Recife has a tropical monsoon climate with warm temperatures year-round and a distinct wet and dry season. The city sits at just 8 degrees south of the equator on Brazil’s northeastern coast, so there’s little variation in daylight hours or temperature throughout the year. What changes dramatically is rainfall: the wet season from March to August brings heavy tropical downpours, while the dry season from September to February sees far less rain and more sunshine. For more information, see our best time to visit Recife guide.
Recife Weather by Month: Monthly Breakdown
Recife’s average annual temperature hovers around 26°C (79°F), with daily highs ranging from 28°C to 31°C (82°F to 88°F) and nightly lows from 21°C to 24°C (70°F to 75°F). The sea temperature stays between 26°C and 29°C (79°F to 84°F) all year, making swimming comfortable regardless of the month. Rainfall is the defining variable: the city receives about 2,000mm (79 inches) of rain annually, most of it falling between March and August. For more information, see our things to do in Recife guide.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rain (mm) | Rain Days | Sun Hours | Sea Temp |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C / 86°F | 24°C / 75°F | 98 | 14 | 8 | 28°C / 82°F |
| February | 30°C / 86°F | 24°C / 75°F | 120 | 15 | 7 | 28°C / 82°F |
| March | 30°C / 86°F | 24°C / 75°F | 210 | 19 | 7 | 28°C / 82°F |
| April | 29°C / 84°F | 23°C / 73°F | 275 | 21 | 6 | 29°C / 84°F |
| May | 29°C / 84°F | 23°C / 73°F | 330 | 24 | 6 | 28°C / 82°F |
| June | 28°C / 82°F | 22°C / 72°F | 380 | 25 | 5 | 27°C / 81°F |
| July | 28°C / 82°F | 21°C / 70°F | 345 | 25 | 5 | 27°C / 81°F |
| August | 28°C / 82°F | 21°C / 70°F | 210 | 21 | 6 | 26°C / 79°F |
| September | 29°C / 84°F | 22°C / 72°F | 85 | 15 | 7 | 26°C / 79°F |
| October | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 73°F | 45 | 10 | 8 | 27°C / 81°F |
| November | 30°C / 86°F | 24°C / 75°F | 40 | 9 | 9 | 27°C / 81°F |
| December | 30°C / 86°F | 24°C / 75°F | 55 | 11 | 8 | 28°C / 82°F |
Recife Weather: Wet Season (March to August)
The wet season dominates Recife’s climate from March through August, with rainfall peaking in June at 380mm (15 inches). May and June are the wettest months, averaging 24 to 25 rain days each. Rain typically falls as intense afternoon showers lasting 1 to 2 hours, not all-day drizzle, so mornings are often sunny even during the wet season. Humidity remains consistently high at 80 to 85 percent. June and July are the coolest months but still reach 28°C (82°F) during the day. This is also when mosquitoes are most active, so insect repellent is essential if you visit during these months. For more information, see our Recife events and festivals guide.
Recife Weather: Dry Season (September to February)
From September through February, Recife dries out considerably. October and November are the driest months with just 40 to 45mm of rainfall and only 9 to 10 rain days. Sunshine hours climb to 8 to 9 per day, and humidity drops to around 75 percent. Daytime highs reach 30°C (86°F), with sea temperatures at a warm 27 to 28°C (81 to 82°F). This is Recife’s summer period, coinciding with the southern hemisphere’s warmest months from December to February. Beach days are reliable, and outdoor activities are rarely interrupted by weather. February sees slightly more rain than the surrounding months as the wet season begins to approach. For more information, see our best neighborhoods in Recife guide.
Recife Weather: Humidity and Comfort
Humidity is a constant companion in Recife, averaging 79 percent year-round and rarely dropping below 70 percent. Combined with temperatures that stay above 28°C, the heat index can feel 3 to 5 degrees warmer than the actual temperature. Air conditioning is standard in hotels, shopping malls, and most restaurants in Boa Viagem, but smaller local establishments in Recife Antigo may rely on fans. If you’re not accustomed to tropical humidity, the dry season months of October through December offer the most comfortable conditions, with lower humidity and consistent sea breezes along the coast. For more information, see our where to stay in Recife guide.
Recife Weather: Sea Temperature and Swimming
The Atlantic waters off Recife stay between 26°C and 29°C (79°F to 84°F) year-round, with the warmest water in April (29°C) and the coolest in August and September (26°C). Even the coolest months are warm enough for comfortable swimming by any standard. Boa Viagem beach has natural reef pools at low tide that create calm swimming areas protected from waves, but pay attention to shark warning signs: Recife’s coastline has recorded shark incidents, and swimming is safest in the reef-protected pools rather than open water beyond the reef. For more information, see our Recife travel tips and FAQ guide.
