Patchy rain nearby 
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Maceió is the capital of Alagoas and the main entry point to Brazil’s northeastern coast, a city of about one million people stretched along 20km of Atlantic beachfront. The climate is tropical with a wet season from April to August and a dry season from September to March, and the sea stays warm enough to swim in all year. Visitors come for the coral reef natural pools off Pajuçara, the jangada sail rafts, and the turquoise water that earned the Alagoas coast its Brazilian Caribbean nickname.
Welcome to Maceió
Maceió sits at 9 degrees south of the equator, which is why its temperatures barely move through the year. The daily average is 25.1°C (77°F), with highs of 27.6 to 31.5°C (82 to 89°F) and lows of 19.7 to 22.1°C (67 to 72°F) depending on the month. The city faces the open Atlantic, so the onshore trade winds keep the heat bearable, and the warm Brazil Current keeps the sea at 26 to 29°C (79 to 84°F) all year.
The geography defines the place. To the west sits Mundaú Lagoon, a shallow saltwater lagoon where the local sururu mussel is harvested, and to the east the ocean is lined by a chain of coral reefs that form the natural pools at low tide. The beaches run north to south through the districts of Jatiúca, Ponta Verde, Pajuçara and Cruz das Almas, with the historic port quarter of Jaraguá at the southern end.
Maceió Weather at a Glance
Maceió has two seasons. The dry season runs September to March, when monthly rainfall is 40 to 120mm and sunshine peaks at 258 hours in December. The wet season runs April to August, when rainfall climbs to 202 to 354mm and the city gets up to 23 rainy days in July. Rain falls mostly as short afternoon downpours, and mornings are often clear even in the wettest months.
Annual rainfall totals 1,867mm, humidity averages 77.8 percent, and the city receives about 2,499 hours of sunshine a year. The warmest month is March with a mean of 26.5°C (80°F), and the coolest are July and August at 23.5°C (74°F). The record high is 39.3°C (103°F), set in September, and the record low is 11.3°C (52°F).
Seasonal Snapshot
- Summer (December to February): highs around 31°C (88°F), dry, sunny and busy. Peak hotel prices and full beaches.
- Autumn (March to May): rainfall builds from 117mm in March to 297mm in May. Prices drop after Easter.
- Winter (June to August): the wettest and quietest season, with highs of 28°C (82°F) and afternoon rain. Fewer tourists.
- Spring (September to November): the best window, dry and warm with 62mm of rain in October and 47mm in November.
Maceió Travel Guides
We have written a full set of Maceió guides, one for each part of planning a trip:
- Maceió weather by month – monthly temperatures, rainfall, humidity, sunshine hours and sea temperature with an INMET data table.
- Best time to visit Maceió – the dry season, the shoulder months for lower prices, and the months to avoid.
- Things to do in Maceió – the Pajuçara natural pools, Praia do Francês, Maragogi and the city sights, with prices.
- Maceió events and festivals – Carnival, São João Massayó and the Verão Massayó summer series, by date.
- Best neighborhoods in Maceió – Pajuçara, Ponta Verde, Jatiúca, Jaraguá and Centro mapped with hotel price ranges.
- Where to stay in Maceió – area by area hotel picks from luxury to budget, all on the beachfront.
- Maceió travel tips and FAQ – the airport, getting around, tipping, safety and visa answers.
Where to Stay in Maceió
The beachfront strip divides into three districts. Pajuçara is the tourism center, closest to the natural pools and the craft market, with the widest price range. Ponta Verde is the upscale middle, with the best restaurants and nightlife. Jatiúca is the quieter resort zone to the north. Hotel rooms run from about R$180 per night at budget chains to R$900 and up at beachfront five star properties in high season.
Suggested Hotels in Maceió
Ritz Lagoa da Anta Hotel and Wellness
A full service resort on Lagoa da Anta Beach with a spa, art gallery and gardens. Best for couples who want a self contained luxury stay. Check rates and availability
Hotel Ponta Verde Maceió
A modern beachfront hotel facing Praia de Ponta Verde with a kids club and on site restaurant. Best for families who want the beach at the door. Check rates and availability
ibis Maceio Pajuçara
A reliable budget chain hotel about 400m from Pajuçara Beach with compact rooms. Best for solo travelers and couples watching their budget. Check rates and availability
Quick Facts About Maceió
- Airport: Zumbi dos Palmares International Airport (MCZ), about 25km north of the center in Rio Largo.
- Best beach months: September to March, when rain is lowest and the sea is 27 to 29°C.
- Warmest month: March, mean 26.5°C (80°F). Coolest: July and August, mean 23.5°C (74°F).
- Wettest month: June, 354mm of rain across 22 rainy days.
- Sea temperature: 26 to 29°C (79 to 84°F) all year.
- Sunshine: about 2,499 hours per year, peaking at 258 hours in December.
- Language: Portuguese. Currency: Brazilian real (R$).
