5 Brazilian destinations to swap cold weather for warmth

While temperatures fall across parts of Brazil during winter, other areas of the country continue to enjoy warm weather and sunny days. For those planning to travel in the coming weeks, destinations known for higher temperatures offer the chance to swap coats for outdoor excursions.

From the North and North-East to the Centre-West and South-East, there are choices combining beaches, nature and open-air activities, appealing to tourists who would rather spend the holiday period away from the cold.

A survey by Booking.com, a platform for booking accommodation, holiday rentals, attractions and other travel services, has selected five Brazilian destinations for travellers wishing to spend winter in warmer locations.

The list includes cities in several parts of the country, with experiences centred on the coast, rivers, plateaus and natural scenery.

Brazilian destinations to swap cold weather for warmth

Praia dos Carneiros (Tamandaré, Pernambuco)

Brazilian travellers’ enthusiasm for sun-and-sea holidays remains strong. According to Booking.com research, 65% of Brazilian travellers intend to take a beach trip this year. Set in the municipality of Tamandaré, on Pernambuco’s southern coast, Praia dos Carneiros is recognised for its coconut groves and calm sea. One of the area’s best-known landmarks is the Chapel of Saint Benedict, also called the Igrejinha de Carneiros, which was built beside the sea.

At low tide, natural pools emerge and draw visitors for swimming and leisure activities. Catamaran trips along the Formoso River are also among the most sought-after experiences, taking in sandbanks, mangroves and other stretches of coastline. For accommodation, Pontal dos Carneiros Beach Bungalows provides beachfront bungalows with direct access to the sea, a living area and a garden-view veranda.

Vitória (Espírito Santo)

As the capital of Espírito Santo, Vitória brings together beaches, cultural attractions, historic heritage and gastronomy. Temperatures generally stay mild throughout the winter months, making it possible to enjoy outdoor activities during the day. The city has options for a range of traveller profiles, including Praia de Camburi, with its long seafront promenade, and Curva da Jurema, known for its calmer waters.

In neighbouring Vila Velha, visitors will find the Convent of Penha, one of Brazil’s most significant historical and religious heritage sites. Local cuisine is another part of the experience, with traditional dishes including moqueca capixaba and torta capixaba. Sheraton Vitoria is a suitable accommodation option in the city, situated in Praia do Canto and offering sea-view rooms, a rooftop pool, a gym and a restaurant.

São Miguel do Gostoso (Rio Grande do Norte)

Around 100 kilometres from Natal, São Miguel do Gostoso has a warm climate and ideal conditions for anyone looking to replace cold days with sunshine and outdoor pursuits. The town is renowned for its steady winds, which attract kitesurfing and windsurfing enthusiasts from around the world. Its beaches include Santo Cristo and Tourinhos, the latter noted for its rock formations and beautiful sunset.

Beyond the beaches, visitors can discover the region’s dunes on buggy tours and sample local gastronomy, characterised by seafood and restaurants blending regional and contemporary cooking. Bangalô Kauli Seadi Eco-Resort is a good accommodation alternative, with an outdoor swimming pool, tennis court and wellness centre.

Presidente Figueiredo (Amazonas)

Experiencing natural settings is also among travellers’ leading interests. The survey found that 94% of Brazilians are motivated to travel to admire natural landscapes and take part in outdoor activities, highlighting demand for destinations with rivers, waterfalls, trails and nature-based experiences.

Approximately 120 kilometres from Manaus, Presidente Figueiredo is an ecotourism destination in Brazil’s North region. Known as the “Land of Waterfalls”, the town features waterfalls, rapids, caves and trails amid the Amazon rainforest. Key sights include Iracema Waterfall, Maroaga Cave, with rock formations surrounded by water, and Santuário Waterfall. At the destination, Pousada Paraíso do Calango Azul offers rooms surrounded by nature, as well as a restaurant and private parking.

Nobres (Mato Grosso)

Known for the crystal-clear water of its rivers and springs, Nobres provides ecotourism experiences in a quieter setting than other destinations in the sector. Among its most popular attractions are Aquário Encantado and the Salobra River, where visitors can go snorkelling among colourful fish and underwater vegetation with excellent visibility.

Another highlight is Lagoa das Araras, recognised for the spectacle of birds returning to their nests at dusk. The destination also has waterfalls, trails and natural viewpoints, as well as opportunities to observe local wildlife. For their stay, visitors can choose Pousada Bem Viver – Charme e Conforto, which has a restaurant, garden and private parking.