Fortaleza Weather in March

March: warm and very wet

March in Fortaleza feels warm and sticky, with little change between daytime and night. Rain falls on most days, and thick cloud often cuts down the sunshine. The showers can interrupt beach time at Praia do Futuro, so don't count on a full day by the sea.

You can still visit indoor sights such as the Dragão do Mar arts centre, or explore the city between showers. Long walks along the Beira-Mar waterfront are less appealing when rain sets in. Keep plans flexible, especially for outdoor stops.

Local dates

March 19 is Saint Joseph's Day, a public holiday in Ceará. It's an important date locally, though the day's plans can vary. Carnival sometimes falls in March, but its timing changes each year, so it won't always shape your visit.

If you hate crowds, March is often calmer than Fortaleza's drier high season, from July to December. Prices can also be lower, but Carnival can bring a short-lived rush when it falls this month.

Make rain work for you

Travelling with kids? A rainy stretch is a good time to explore Mercado Central, where you can browse stalls under cover and pick up local crafts and snacks.

For a practical rain-day stop, try baião de dois, a filling dish of rice, beans and cheese, at a restaurant near the market. Then save Praia do Futuro for a break in the weather. March is wetter than February, and April is wetter still, so this isn't the month for a beach-first trip.