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Angra dos Reis is a coastal city of about 210,000 people in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, built around a bay of 365 islands and roughly 2,000 beaches on the Costa Verde between Rio and Paraty. Founded on January 6, 1502 and named for the Feast of the Three Kings, it is today the main gateway to Ilha Grande and a base for boat trips, snorkeling, and beach days. Its climate is hot and humid year-round, with highs of 25 to 31°C (77 to 88°F) and most of its 1,997 mm of annual rain falling in the December to March summer.
Welcome to Angra dos Reis
Angra dos Reis works as a two-to-four-day base. Spend a day on a schooner tour of the islands, a day or more on Ilha Grande hiking to Lopes Mendes and snorkeling at Lagoa Azul, and a morning in the historic center and Mambucaba. The mainland town is spread along the coast, with the ferry terminal and bus station in the center and the beaches strung south along BR-101. Most visitors arrive by bus or car from Rio de Janeiro, about 155 km (96 miles) to the northeast.
Angra dos Reis Weather at a Glance
Angra dos Reis has a tropical rainforest climate with no real cold season. Daytime highs run 25 to 31°C (77 to 88°F) all year, overnight lows sit between 17 and 24°C (63 to 75°F), and sea temperatures stay between 21 and 27°C (70 to 80°F), so swimming is possible every month. The rainy season runs from December to March, with January the wettest month at about 234 mm, while June to August is the dry season, with July the driest at about 50 mm.
Humidity hovers near 80% year-round, and the clearest skies come between June and September. For the full monthly numbers, open the Angra dos Reis weather by month guide.
Seasonal Snapshot
- Summer (December to March): hot and wet, highs of 29 to 31°C (84 to 88°F), 150 to 234 mm of rain a month, afternoon storms, warmest sea.
- Autumn (April to May): cooling to 26 to 28°C (79 to 82°F), rain easing to 81 to 137 mm, good shoulder weather.
- Winter (June to August): dry and clear, highs of 25°C (77°F), lows of 17 to 18°C (63 to 64°F), 50 to 55 mm of rain, peak season.
- Spring (September to November): warming to 25 to 27°C (77 to 81°F), rain rising to 85 to 150 mm.
- Wettest month: January, about 234 mm. Driest month: July, about 50 mm.
Best Time to Visit Angra dos Reis
June through September is the best window, with dry, clear weather for boat tours and hiking. May, September, and October offer the best balance of decent weather and lower prices, while December to March brings the warmest water but the heaviest rain and the biggest crowds. Read the best time to visit Angra dos Reis guide for exact dates, prices, and crowd patterns.
Top Things to Do in Angra dos Reis
Take a schooner tour of the bay’s islands, day-trip to Ilha Grande to hike to Lopes Mendes and snorkel at Lagoa Azul, and visit the colonial village of Mambucaba and the Convent of São Bernardino de Sena. On the mainland, swim at Praia do Bonfim or the upscale Praia do Frade, and in June watch the Festa de São Pedro boat procession. The full rundown with prices and hours is in the things to do in Angra dos Reis article.
Where to Stay in Angra dos Reis
Lodging splits between the mainland and Ilha Grande. The center and its beach districts are the convenient, budget-friendly option with fast boat access, the Frade peninsula holds the top-end resorts, and Vila do Abraão on Ilha Grande is the car-free base for the best beaches and trails. Budget rooms start around R$150 a night, mid-range runs R$200 to 500, and resorts go R$800 and up. The where to stay in Angra dos Reis guide breaks down each area with specific hotels.
Suggested Hotels in Angra dos Reis
Hotel Fasano Angra dos Reis
A five-star beachfront resort on Praia do Frade with 27 rooms and suites, an infinity pool, a spa, and two restaurants. Best for couples and travelers who want a high-end stay with a private beach. Check rates and availability
Angra Beach Hotel
A four-star hotel with a rooftop pool, free breakfast, and free WiFi, about 200 meters from Bonfim Beach. Best for families and mid-range travelers who want a pool and easy beach access. Check rates and availability
Palace Hotel
A simple, well-rated hotel in the center with air-conditioned rooms, a garden, and buffet breakfast. Best for budget travelers who want to walk to the ferry terminal and restaurants. Check rates and availability
Angra dos Reis Travel Guides
- Angra dos Reis Weather by Month – monthly temperatures, rainfall, and sea temperatures in one table.
- Best Time to Visit Angra dos Reis – which months deliver the best weather, prices, and crowds.
- Things to Do in Angra dos Reis – island boat tours, beaches, and colonial history.
- Angra dos Reis Events and Festivals – Festa de São Pedro, Reveillon, Carnival, and more.
- Angra dos Reis Neighborhoods – Centro, the beach districts, Ilha Grande, and Mambucaba.
- Where to Stay in Angra dos Reis – hotel picks for each area and budget tier.
- Angra dos Reis Travel Tips and FAQ – getting there, ferries, money, safety, and visas.
Quick Facts
- Population: about 210,000.
- Founded: January 6, 1502 (Feast of the Three Kings).
- Bay: 365 islands and about 2,000 beaches.
- Nearest airports: Rio de Janeiro Galeão (GIG) and Santos Dumont (SDU), about 155 km away.
- Distance from Rio de Janeiro: about 155 km (96 miles) via BR-101.
- Annual rainfall: about 1,997 mm, most of it December to March.
- Best months to visit: June to September; best value May, September, and October.
- Driest month: July (about 50 mm). Wettest month: January (about 234 mm).