Weather in Lençóis Maranhenses

About Lençóis Maranhenses

Lençóis Maranhenses is Earth's most otherworldly beach landscape, white sand dunes alternating with turquoise freshwater lagoons in a 600-square-mile park. The dunes seem to extend forever, yet suddenly drop into crystalline pools where you can float suspended. The contrast between desert and oasis is hallucinogenic.

Country

Brazil

Best months to visit

August, September, October, November

Currency

BRL

Language

Portuguese

Things to do in Lençóis Maranhenses

Dune and lagoon full-day jeep tour: multiple lagoons visit Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Clara swimming and dune exploration Atins fishermen village and beach settlement visit Caburé lighthouse trek across the dunes hike Kite boarding and wind sports on lagoons Overnight dune camping: stars and silence above

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

28C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

February

28C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

March

28C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

April

28C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

May

29C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

June

29C

Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.

July

30C

Hot and humid, with some rainy days.

Recommended

August

30C

Hot and humid, with occasional showers.

Recommended

September

30C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

October

30C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

November

30C

Hot and humid, with occasional showers.

December

30C

Hot and humid, with some rainy days.

Lençóis Maranhenses looks like a desert until you notice the turquoise lagoons pooling between its dunes — a 70km stretch of rippling white sand where seasonal rainwater collects in crystal-clear pools, peaking between June and September. There are no roads across the dunes themselves; access is via the small town of Barreirinhas, with 4x4 tours and short hikes the only way to reach the most photogenic lagoons.

Best areas to stay in Lençóis Maranhenses

Barreirinhas

The main gateway town, with guesthouses, restaurants and tour operators for dune excursions.

Lagoa Azul & Lagoa Bonita

The park's most famous lagoons, reached by 4x4 and a short walk across the dunes.

Atins

A remote beach village at the park's edge, popular with those seeking a quieter, more off-grid stay.

Vassouras

A smaller dune area closer to Barreirinhas, often visited on shorter half-day tours.

Getting to Lençóis Maranhenses

✈

Flights

Fly into São Luís (SLZ), then transfer by road (3-4 hours) to Barreirinhas.

⏱

From London

~3-4 hours by road from São Luís after a flight from a major Brazilian hub; allow 18-20 hours total from the UK.

🚕

Getting around

4x4 tours from Barreirinhas are the standard way to access the dunes and lagoons; some areas can also be reached by boat along the Preguiças River.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Lençóis Maranhenses?

June to September is best, when seasonal rains have filled the lagoons between the dunes; by late in the dry season (November-December) many lagoons have evaporated.

How do you visit the dunes?

Most visitors base themselves in Barreirinhas and take 4x4 tours into the park, combined with a short walk to reach lagoons such as Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Bonita.

Can you swim in the lagoons?

Yes, when water levels are high enough (roughly June-September) — swimming in the freshwater lagoons surrounded by white dunes is a highlight for most visitors.

How do you get to Barreirinhas?

Fly into São Luís and take a road transfer (around 3-4 hours) to Barreirinhas, the main gateway town for the park.

Is there accommodation inside the park?

No — accommodation is in Barreirinhas and nearby towns, with day tours and multi-day trekking trips departing from there into the dune fields.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Swimming in Lagoa Azul surrounded by white dunes was surreal — like nowhere else I've been in Brazil. Go in the wet season for the lagoons to be full.

Mariana D. · July 2023

★★★★★

The 4x4 ride out to the dunes was an adventure in itself, bouncing over the sand. Worth the effort to get to Barreirinhas, which takes a bit of planning.

Tom F. · August 2024

★★★☆☆

Visited a bit late in the season and several lagoons had dried up, so do check timing carefully. Still beautiful, but I'd come back in July or August next time.

Patricia G. · October 2023