When To Go · Destination Guide

Ilha Grande and Angra dos Reis

Rainforest islands, reef dives, and beach-hike days on Brazil's Costa Verde

Updated Jan 23, 2026 • 21 sources

When to go

Best time to visit Ilha Grande and Angra dos Reis

Costa Verde is diveable yearround, but conditions swing with rainfall and cold fronts.

Best overall window

Drier weather for hiking and steadier boat days; water often cools to around 20°C to 22°C.

Outside that window

Hotter and wetter with thunderstorms; heavy rain can reduce visibility and cancel boats.

Start with the overall answer, then switch only when scuba, freedive, snorkel, or topside timing changes the trip in a meaningful way.

The overall row stays visible so you can compare it against the currently selected scope.

BestGoodTradeoffsMore variable

Scope	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Overall	Overall - Jan: Tradeoffs	Overall - Feb: Tradeoffs	Overall - Mar: Tradeoffs	Overall - Apr: Good	Overall - May: Best	Overall - Jun: Best	Overall - Jul: Best	Overall - Aug: Best	Overall - Sep: Best	Overall - Oct: Good	Overall - Nov: Good	Overall - Dec: Tradeoffs

These do not replace the overall planner. Use them only if a specific animal or event is driving your trip dates.

Humpback whale migration (offshore sightings)
Best for Scuba, Snorkel, Topside
Jul to Oct
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
On some years, boat trips and offshore dives along the Costa Verde corridor may spot humpback whales.
Sea turtle encounters
Best for Scuba, Snorkel, Freedive
Year-round
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Turtles are a yearround possibility around rock reefs and calmer coves.
Warm-water juvenile fish season
Best for Snorkel, Scuba
Dec to Mar
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Warmer months often bring more juvenile reef fish in the shallows.
Dry-season thru-hike windows for Volta da Ilha Grande
Best for Topside
Jun to Sep
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Multiday hikes around the island are more comfortable in the cooler, drier months.
Reveillon and peak holiday travel
Dec to Jan
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Late December and January bring the biggest crowds and the highest prices.
Carnival side-trip energy in Rio
Best for Topside
Feb to Mar
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Many travelers combine Costa Verde with Rio during Carnival season.

Brazilian summer holidays (late Dec and January) bring peak demand and higher prices.

Apr, Oct to Nov: Balanced mix of warmth and manageable rain; solid windows for both diving and beaches.
Dec to Mar: Hotter and wetter with thunderstorms; heavy rain can reduce visibility and cancel boats.

Built from climate references, access rules, and destination operators. Wildlife timing and route flexibility can shift year to year.