This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our small business.
Natal sits at latitude 5 degrees 47 minutes south on Brazil’s northeastern coast, which puts the city squarely in the tropics. The result is a warm, humid climate with very little temperature change across the year: the average daily high holds between 28°C (82°F) and 31°C (88°F) every single month, and the Atlantic sea temperature rarely drops below 26°C (79°F). What does change is rainfall. Natal receives about 1,280mm (50 inches) a year, concentrated in a wet season from March to July and a dry season from September to December. This month-by-month breakdown gives you the numbers for every month so you can plan around the rain rather than the heat.
Natal Weather by Month: Temperature and Rainfall Table
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Sea Temp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31°C (88°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 65mm | 28°C (82°F) |
| February | 31°C (88°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 100mm | 28°C (82°F) |
| March | 31°C (88°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 180mm | 28°C (82°F) |
| April | 30°C (86°F) | 23°C (73°F) | 202mm | 29°C (84°F) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 22°C (72°F) | 170mm | 28°C (82°F) |
| June | 29°C (84°F) | 21°C (70°F) | 160mm | 27°C (81°F) |
| July | 28°C (82°F) | 21°C (70°F) | 135mm | 27°C (81°F) |
| August | 28°C (82°F) | 21°C (70°F) | 80mm | 26°C (79°F) |
| September | 29°C (84°F) | 22°C (72°F) | 45mm | 26°C (79°F) |
| October | 30°C (86°F) | 23°C (73°F) | 34mm | 27°C (81°F) |
| November | 30°C (86°F) | 23°C (73°F) | 30mm | 27°C (81°F) |
| December | 31°C (88°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 45mm | 28°C (82°F) |
April is the wettest month with about 202mm (8 inches), while October is the driest with roughly 34mm (1.3 inches). Rain in Natal mostly falls as heavy afternoon or evening downpours that clear within an hour or two, so even wet-season days usually deliver several hours of sun in the morning. For what to pack and how to get around, see our Natal travel tips.
Natal Weather by Month: Summer (December to February)
December through February is hot and mostly dry, with highs of 31°C (88°F) and sea temperatures around 28°C (82°F). Rainfall is modest at this stage: December averages 45mm, January 65mm, and February climbs to 100mm as the wet season approaches. These are the best beach months, and they also match the Brazilian school holidays, so where to stay in Natal prices and flight costs peak here.
Natal Weather by Month: Autumn (March to May)
This is the heart of the wet season. March brings 180mm, April peaks at 202mm, and May still averages 170mm, with 18 to 21 rainy days each month. The air stays warm at 30°C (86°F) with humidity above 80 percent, and the sea hits its annual warmest at 29°C (84°F) in April. Mornings are typically sunny; the showers roll in after 2pm. If you want a quieter trip and don’t mind a daily downpour, this is the best time to visit Natal window when hotel rates bottom out.
Natal Weather by Month: Winter (June to August)
Brazilian winter still means 28°C (82°F) highs in Natal, but it is the coolest stretch of the year, with overnight lows around 21°C (70°F). Rain tapers off through the season: June 160mm, July 135mm, August 80mm. These months suit visitors who want warm beach weather without the intense afternoon heat of summer, and they line up with several of the events and festivals in Natal such as the São João festivals in June.
Natal Weather by Month: Spring (September to November)
September to November is the driest period of the year, with rainfall falling to 45mm in September, 34mm in October, and just 30mm in November. Highs sit at 29°C to 30°C (84°F to 86°F), and sunshine climbs to roughly 9 hours a day. Combined with low humidity and warm 27°C (81°F) water, this is the most reliable stretch for things to do in Natal outdoors, from dune buggy rides to reef snorkelling.
Natal Weather by Month: Sea Temperature and Sunshine
The ocean off Natal runs between 26°C (79°F) in August and September and 29°C (84°F) in April, so you can swim comfortably every month of the year. The city gets about 2,900 hours of sunshine annually, averaging 7 to 9 hours a day, and relative humidity sits around 74 to 80 percent. For a full picture of where to base yourself, see our Natal neighborhoods guide and the Natal travel guide.
