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Olinda has a tropical monsoon climate: hot and humid in every month of the year. Daily highs stay between 26°C (79°F) and 29°C (84°F), and the city records about 1,114 mm of rain a year. Almost all of that rain falls between March and August, while September to February is noticeably drier. This guide breaks down the monthly temperatures, rainfall, humidity, and sea conditions so you can plan around the wet season. See our Olinda guide for more. See our where to stay in Olinda guide for more.
Olinda Weather by Month: Temperatures and Rainfall
Temperatures barely move through the year. The warmest month is January, with an average high of 29°C (84°F), and the coolest is July, with an average high of 26°C (79°F). Nights only dip to 23°C (73°F) in July and August. The table below lists the 30-year climatological averages for Recife-Olinda, measured at Recife Aeroporto, 6 km south of the historic center. See our best time to visit Olinda guide for more. See our Olinda travel tips guide for more.
| Month | High | Low | Rain (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29°C (84°F) | 25°C (77°F) | 66 |
| February | 29°C (84°F) | 25°C (77°F) | 71 |
| March | 29°C (84°F) | 25°C (77°F) | 93 |
| April | 28°C (82°F) | 25°C (77°F) | 133 |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 25°C (77°F) | 156 |
| June | 27°C (81°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 171 |
| July | 26°C (79°F) | 23°C (73°F) | 154 |
| August | 26°C (79°F) | 23°C (73°F) | 97 |
| September | 27°C (81°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 56 |
| October | 28°C (82°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 42 |
| November | 28°C (82°F) | 25°C (77°F) | 34 |
| December | 29°C (84°F) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 |
Olinda Weather by Month: Rain and Humidity
June is the wettest month with 171 mm of rain, followed by May (156 mm) and July (154 mm). November is the driest with just 34 mm, and December averages 41 mm. Humidity runs high all year, typically 75 to 85 percent, so even the dry months feel sticky. Rain usually arrives as heavy afternoon showers rather than all-day drizzle, so a morning of sightseeing is almost always possible even in June. See our things to do in Olinda guide for more.
Olinda Weather by Month: Sunshine and Sea Temperature
The sea off Olinda stays warm enough to swim year-round, at 27°C to 28°C (81°F to 82°F). Sunshine peaks from September to January at roughly 7 to 8 hours a day and drops to about 5 to 6 hours during the April-to-July rains. Ultraviolet levels are high to extreme in every season, so sunscreen is not optional even on cloudy days. See our events and festivals in Olinda guide for more.
Olinda Weather by Month: What to Pack
Pack light cotton or linen clothes, a rain jacket or compact umbrella for the April-to-July wet season, and comfortable shoes with grip for the steep cobblestone ladeiras of the historic center. A light sweater is enough for air-conditioned buses and restaurants. If you visit for Carnival in February, you will be outdoors in 29°C heat among large crowds, so bring water and sun protection rather than warm layers. See our Olinda neighborhoods guide for more.
