Fernando de NoronhaComplete guide · PE
Noronha --:--
Best time to visit

When to go to Fernando de Noronha

Two seasons, six travel goals and a month-by-month calendar to help you pick the right dates.

Photo: Danilo de Castro · CC BY-SA 3.0
Summary

Dry from August to February, rainy from March to July

The air stays around 28 °C all year and the water between 26 and 28 °C. What changes is the sea, the rain, the prices and the crowds. When the Mar de Dentro is rough, the Mar de Fora is usually calm, and vice versa.

The best time depends on your goal

For beaches and swimming

August to November. Dry, with a calm, crystal-clear Mar de Dentro. The best time for natural pools and for traveling with kids.

For diving and seeing the seabed

September to November. Flat sea, visibility of 30 to 50 m and few tours cancelled.

For hiking

August to February. Dry season, with less mud and clear skies. Park trails have limited slots: book early.

For photography

September to January. Clear skies and transparent water. In October the sun sets between the Dois Irmãos, seen from Boldró.

For surfing

November to March, peaking from December to February: north swells at Cacimba do Padre, Bode and Boldró. See the Noronha surf guide.

For saving money

April to June. It rains, but with sunny spells; pousadas and flights can cost half the high-season price.

Month by month

Noronha calendar

January
High season, swell on the Mar de Dentro, New Year's parties until the middle of the month.
February
Dry, strong swell on the Mar de Dentro (surfing at Cacimba) and a calm Mar de Fora. High season.
March
The rain begins and the swell still shows up. Moderate prices and crowds.
April
The rainiest month, along with May. There are sunny breaks, a waterfall at Sancho and a green island.
May
Still rainy, few people, promotional rates.
June
Rain eases off and the Mar de Dentro calms down. Festas juninas (June festivals) in the Vila.
July
School holidays: more people and high prices despite some rain.
August
Dry, hot, flat sea. The best diving period begins.
September
Very calm Mar de Dentro and excellent visibility. The most balanced month.
October
Very calm sea, clear skies and crystal-clear water. Great with children. Sunset between the Dois Irmãos at Boldró.
November
Dry and hot, still without the December crowds. The first swells start hitting the Mar de Dentro.
December
High season and New Year's Eve with prices at their peak. Turtle nesting season begins.
RainSun, calm sea and visibility
How many days

3, 5 or 7 days?

  • 3 full days: the minimum. Boat trip or Ilha Tour (not both), Sancho and two sunsets. You'll leave wanting to come back.
  • 5 full days (7 with arrival and departure): enough to do the main tours, dive and still have a free day.
  • 7 days: the whole island at a relaxed pace, with a plan B for rain or rough seas. This is the recommendation for a first trip and for families.
  • 9 to 10 days: everything above plus Atalaia, Capim-Açu, Morro São José and free days. The daily TPA is lower up to the 10th day.
  • 12 to 15 days: live like a local. 15 days is the sensible maximum: the 15-day TPA costs almost double the 10-day one.

The Administration counts the period between arrival and departure. Fly in in the morning and out in mid-afternoon to enjoy two almost full days; use them for the Porto and sunset at Conceição.

DF

We did this

We went in October and I can confirm it: calm Mar de Dentro, clear skies and very clear water. It is the season I would choose again, especially with children.

More stories and the 9 itineraries in the Premium Guide

Best time to...

DiveSeptember to November
SurfNovember to March (peak from December to February)
HikingAugust to February
Travel with childrenSeptember to November
Save moneyApril to June
Calmest seaAugust to November
PhotographSeptember to January
See turtles nestingDecember to June

Events and dates to mark

  • New Year's Eve: maximum occupancy and prices at their peak. Book a year in advance.
  • November to March: surf season at Cacimba do Padre, which has hosted events on the world qualifying tour. Check whether there is a contest in the year of your trip.
  • June: festas juninas (June festivals) in Vila dos Remédios.
  • August: the archipelago's anniversary (August 10).
  • December to June: turtle nesting at Praia do Leão; from February to July, hatchlings are born.

Dates chosen? See how to get there.

Flights direct from Recife, airport, transport on the island and the time zone.

Getting thereSee lodging