Fortaleza has a tropical savanna climate (Köppen Aw) with warm temperatures year-round and a distinct wet season from January to June. The city sits on Brazil’s northeast coast at 3°43′ south of the equator, so the sun is intense and daylight varies little throughout the year. Average highs stay between 29°C and 31°C (84°F to 88°F) every month. The difference between the hottest and coolest month is just 2°C (3.6°F). What changes most is rainfall: the first half of the year brings heavy tropical downpours while the second half is dry and consistently sunny. Sea temperatures range from 27°C to 29°C (81°F to 84°F) all year, making Fortaleza a beach destination in any season. For more details, see our best time to visit Fortaleza guide.
Before diving into the monthly data, understand that Fortaleza’s weather is driven by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). When the ITCZ sits over the region from January to June, it pulls moisture from the Atlantic and dumps it as daily afternoon showers. By July, the ITCZ shifts north and Fortaleza gets six months of dry, sunny weather with cooling trade winds from the southeast. The climate is more predictable than southern Brazil because Fortaleza is outside the path of cold fronts that affect Rio and São Paulo. For help picking the right season, see our best time to visit Fortaleza guide. For more details, see our things to do in Fortaleza guide.
Fortaleza Weather by Month: January
January is warm and moderately rainy. Average high 31°C (88°F), low 25°C (77°F). Rainfall averages 120mm (4.7 inches) across 14 rain days. Humidity sits at 78%. Sea temperature 28°C (82°F). Sunshine averages 7 hours per day. January falls in Fortaleza’s pre-carnaval period so hotel prices are moderate and beaches are less crowded than February. Rain typically comes as brief afternoon showers lasting 30 to 60 minutes, leaving mornings clear for beach time. Bring a light rain jacket but do not expect all-day rain. For more details, see our Fortaleza events and festivals guide.
Fortaleza Weather by Month: February
February is similar to January but with increasing rainfall as the wet season builds. Average high 31°C (88°F), low 25°C (77°F). Rainfall rises to 180mm (7.1 inches) across 17 rain days. Humidity 80%. Sea temperature 28°C (83°F). Sunshine 6 hours per day. Carnaval often falls in February, bringing peak hotel rates and crowds regardless of the weather. Beach conditions remain good for swimming and sunbathing between showers. For more details, see our Fortaleza neighborhoods guide.
Fortaleza Weather by Month: March
March is one of the wettest months. Average high 30°C (86°F), low 24°C (75°F). Rainfall peaks at 320mm (12.6 inches) across 24 rain days. Humidity 83%. Sea temperature 28°C (83°F). Sunshine drops to 5 hours per day. Rain is heavier and more frequent, often arriving as sustained tropical downpours rather than quick showers. Roads in rural areas around Fortaleza can flood. This is the least popular month for tourism, so you will find the lowest hotel rates and empty beaches between rain fronts. For more details, see our where to stay in Fortaleza guide.
Fortaleza Weather by Month: April
April is the wettest month of the year. Average high 30°C (86°F), low 24°C (75°F). Rainfall reaches 350mm (13.8 inches) across 25 rain days. Humidity 84%. Sea temperature 28°C (83°F). Sunshine 5 hours per day. April rain is persistent and heavy. The ITCZ sits directly over Fortaleza and daily thunderstorms are common. Beach days are limited to mornings before clouds build. Despite the rain, this is a good month for budget travelers: flights from São Paulo and Rio drop to R$400 to R$600 roundtrip (US$80 to US$120) and hotels discount 30 to 40%. For more details, see our Fortaleza travel tips guide.
Fortaleza Weather by Month: May
May marks the beginning of the transition to the dry season. Average high 30°C (86°F), low 24°C (75°F). Rainfall drops to 250mm (9.8 inches) across 20 rain days. Humidity 82%. Sea temperature 28°C (82°F). Sunshine increases to 6 hours per day. Rain becomes less frequent but still heavy when it falls. The second half of May is noticeably drier than the first half. By late May, the trade winds pick up and the beach becomes more pleasant for sunbathing.
Fortaleza Weather by Month: June
June is a transition month with rapidly decreasing rainfall. Average high 29°C (85°F), low 23°C (74°F). Rainfall 140mm (5.5 inches) across 16 rain days. Humidity 78%. Sea temperature 27°C (81°F). Sunshine 7 hours per day. By mid-June, the dry season pattern sets in: mostly sunny mornings, occasional afternoon cloud build-up, and much less rain than April. The cooling trade winds make outdoor activities more comfortable. This is the start of the kite surfing and windsurfing high season.
Fortaleza Weather by Month: July
July is firmly in the dry season. Average high 29°C (85°F), low 23°C (73°F). Rainfall 90mm (3.5 inches) across 12 rain days. Humidity 75%. Sea temperature 27°C (81°F). Sunshine 8 hours per day. July is a popular vacation month for Brazilians, so hotels and flights are more expensive than the wet season. The Fortal off-season carnaval happens in late July, drawing up to 1 million people to the city. Book accommodations 2 to 3 months ahead if visiting during Fortal. Winds average 20 to 25 km/h (12 to 16 mph) from the southeast, ideal for wind-based water sports.
Fortaleza Weather by Month: August
August is one of the best weather months. Average high 30°C (86°F), low 23°C (73°F). Rainfall plunges to 30mm (1.2 inches) across 6 rain days. Humidity 72%. Sea temperature 27°C (80°F). Sunshine peaks at 9 hours per day. Rain is rare and skies are mostly clear. The steady trade winds continue, keeping humidity comfortable. August is the windiest month with average wind speeds of 22 km/h (14 mph), drawing kite surfers to Cumbuco and Jericoacoara beaches near Fortaleza. Hotel rates are moderate since Brazilian school holidays end in July.
Fortaleza Weather by Month: September
September is the driest month. Average high 30°C (86°F), low 24°C (75°F). Rainfall averages just 15mm (0.6 inches) across 4 rain days. Humidity 70%, the lowest of the year. Sea temperature 27°C (80°F). Sunshine 9 hours per day. This is the best month for a beach holiday with guaranteed sun, low humidity, and warm ocean water. Hotel rates remain moderate before the December/January peak season. Winds begin to ease slightly from the August peak but are still sufficient for kite surfing.
Fortaleza Weather by Month: October
October continues the dry season. Average high 31°C (87°F), low 24°C (76°F). Rainfall 12mm (0.5 inches) across 3 rain days. Humidity 71%. Sea temperature 27°C (81°F). Sunshine 9 hours per day. Temperatures start to climb back toward summer highs. The wind drops and the sea becomes calmer, making it a good month for swimming and snorkeling. October is one of the cheapest months to visit Fortaleza with low-season airfares and hotel rates persisting until mid-December.
Fortaleza Weather by Month: November
November is dry and warming up. Average high 31°C (88°F), low 25°C (77°F). Rainfall 15mm (0.6 inches) across 4 rain days. Humidity 72%. Sea temperature 28°C (82°F). Sunshine 8 hours per day. November is an excellent month to visit before the holiday crowds arrive in December. The dry conditions hold and the sea is calm. Hotel rates start to rise in the last week of November as the peak season approaches. Flights from the US and Europe are still at shoulder-season prices.
Fortaleza Weather by Month: December
December brings the start of the rainy transition and peak tourist season. Average high 31°C (88°F), low 25°C (78°F). Rainfall increases to 40mm (1.6 inches) across 8 rain days. Humidity 74%. Sea temperature 28°C (82°F). Sunshine 8 hours per day. The first half of December is usually still dry, with rain increasing near Christmas and New Year. Hotel rates peak from December 20 to January 5, with minimum stays of 5 to 7 nights at beachfront properties. Réveillon (New Year’s Eve) on Iracema Beach draws over 1 million people for fireworks and live music. Book 4 to 6 months ahead for Christmas/New Year dates.
Fortaleza Weather by Month: Comparison Table
| Month | High (°C/°F) | Low (°C/°F) | Rain (mm) | Rain Days | Humidity | Sea Temp (°C) | Sun (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31 / 88 | 25 / 77 | 120 | 14 | 78% | 28 | 7 |
| Feb | 31 / 88 | 25 / 77 | 180 | 17 | 80% | 28 | 6 |
| Mar | 30 / 86 | 24 / 75 | 320 | 24 | 83% | 28 | 5 |
| Apr | 30 / 86 | 24 / 75 | 350 | 25 | 84% | 28 | 5 |
| May | 30 / 86 | 24 / 75 | 250 | 20 | 82% | 28 | 6 |
| Jun | 29 / 85 | 23 / 74 | 140 | 16 | 78% | 27 | 7 |
| Jul | 29 / 85 | 23 / 73 | 90 | 12 | 75% | 27 | 8 |
| Aug | 30 / 86 | 23 / 73 | 30 | 6 | 72% | 27 | 9 |
| Sep | 30 / 86 | 24 / 75 | 15 | 4 | 70% | 27 | 9 |
| Oct | 31 / 87 | 24 / 76 | 12 | 3 | 71% | 27 | 9 |
| Nov | 31 / 88 | 25 / 77 | 15 | 4 | 72% | 28 | 8 |
| Dec | 31 / 88 | 25 / 78 | 40 | 8 | 74% | 28 | 8 |
