Maceio Weather in January

January: hot beach days

January is hot and humid in Maceió, with highs around 30°C and warm nights. You'll get some sun, but clouds and rain are part of the picture too. Rain falls on about 13 days, so a shower may interrupt an afternoon outside.

Pajuçara's natural pools are a good choice when the sea is calm and the tide is low. A boat ride gets you there, and the reef pools offer a break from the heat. Save long walks through the city for cooler parts of the day, and don't count on an uninterrupted beach day.

New Year and summer crowds

New Year's Day brings holiday crowds to the waterfront, and January stays busy during Brazil's summer school break. Hotels and flights can cost more than in quieter months, especially around the holiday. September to December are generally better choices if you want lower-season prices and less company.

Maceió marks January's public holiday, New Year's Day, on the first of the month. You may also come across celebrations for Reis Magos on January 6, though it isn't a major citywide festival.

If you hate crowds, head to Ipioca rather than spending every beach day around Pajuçara.

Make the weather work for you

Travelling with kids? Keep beach plans flexible, since a passing shower can send you looking for lunch or a shaded spot. Try sururu, a local shellfish stew, in a restaurant near the waterfront when the weather turns.

For Pajuçara's pools, check the tide table before choosing a boat trip. The pools are clearest and easiest to visit at low tide, and the boat ride won't be worth it if the tide is wrong. January is wetter than December, but February gets more rain, so it's still a workable month for a warm beach break.