Sun & Beach

Rio Grande do Norte has the sunniest coast in Brazil and one of the warmest seas in the South Atlantic — between 26 and 29 °C almost every month of the year. There are more than 400 km of beaches split into three very different scenes: the southern coast with pink cliffs and sheltered bays such as Pipa and Tibau do Sul; the Natal metropolitan area with city beach, living dunes and the iconic Morro do Careca; and the wilder northern coast where trade winds blow strong and villages like São Miguel do Gostoso and Galinhos still set the pace.

The water stays warm year-round, but the best window for pure beach time — without the strong northern winds — runs from February to June, when the sea is calmer and the sun stays firm. For snorkeling the Maracajaú coral pools, aim for spring or early summer (September to February) when the water is clearest. For the state’s most-photographed sunset, the Chapadão at Pipa, any season works — just arrive at least half an hour early.