianópolis offer something for most levels.

In the north-east the pattern flips. Fernando de Noronha, an island far offshore, picks up North Atlantic groundswell from roughly December to March, with Cacimba do Padre breaking as a fast, hollow and powerful beach break over sand and rock. Jericoacoara in Ceará is best known as a world-class kite and windsurf venue, with strong trade winds most days from about July to January. Praia da Pipa and Itacaré sit on the east-facing coast in between and pick up swell from the east and south-east.

Most Brazilian spots are sandy beach breaks, so sandbanks, rips and tide all shape the waves; check with local schools or lifeguards. Weekends and holidays bring crowds to the beaches near the big cities.