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São Sebastião
São Sebastião · São Paulo Good time to visit Fall Shoulder season

São Sebastião in May

Short answer

In May, São Sebastião averages highs of 26 °C (79 °F) and lows of 16 °C (61 °F), with about 123 mm of rain spread over roughly 9 days. May has moderate rainfall, usually in quick showers that do not spoil the whole day. Crowds tend to be moderate this month.

Climate · INMET (updated 2026)
Most reviewed activity in São SebastiãoSão Sebastião Whale Watching★ 8 · 1 review · from US$ 102 · via CivitatisSee dates and price →
Temperature
26 / 16 °C
high / low
Rain
123 mm
9 days
Daylight
10h57
sunset at 17:26
Crowds
Moderate
1 public holiday

What to expect in São Sebastião in May

Myllena Vieira, editor at Visite
Editor's tip

May brings fall to São Sebastião. In Brazil the seasons are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere. Temperatures are pleasant, with highs of 26 °C (79 °F) and nights that still call for a light jacket. Crowds sit somewhere in the middle, with peaks on public holidays. Outside those dates, you can enjoy the place at an easy pace and spend less. Rain, when it comes, is usually brief and does not spoil the day.

Myllena Vieira · Editor at Visite
Crowds
Crowd level: moderate

Moderate crowds, with peaks on public holidays. Outside those dates, you can enjoy the place at a calmer pace.

Prices
Rates: moderate · ~R$ 412

Moderate prices outside public holidays, which push rates and crowds up. The average nightly rate for lodging in São Sebastião is around R$ 412 (Brazilian reais), depending on the date.

Tours and tickets

Things to do in São Sebastião in May

booking on Civitatis
São Sebastião Whale Watching
8· 1 review

São Sebastião Whale Watching

São Sebastião offers one of the best spots in Brazil to see humpback whales, making this crossing a must for anyone visiting the region.

4 h
from US$ 102
Book →
Maresias Beach Bike Tour

Maresias Beach Bike Tour

On this bike tour through Maresias, we'll combine sport and tourism as we explore the main attractions of this beach area. A must if you're in São Sebastião!

3 h
from US$ 18
Book →
Calhetas Beach Hiking Tour

Calhetas Beach Hiking Tour

Enjoy one of the most beautiful corners of São Sebastião on this hiking route through Calhetas. Crystal clear waters, viewpoints & a deserted beach await!

3 h
from US$ 30
Book →
Paúba Beach Rappelling Tour

Paúba Beach Rappelling Tour

Get your fill of adventure in São Sebastião while admiring incredible landscapes with this rappelling activity at Paúba Beach. A fun activity for all levels!

3 h
from US$ 24
Book →
See all activities in São Sebastião
Where to stay

Hotels in São Sebastião

In May, demand in São Sebastião is moderate: most hotels have room, but public holidays fill them up. Compare rates and book a few weeks ahead.

Amora Hotel Maresias in São Sebastião 9.3 ★★★★ · 65 reviews Amora Hotel Maresias See on Booking → Suítes Las Flores Maresias in São Sebastião 9 ★★★ · 118 reviews Suítes Las Flores Maresias See on Booking → Summit Beach Hotel Boicucanga in São Sebastião 9.4 ★★★ · 5 reviews Summit Beach Hotel Boicucanga See on Booking → Hotel do Sol Executive in São Sebastião 9.6 ★★ · 4 reviews Hotel do Sol Executive See on Booking →
See all hotels in São Sebastião

Rates change with the dates: confirm the price on Booking.com.

What happens in May

No major fixed festivals in May, but public holidays (Labor Day) bring more people to the destination.

Public holidays in May: Labor Day (01/05). Expect more people and higher prices around these dates.

What to pack in May

Light jacket for the evening · nights of 16 °C (61 °F) Light clothing for the day · highs of 26 °C (79 °F) Rain jacket or umbrella · 9 days of rain in the month Sunscreen and sunglasses · strong sun on the tours Quick-dry clothing · humidity of 85% Comfortable walking shoes · you will be on foot much of the day
Looking for better weather?

Where the weather is good in May

These destinations have the best weather comfort for May, scored with the same calculation of rain, heat and humidity. Tap to see what the month is like in each one.

Belo Horizonte 88
Belo Horizonte
Minas Gerais · see May →
Brasília 88
Brasília
Distrito Federal · see May →
Brumadinho 88
Brumadinho
Minas Gerais · see May →
Mariana 88
Mariana
Minas Gerais · see May →
See all destinations by month

Torn between São Sebastião and another destination?

See São Sebastião next to the destinations that usually compete for the same trip: month-by-month weather, driving cost, ideal length of stay and travel style, side by side.

São Sebastião or Ilhabela? São Sebastião or Ubatuba? São Sebastião or Búzios?
see all comparisons →

Questions about São Sebastião in May

What is the weather like in São Sebastião in May?
In May, São Sebastião averages highs of 26 °C (79 °F) and lows of 16 °C (61 °F), with about 123 mm of rain spread over roughly 9 days. May has moderate rainfall, usually in quick showers that do not spoil the whole day. Crowds tend to be moderate this month.
Does it rain a lot in São Sebastião in May?
In May, São Sebastião gets about 123 mm of rain spread over around 9 rainy days, one of the driest months. Rain tends to come in quick showers that do not ruin the day.
Is May high season in São Sebastião?
Crowds in May tend to be moderate. Moderate prices outside public holidays, which push rates and crowds up.
What is happening in São Sebastião in May?
No major fixed festivals in May, but public holidays (Labor Day) bring more people to the destination.
Does it usually rain all day in São Sebastião in May?
INMET's climate normals record the number of rainy days and the total millimeters, not the hours of each day, so they do not say how long the rain lasts. What they show for São Sebastião in May: 9 rainy days in a month of 31 days (about 29% of the days) and 123 mm over the month, which works out to an average of about 14 mm per rainy day. Compared with the rest of the year, May is one of the driest months at the destination. Rain tends to come in showers, but it is smart to have an indoor backup plan.
What is the temperature in São Sebastião in May, and what should you pack?
According to INMET's climate normals, the average high in São Sebastião in May is 26 °C and the average low is 16 °C, with air humidity of around 85%. Compared with the rest of the year, the temperature in May is typical for the destination. For your suitcase, here is what those numbers call for: light jacket for the evening; light clothing for the day; rain jacket or umbrella.
Is São Sebastião worth visiting in May?
Good time to visit. On our weather comfort index, which weighs rain, heat and humidity from INMET's climate normals, May scores 57 out of 100 and ranks No. 4 among the 12 months. The most comfortable month is June (67) and the least comfortable is February (34). As for crowds, in May they tend to be moderate.
April see the full year June