The sea temperature at Arraial do Cabo (Pontal do Atalaia) today is 22.3 °C (72 °F) – cold to refreshing water, better for a short swim. The usual October average is 22.1 °C. Over the last 30 days the sea temperature has held at around 22.3 °C. Swimmable all year – the sea averages 21 °C or more in every month. Source: Sea Temp Map (seatempmap.com) – NASA MUR satellite data and the Copernicus Marine sea forecast.
| Month | Min | Avg | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 23.6°C / 74.5°F | 24.4°C / 75.9°F | 25.2°C / 77.3°F |
| February | 23.9°C / 75.0°F | 24.7°C / 76.4°F | 25.8°C / 78.4°F |
| March | 24.3°C / 75.8°F | 25.3°C / 77.5°F | 25.9°C / 78.6°F |
| April | 24.8°C / 76.7°F | 24.9°C / 76.9°F | 25.2°C / 77.3°F |
| May | 23.6°C / 74.4°F | 23.8°C / 74.8°F | 24.0°C / 75.1°F |
| June | 21.9°C / 71.4°F | 22.7°C / 72.8°F | 23.4°C / 74.0°F |
| July | 21.4°C / 70.6°F | 22.0°C / 71.5°F | 22.6°C / 72.6°F |
| August | 21.2°C / 70.2°F | 21.5°C / 70.8°F | 22.2°C / 71.9°F |
| September | 20.8°C / 69.4°F | 21.5°C / 70.6°F | 22.3°C / 72.1°F |
| October | 21.1°C / 69.9°F | 22.1°C / 71.8°F | 22.8°C / 73.0°F |
| November | 22.4°C / 72.2°F | 23.2°C / 73.7°F | 24.0°C / 75.1°F |
| December | 23.5°C / 74.3°F | 24.0°C / 75.3°F | 24.8°C / 76.6°F |
| Month | Min | Avg | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24.3°C / 75.8°F | 24.7°C / 76.4°F | 25.0°C / 77.1°F |
| February | 24.6°C / 76.2°F | 24.9°C / 76.9°F | 25.4°C / 77.6°F |
| March | 24.9°C / 76.8°F | 25.2°C / 77.4°F | 25.6°C / 78.0°F |
| April | 23.9°C / 75.1°F | 24.3°C / 75.7°F | 24.6°C / 76.3°F |
| May | 22.7°C / 72.9°F | 23.1°C / 73.6°F | 23.5°C / 74.2°F |
| June | 21.7°C / 71.0°F | 22.0°C / 71.7°F | 22.6°C / 72.7°F |
| July | 21.0°C / 69.7°F | 21.3°C / 70.3°F | 21.8°C / 71.3°F |
| August | 20.8°C / 69.4°F | 21.2°C / 70.1°F | 21.7°C / 71.0°F |
| September | 21.2°C / 70.2°F | 21.6°C / 70.9°F | 22.1°C / 71.7°F |
| October | 21.8°C / 71.3°F | 22.2°C / 72.0°F | 22.5°C / 72.5°F |
| November | 22.6°C / 72.6°F | 22.9°C / 73.3°F | 23.3°C / 73.9°F |
| December | 23.8°C / 74.8°F | 24.2°C / 75.5°F | 24.6°C / 76.2°F |
5-year averages (2021–2025). Min/Max are typical daily lows and highs, not record extremes. (Copernicus ERA5)
Arraial do Cabo holidays
Pontal do Atalaia is a headland in Arraial do Cabo, a small town on the coast of Rio de Janeiro state in Brazil, about 160 km east of the city of Rio. Below its viewpoint, a long wooden staircase leads down to the Prainhas do Pontal do Atalaia, two small coves of white sand and clear turquoise water facing Cabo Frio Island.
Beaches
The Prainhas do Pontal do Atalaia are sheltered from the open Atlantic but small, so they fill up quickly in summer and at weekends; arrive early, and expect access to the headland to be restricted at busy times. Praia do Forno, a cove north of the harbour, is reached by a short uphill trail from the harbour end of Praia dos Anjos or by boat. Praia Grande, on the western side of town, faces the open ocean, with waves and colder water, and is known for its sunsets. The water around Arraial do Cabo is often cooler than elsewhere on this coast because of upwelling, which brings cold, nutrient-rich water to the surface; water temperature and underwater visibility vary with conditions.
Things to do
Boat trips from Praia dos Anjos visit Praia do Farol on Cabo Frio Island, where time on the beach is limited, the Gruta Azul sea cave and the Prainhas do Pontal. Arraial do Cabo is one of Brazil's best-known diving centres, with turtles, rays and reef fish in clear water, and the sea around the town lies in a marine extractive reserve, with rules on fishing. Cabo Frio, about 15 km from Arraial do Cabo, has dunes and the São Mateus fort, and Búzios lies further along the coast.
Weather and best time to visit
At Pontal do Atalaia the sea stays above 21 °C / 70 °F all year, even in the coolest month.
The Região dos Lagos is drier and windier than the city of Rio. Summer, from about December to March, is hot and the busiest season, especially around New Year and Carnival. Winter, from about June to August, is mild and quieter. North-easterly winds favour the upwelling of cold water, while cold fronts from the south can bring rougher seas and cooler days.
Hotels and where to stay
Arraial do Cabo has mainly pousadas and holiday apartments rather than large hotels. Praia dos Anjos and the town centre are close to the boat trips and restaurants, and the Pontal area is quieter and closer to the Prainhas.
Signature hotels: Hotel Recanto do Atalaia
Airport and getting there
Rio de Janeiro's Galeão International Airport (GIG) is roughly 170 km away by road: allow around three hours by car in light traffic, and longer by bus or during holiday congestion; intercity buses leave from Rio's Novo Rio bus station. Cabo Frio Airport (CFB), about 15 km from Arraial do Cabo, is closer, but passenger flights are limited and may be seasonal, so confirm that they operate on your dates.