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São Luís weather & best time to visit

City break

São Luís at a glance

Best time
Sep – Nov
Warmest month
Sep · 33°
Warmest sea
May · 28.9°
Sunshine a year
2,450 h
Rain a year
1,866 mm
Climate
Tropical
Time zone
UTC−3
Elevation
29 m

Climate in São Luís

São Luís has a tropical climate: it is warm all year round, and the seasons differ mainly in how much rain falls. September is the warmest month with average highs of 33 °C, while February is the coolest at 29 °C. With around 2,450 hours of sunshine a year, São Luís is sunny; August is the sunniest month with 8.3 hours a day.

Holiday weather through the year

Best time to visit

Best time to visit São Luís

The best time to visit São Luís is from September to November. For a beach holiday – sea from 21 °C, warm and mostly dry – go from August to November. The rainy season is from February to May; the wettest month is March with 401 mm.

São Luís through the seasons

How the weather changes over the seasons, with averages for each.

São Luís in the dry season

Jun – Jan

52

Fair

  • 30–33 °C by day
  • Sea 28 °C
  • 7.5 h of sun a day
  • 95 rainy days in all

São Luís in the rainy season

Feb – May

39

Poor

  • 29–31 °C by day
  • Sea 29 °C
  • 5.1 h of sun a day
  • 112 rainy days in all

Which month for what?

Beach & swimming

Aug – Nov

Sea from 21 °C, warm and mostly dry

Sightseeing & hiking

No month

15–28 °C and not too much rain

Rainy months

Feb – May

Rainy season or more than 12 rainy days

Find your perfect month

Tell us what you like and we rate every month in São Luís for you.

Swimming in the sea
Sunshine
Little rain

Your best months: September – November

Based on the climate averages; tap a month to see its details.

Your holiday weather, at a glance

Weather in October

Weather in October

63

Holiday weather in October

Good

Best time to visit: September – November

Good forBeach & swimming

A typical day in October

  1. Morning, 08:00: about 28°
  2. Midday, 13:00: about 32°
  3. Afternoon, 16:00: about 32°
  4. Evening, 20:00: about 28°
  5. Night, 23:00: about 27°

05:3817:48

Warm enough for a T-shirt in the evening.

Estimated from the average high and low: coolest around sunrise, warmest in mid-afternoon.

Light for photos in October

Golden hour
Morning 05:25–06:06 · evening 17:20–18:00
Blue hour
Morning 05:17–05:25 · evening 18:00–18:09

Golden hour: the sun between 4° below and 6° above the horizon; blue hour: 6° to 4° below it. Times for the 15th of the month; mountains and clouds shift the light.

October in São Luís compared with home

Home:

Loading the climate at home …

Early or late October?

In October, daytime highs stay at about 32° from start to end.

Early or late October?
October1 Oct31 Oct
Daytime high32°32°
Night-time low25°25°
Sea28°28°
Daylight12.1 h12.2 h

What is the weather like in São Luís in October?

In October, São Luís is hot: daytime highs average 32 °C, and even at night it stays warm at around 25 °C. The sea averages 27.7 °C – lovely and warm for swimming. The sun shines for around 8.0 hours a day. Rain is rare: about 3 days bring 13 mm in total. The thermometer climbs to 30 °C or more every day. The air is often humid and muggy. All in all, October is a good month for a holiday in São Luís.

More details for October

Daylight
12 h 10 min05:38 – 17:48
UV index
14 · extremeclear sky, noon (estimate)All months
Muggy days
31 daysdew point 18 °C or moreAll months
Wind
22 km/haverage daily peakAll months
Cloud cover
43 %on averageAll months
Hot days
31 days30 °C or moreAll months
Time zone
UTC−3offset from UTC

How the score comes together

  • Temperatureweight 50 %33 %
  • Sunshineweight 20 %83 %
  • Few rainy daysweight 30 %100 %

Each factor is rated from 0 to 100 % and weighted for the travel style “City break”.

What to pack in October

  • Swimwear
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses & sun hat
  • Light, breathable clothes
  • Water bottle – drink plenty
  • Insect repellent

Compare two months in São Luís

Pick two months to see how the weather differs. A tick marks the clearly better value; for temperatures it depends on your plans.

vs

October and September bring similar holiday weather to São Luís (score 63 and 62). In September, days are 1 °C warmer than in October. The sea is about as warm in both months.

October vs September, São Luís
MonthOctoberSeptember
Holiday weather score6362
Daytime high32°33°
Night-time low25°25°
Sea27.7°27.8°
Sunshine8.0 h8.2 h
Rainy days33
Rainfall13 mm12 mm
Muggy days3130better

Based on the climate averages 1996–2025.

São Luís month by month

The typical weather for every month at a glance.

41January30° · Sea 28° · 5.8 h

In January, São Luís is hot: daytime highs average 30 °C, and even at night it stays warm at around 25 °C. The sea averages 28.2 °C – lovely and warm for swimming. Expect around 5.8 hours of sunshine a day. It rains often – on about 25 days, adding up to 193 mm. On about 15 days the thermometer climbs to 30 °C or more. The air is often humid and muggy. All in all, January is a so-so month for a holiday in São Luís.

São Luís in January
42February29° · Sea 29° · 5.0 h

In February, São Luís is hot: daytime highs average 29 °C, and even at night it stays warm at around 24 °C. The sea averages 28.5 °C – lovely and warm for swimming. Expect around 5.0 hours of sunshine a day. It is the rainy season: rain falls on about 26 days, totalling 269 mm. On about 8 days the thermometer climbs to 30 °C or more. The air is often humid and muggy. All in all, February is a so-so month for a holiday in São Luís.

São Luís in February
39March30° · Sea 29° · 4.4 h

In March, São Luís is hot: daytime highs average 30 °C, and even at night it stays warm at around 24 °C. The sea averages 28.6 °C – lovely and warm for swimming. Expect around 4.4 hours of sunshine a day. It is the rainy season: rain falls on about 30 days, totalling 401 mm. On about 10 days the thermometer climbs to 30 °C or more. The air is often humid and muggy. All in all, March is not an ideal month for a holiday in São Luís.

São Luís in March
38April30° · Sea 29° · 4.7 h

In April, São Luís is hot: daytime highs average 30 °C, and even at night it stays warm at around 24 °C. The sea averages 28.8 °C – lovely and warm for swimming. Expect around 4.7 hours of sunshine a day. It is the rainy season: rain falls on about 29 days, totalling 394 mm. On about 15 days the thermometer climbs to 30 °C or more. The air is often humid and muggy. All in all, April is not an ideal month for a holiday in São Luís.

São Luís in April
38May31° · Sea 29° · 6.1 h

In May, São Luís is hot: daytime highs average 31 °C, and even at night it stays warm at around 25 °C. The sea averages 28.9 °C – lovely and warm for swimming. Expect around 6.1 hours of sunshine a day. It is the rainy season: rain falls on about 26 days, totalling 257 mm. On about 23 days the thermometer climbs to 30 °C or more. The air is often humid and muggy. All in all, May is not an ideal month for a holiday in São Luís.

São Luís in May
41June31° · Sea 29° · 7.2 h

In June, São Luís is hot: daytime highs average 31 °C, and even at night it stays warm at around 24 °C. The sea averages 28.9 °C – lovely and warm for swimming. The sun shines for around 7.2 hours a day. It rains often – on about 21 days, adding up to 131 mm. On about 23 days the thermometer climbs to 30 °C or more. The air is often humid and muggy. All in all, June is a so-so month for a holiday in São Luís.

São Luís in June
41July31° · Sea 29° · 7.7 h

In July, São Luís is hot: daytime highs average 31 °C, and even at night it stays warm at around 24 °C. The sea averages 28.6 °C – lovely and warm for swimming. The sun shines for around 7.7 hours a day. It rains often – on about 18 days, adding up to 84 mm. On about 27 days the thermometer climbs to 30 °C or more. The air is often humid and muggy. All in all, July is a so-so month for a holiday in São Luís.

São Luís in July
58August32° · Sea 28° · 8.3 h

In August, São Luís is hot: daytime highs average 32 °C, and even at night it stays warm at around 25 °C. The sea averages 28.3 °C – lovely and warm for swimming. The sun shines for around 8.3 hours a day. Rain falls on about 7 days, adding up to 25 mm. On about 30 days the thermometer climbs to 30 °C or more. The air is often humid and muggy. All in all, August is a so-so month for a holiday in São Luís.

São Luís in August
62September33° · Sea 28° · 8.2 h

In September, São Luís is hot: daytime highs average 33 °C, and even at night it stays warm at around 25 °C. The sea averages 27.8 °C – lovely and warm for swimming. The sun shines for around 8.2 hours a day. Rain is rare: about 3 days bring 12 mm in total. The thermometer climbs to 30 °C or more every day. The air is often humid and muggy. All in all, September is a good month for a holiday in São Luís.

São Luís in September
63October32° · Sea 28° · 8.0 h

In October, São Luís is hot: daytime highs average 32 °C, and even at night it stays warm at around 25 °C. The sea averages 27.7 °C – lovely and warm for swimming. The sun shines for around 8.0 hours a day. Rain is rare: about 3 days bring 13 mm in total. The thermometer climbs to 30 °C or more every day. The air is often humid and muggy. All in all, October is a good month for a holiday in São Luís.

São Luís in October
62November32° · Sea 28° · 7.8 h

In November, São Luís is hot: daytime highs average 32 °C, and even at night it stays warm at around 25 °C. The sea averages 27.9 °C – lovely and warm for swimming. The sun shines for around 7.8 hours a day. Rain falls on about 5 days, adding up to 23 mm. The thermometer climbs to 30 °C or more every day. The air is often humid and muggy. All in all, November is a good month for a holiday in São Luís.

São Luís in November
45December31° · Sea 28° · 7.2 h

In December, São Luís is hot: daytime highs average 31 °C, and even at night it stays warm at around 25 °C. The sea averages 28.1 °C – lovely and warm for swimming. The sun shines for around 7.2 hours a day. Rain is frequent, with about 14 rainy days and 64 mm in total. On about 27 days the thermometer climbs to 30 °C or more. The air is often humid and muggy. All in all, December is a so-so month for a holiday in São Luís.

São Luís in December

Climate in detail

Climate through the year

Long-term monthly averages. Tap a month to see its details.

Best time to visit

Nights and sleep in São Luís

How warm the nights get in each month, from the mean night-time low. Tap a month for details.

  • Hot 24° and more
  • muggy month (15+ muggy days)

HotOctober: nights around 25°. Hot nights: air conditioning makes sleeping much easier. Muggy on about 31 days (dew point 18 °C or more).

The coolest nights are in February (24°), the warmest in November (25°). Nights stay tropical all year (20 °C and more), so a room with air conditioning or at least a fan pays off. It is muggy (dew point 18 °C or more) all year, on about 365 days a year.

Temperatures through the year

Average daytime high, night-time low and sea temperature per month.

OctoberDay 32°Night 25°Sea 28°
DayNightSea
MonthScoreDayNightSeaSunRain daysRain mm
JanuaryJan4130°25°28.2°5.8 h25193
FebruaryFeb4229°24°28.5°5.0 h26269
MarchMar3930°24°28.6°4.4 h30401
AprilApr3830°24°28.8°4.7 h29394
MayMay3831°25°28.9°6.1 h26257
JuneJun4131°24°28.9°7.2 h21131
JulyJul4131°24°28.6°7.7 h1884
AugustAug5832°25°28.3°8.3 h725
SeptemberSep6233°25°27.8°8.2 h312
OctoberOct6332°25°27.7°8.0 h313
NovemberNov6232°25°27.9°7.8 h523
DecemberDec4531°25°28.1°7.2 h1464

Climate averages 1996–2025 (sunshine partly WMO station normals 1991–2020), not a forecast. Data: Copernicus ERA5 / ERA5-Land via Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), NOAA OISST, WMO 1991–2020 (NOAA NCEI), GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Sources & licences

2.53° S, 44.30° W · 29 m · America/Fortaleza

Swimming calendar

Sea temperature in São Luís

Monthly sea surface temperature with the range of cooler and warmer years.

Sea in October27.7°Cwarm

8 in 10 years: 27.2 – 28.2 °C

Swimming season: all year

  • cold
  • fresh
  • refreshing
  • pleasant
  • warm
  • very warm
OctoberMean sea temperature 27.7°8 in 10 years 27.2° – 28.2°
20°
Mean sea temperature8 in 10 years20 °C – comfortable for swimming

The sea temperature in São Luís ranges from 27.7 °C in October to 28.9 °C in May. At 20 °C and more, the sea is warm enough for swimming all year round.

The sea temperature varies from year to year: in May, eight out of ten years were between 28.5 and 29.3 °C.

Sea temperature by month
MonthAverageCool yearWarm yearFeels
JanuaryJan28.2°27.9°28.6°warm
FebruaryFeb28.5°28.2°28.8°warm
MarchMar28.6°28.2°29.0°warm
AprilApr28.8°28.4°29.2°warm
MayMay28.9°28.5°29.3°warm
JuneJun28.9°28.6°29.2°warm
JulyJul28.6°28.1°29.1°warm
AugustAug28.3°27.9°28.9°warm
SeptemberSep27.8°27.4°28.2°warm
OctoberOct27.7°27.2°28.2°warm
NovemberNov27.9°27.6°28.5°warm
DecemberDec28.1°27.6°28.5°warm
Sunshine

Sunshine hours in São Luís

Average hours of bright sunshine per day, next to the length of the day. Tap a month to select it.

Per year
2,450 hours
Sunniest month
Aug · 8.3 h a day
Least sunshine
Mar · 4.4 h a day
OctoberSunshine 8.0 hDaylight 12.2 hShare of daylight 66 %
SunshineDaylight

In October, the sun shines for about 8.0 of 12.2 hours of daylight in São Luís, 66 % of the daylight hours.

Sunshine hours: estimated from radiation data (ERA5, 1996–2025) and calibrated against measured station values; no weather station is close enough here. Daylight is the time from sunrise to sunset on the 15th of the month.

Rain

Rain in São Luís: rainy days and rainfall

A rainy day is a day with at least 1 mm of rain or snow; the amount is what falls in the whole month. Tap a month to select it.

Per year
1,866 mm on 207 days
Wettest month
Mar · 401 mm
Driest month
Sep · 12 mm
OctoberRainy days 3Rainfall 13 mm

In October, São Luís has about 3 rainy days with 13 mm of rain in total.

Sun protection

UV index in São Luís

How strong the sun is at noon, month by month, and how quickly unprotected skin burns.

Clear-sky UV in October
14 · extremeAvoid the midday sun; SPF 50+, covering clothes, hat and sunglasses.

The sun is strongest in March (UV 14).

Minutes until sunburn in October

Very fair skin
about 10 min
Fair skin
about 10 min
Light brown skin
about 15 min
Olive skin
about 20 min

Rough guide for unprotected skin at noon under a clear sky; clouds lengthen the time, water, sand and snow shorten it. Sunscreen extends the time only partly.

Monthly values: clear-sky noon estimate from the sun's angle, ozone and altitude. UV today: Open-Meteo forecast.

Wind & clouds

Wind and clouds in São Luís

How breezy and how cloudy São Luís is through the year. Tap a month to select it on the whole page.

Wind

Typical daily peak of the wind in km/h: what the afternoon breeze usually reaches, not the gusts.

Year average
17 km/h · gentle breeze
Windiest month
Oct · 22 km/h
Calmest month
May · 14 km/h
OctoberWind 22 km/hBeaufort 4
20
WindBeaufort 4

In October, the wind in São Luís typically peaks at 22 km/h during the day: Beaufort 4, moderate breeze.

Breezy months for windsurfing and kiting

From Beaufort 4 (20 km/h) the daily breeze is usually enough for windsurfing and often for kiting: Sep – Dec.

Clouds

Average share of the sky covered by cloud, day and night.

Year average
60 % · variable cloud
Clearest month
Aug · 34 %
Cloudiest month
Mar · 87 %
OctoberCloud cover 43 %Sunshine 8.0 h

In October, cloud covers on average 43 % of the sky over São Luís: mostly sunny, with about 8.0 hours of sunshine a day.

Wind: mean daily maximum of the hourly wind 10 m above ground (ERA5, 1996–2025). Gusts are stronger, and the model grid of about 28 km smooths out local effects such as capes and valley winds. Clouds: mean total cloud cover of all layers over day and night (ERA5, 1996–2025). Thin high cloud counts as cover even when the sun still shines through.

Heat & humidity

Heat and humidity in São Luís

How often the day gets hot in São Luís (30 °C and more), and in which months heat and humidity come together. Tap a month to select it.

Hot days a year
269 days
Hottest month
Sep · 33 °C
Hot months
Apr – Jan

Heat calendar

  • pleasant
  • some hot or muggy days
  • often muggy
  • often hot
  • hot and muggy
OctoberHot days (30 °C+) 31Daytime high 32 °C

In October, it is hot in São Luís every day, with an average daytime high of 32 °C: hot and muggy. Plan outdoor activities for the morning and evening, drink a lot and take breaks in the cool.

Hot days reach at least 30 °C; a month counts as muggy when the mean dew point reaches 18 °C on at least 15 days. Averages from ERA5 and ERA5-Land, 1996–2025. Muggy nights through the year

Planning a trip to São Luís

Weather for your travel dates

Pick your arrival and length of stay, and we sum up the weather to expect.

São Luís in the school holidays

How the weather suits the usual holiday periods. Dates vary by school and region, so each holiday uses the months it usually falls in.

São Luís has its best school-holiday weather during October half-term (score 63) and its weakest during the Easter holidays (score 38).

  • Easter holidays

    Mar – Apr

    38

    Poor

    • 30 °C by day
    • Sea 29 °C
    • 4.6 h of sun a day
    • 29 rainy days a month

    Keep in mind: Frequent rain

  • May half-term

    May – Jun

    39

    Poor

    • 31 °C by day
    • Sea 29 °C
    • 6.3 h of sun a day
    • 25 rainy days a month

    Keep in mind: Frequent rain

  • Summer holidays

    Jul – Aug

    52

    Fair

    • 32 °C by day
    • Sea 28 °C
    • 8.1 h of sun a day
    • 11 rainy days a month
  • October half-term

    Oct

    63

    GoodBest holidays

    • 32 °C by day
    • Sea 28 °C
    • 8.0 h of sun a day
    • 3 rainy days a month

    Good for: Beach & swimming

  • Christmas holidays

    Dec – Jan

    43

    Fair

    • 31 °C by day
    • Sea 28 °C
    • 6.5 h of sun a day
    • 19 rainy days a month

Based on the climate averages 1996–2025.

Getting there

Flying from

Nonstop flight
about 9 h 15 min
Distance
7,290 km
Time zone
UTC−3
Jet lag
About 3 days (4 h west)

Rule of thumb for flying west: for a few days before, stay up a little later, and get afternoon and evening light at your destination.

Estimated from the straight-line distance: 30 minutes for take-off and landing plus 830 km/h cruising speed.

Compare & alternatives

Compare

São Luís compared

Put São Luís side by side with another destination.

Nearby:
Compare with home:

São Luís vs Belém

In October São Luís has the better holiday weather (score 63 vs 52). During the day Belém is 1 °C warmer than São Luís. The sea in Belém is 1 °C warmer.

São Luís vs Belém, in October
in OctoberSão LuísBelém
Holiday weather score6352
Daytime high32°33°
Sea28°29°
Sunshine8 h8 h
Rainy days37
Best timeSep – NovAug – Oct

Through the year

OctoberSão Luís 32°Belém 33°
São LuísBelém
Go to Belém
Ranking

Brazil in October: the best places

In October, São Luís ranks 9 among the 31 nearest destinations in this country.

  1. Natal30°27°90
  2. 2Rio de Janeiro29°22°71
  3. 3Ipanema29°22°71
  4. 4Fortaleza32°27°69
  5. 5Aracaju29°26°68
  6. 6João Pessoa30°27°65
  7. 7Belo Horizonte29°65
  8. 8Angra dos Reis25°23°65
  9. 9São LuísThis page32°28°63
All destinations: Brazil

Near São Luís

Other destinations close by.

Places with a climate like São Luís

Destinations whose weather through the year is closest to São Luís's – good alternatives.

  1. 75 % similar52BelémBrazil33°29°Best time: Aug – Oct
  2. 65 % similar69FortalezaBrazil32°27°Best time: Jul – Nov
  3. 64 % similar53MacapáBrazil34°30°Best time: Oct
  4. 58 % similar74MoroniComoros29°27°Best time: Aug – Oct

Frequently asked questions about São Luís

When is the best time to visit São Luís?

The best time to visit São Luís is from September to November. That is when the holiday weather score, which combines temperature, sea, sunshine and rain, is highest.

How warm is the sea in São Luís?

The sea temperature in São Luís ranges from 27.7 °C in October to 28.9 °C in May. At 20 °C and more, the sea is warm enough for swimming all year round.

Can you swim in São Luís in October?

Yes. In October the sea averages 27.7 °C – lovely and warm for swimming.

What is the warmest month in São Luís?

September is the warmest month, with average highs of 33 °C and nights around 25 °C. February is the coolest month at 29 °C.

When does it rain most in São Luís?

The rainy season is from February to May; the wettest month is March with 401 mm. The driest month is September with 12 mm.

How many hours of sunshine does São Luís get?

São Luís gets around 2,450 hours of sunshine a year. The sunniest month is August with 8.3 hours a day; in March there are 4.4 hours a day.

What time zone is São Luís in?

São Luís is on UTC−3 all year.

How long is the flight from London to São Luís?

A nonstop flight from London to São Luís takes about 9 h 15 min, for a straight-line distance of about 7,290 km.

Which school holidays are best for São Luís?

São Luís has its best school-holiday weather during October half-term (score 63) and its weakest during the Easter holidays (score 38). Holiday ratings (0–100): Easter holidays 38, May half-term 39, summer holidays 52, October half-term 63, Christmas holidays 43.