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Florianópolis
Herr stahlhoefer · Public domain

What to do in Florianópolis

An island with more than 40 beaches, a saltwater lagoon for windsurfing and oysters farmed in the same sea where they grow.

Most reviewed activity in FlorianópolisBlumenau & Pomerode Day Trip★ 8.4 · 124 reviews · from US$ 38 · via CivitatisSee dates and price →
In brief

Florianópolis calls for 4 to 6 days: the north of the island, Lagoa da Conceição, the historic center and at least one wild beach in the south. For the beach, the best time runs from December to March, with highs of 28 to 30 °C; it is also the rainiest and busiest season.

The destination

What to expect in Florianópolis

Florianópolis is almost entirely an island. The mainland part, linked by three bridges, is where much of the population lives, but what makes the city famous is across the water: Santa Catarina Island, about 54 km from north to south, with more than forty beaches, from the cold open sea of the east to the calm coves of the north. The Hercílio Luz Bridge, a lit-up suspension bridge, has been a symbol of the city since 1926 and reopened to pedestrians after a long restoration.

The scenery changes completely as you cross the island. In the north, Jurerê, Canasvieiras and Ingleses hold most of the tourist infrastructure, with warmer water and plenty of buzz in summer. In the east, Praia Mole, Joaquina and Campeche take the ocean swell and attract surfers and anyone who enjoys a strong sea. In the south, Lagoinha do Leste and Pântano do Sul keep the feel of a fishing village, with boat crossings and trails. In the middle of the island, Lagoa da Conceição is the meeting point: brackish water that is good for stand-up paddleboarding and kitesurfing, bars by the shore and the Azorean-heritage houses of Costa da Lagoa, which can only be reached on foot or by boat.

The Azorean heritage shows up on the plate and in the architecture. Florianópolis is Brazil's largest producer of farmed oysters and shellfish, and the famous sequência de camarão (an all-you-can-eat shrimp feast served course after course) and the seafood bars of Santo Antônio de Lisboa and Ribeirão da Ilha are part of the experience. The city often appears on lists of the best quality of life in the country and has established itself as a tech hub, which mixes summer visitors with people who live and work there all year.

Updated on October 13, 2026

What to see

Must-sees in Florianópolis

1 Nature and leisure

Lagoa da Conceição

A brackish lagoon in the heart of the island, a meeting point for stand-up paddleboarding and kitesurfing, with bars by the shore. Costa da Lagoa, with its Azorean-heritage houses, can only be reached on foot or by boat.

2 Beach and surf

Joaquina Beach

A historic stronghold of Brazilian surfing, with strong waves and dunes for sandboarding just behind the strip of sand.

3 Beach

Jurerê Internacional Beach

A beach with calm, warm water in the north of the island, known for its beach clubs and planned seafront. Good for families during the day.

4 Historic landmark

Hercílio Luz Bridge

A suspension bridge opened in 1926 and a symbol of the city, restored and reopened to pedestrians, with a view of the bay.

5 Food and culture

Ribeirão da Ilha

An Azorean fishing village in the south, a center of oyster farming and home to the city's most traditional seafood restaurants.

6 Trail and wild beach

Lagoinha do Leste

An unspoiled beach, reached only by trail or by boat, surrounded by hills and forest. It is one of the most pristine landscapes on the island.

7 Azorean culture

Santo Antônio de Lisboa

A historic neighborhood on the west side of the island, with an 18th-century church, sunsets over the bay and bars serving fresh oysters.

8 Beach and surf

Praia Mole

An open-sea beach ringed by hills, a young, surf-oriented spot on the east side of the island, close to the lagoon.

Tours and tickets

Things to do in Florianópolis, bookable in English

booking on Civitatis
Blumenau & Pomerode Day Trip
8.4· 124 reviews

Blumenau & Pomerode Day Trip

Discover a little piece of Germany in Brazil on this day trip to Blumenau and Pomerode from Florianópolis. It'll be an amazing day!

12 h
from US$ 38
Book →
Balneario Camboriú & Unipraias Park Day Trip
8· 47 reviews

Balneario Camboriú & Unipraias Park Day Trip

Discover two gems near Florianópolis on this unforgettable day trip to Balneario Camboriu and Unipraias Park in the beautiful state of Santa Catarina.

10 h
from US$ 25
Book →
Florianopolis Tourist Bus
8.8· 39 reviews

Florianopolis Tourist Bus

Enjoy a comfortable panoramic tour with this Florianopolis Tourist Bus. You'll pass by all the must-see places of this Brazilian city!

8 h 30 min
from US$ 38
Book →
Bombinhas Beach Trip
8· 30 reviews

Bombinhas Beach Trip

Want to enjoy a day relaxing in the sunshine? This trip to Bombinhas beaches from Florianópolis is a great way to switch off.

8 h 30 min
from US$ 25
Book →
Beto Carrero World Day Trip
9.1· 29 reviews

Beto Carrero World Day Trip

Have a fun filled day enjoying the rides and shows of Latin America’s largest theme park with this day trip to Beto Carrero World.

12 h
from US$ 22
Book →
Florianópolis Pirate Ship Ride
9.8· 8 reviews

Florianópolis Pirate Ship Ride

On this pirate boat ride through Florianópolis, we'll visit Ilha de Anhatomirim. An adventure in historic fortresses awaits!

6 h
from US$ 39
Book →
See all activities in Florianópolis
When to go

Best time to visit Florianópolis

Brazil is in the Southern Hemisphere, so the seasons are the reverse of those in Europe and North America: summer falls between December and March and winter between June and August. In Florianópolis summer is hot, with highs of 28 to 30 °C and lows of 21 to 22 °C from December to March; in July, the coolest month, the average high is 21 °C and the low is 13 °C.

It rains all year, with no clear dry season. June is the driest month, with 86 mm over 8 days, followed by August (93 mm) and July (101 mm). January is the wettest, with 241 mm over 17 days, and February (198 mm) and March (180 mm) are also very wet.

December to March is the high beach season: more people, higher prices and the warmest sea in the north. Outside summer the city empties out and prices drop. Spring and fall are a good choice for anyone who prefers a quieter trip: in April, for example, the average high is 27 °C and the low is 19 °C, with 116 mm over 10 days.

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Best window: April to November More rain / less comfortable Comfort index · INMET (updated 2026)
See the best time to visit guide, month by month
Month High Low Rain Rainy days Rating
January 29 °C 22 °C 241 mm 17 Fair
February 30 °C 22 °C 198 mm 16 Fair
March 29 °C 21 °C 180 mm 14 Fair
April 27 °C 19 °C 116 mm 10 Good
May 24 °C 16 °C 126 mm 9 Good
June 22 °C 14 °C 86 mm 8 Good
July 21 °C 13 °C 101 mm 9 Fair
August 22 °C 14 °C 93 mm 8 Good
September 22 °C 15 °C 147 mm 11 Fair
October 24 °C 18 °C 153 mm 13 Fair
November 26 °C 19 °C 147 mm 13 Fair
December 28 °C 21 °C 177 mm 15 Fair

Monthly averages for 1991-2020 from INMET (Brazil's National Institute of Meteorology). The rating combines rainfall, temperature and humidity.

The weather in Florianópolis, season by season

Summer

In summer (December to February), Florianópolis has highs of around 29 °C (84 °F) and lows of 22 °C (72 °F), and it is the wetter season, with about 205 mm of rain spread over about 16 days a month. The days are hot and call for beach time and shade.

Fall

In fall (March to May), Florianópolis has highs of around 27 °C (81 °F) and lows of 19 °C (66 °F), and it is the wetter season, with about 141 mm of rain spread over about 11 days a month. Temperatures are pleasant for sightseeing all day.

Winter

In winter (June to August), Florianópolis has highs of around 22 °C (72 °F) and lows of 14 °C (57 °F), and it is the wetter season, with about 93 mm of rain spread over about 8 days a month. The weather is milder, good for walking and exploring without the summer heat.

Spring

In spring (September to November), Florianópolis has highs of around 24 °C (75 °F) and lows of 17 °C (63 °F), and it is the wetter season, with about 149 mm of rain spread over about 12 days a month. The weather is milder, good for walking and exploring without the summer heat.

Month by month

Florianópolis in every month of the year

Weather, crowds, prices and what is happening at the destination in each period. Tap a month to open its full page; the colored dot shows how good the time is for a visit.

Januaryfair time Februaryfair time Marchfair time Aprilgood time Maygood time Junegood time Julygood time Augustgood time Septemberfair time Octoberfair time Novemberfair time Decemberfair time
Calendar

Recurring events in Florianópolis

May/June

Feast of the Divine Holy Spirit (Festa do Divino Espírito Santo)

A religious festival of Azorean origin, with processions, novenas (nine days of prayer) and the crowning of the emperor in communities across the island, a tradition kept since the 18th century.

December/January

New Year's Eve in Florianópolis

New Year's Eve with public fireworks at Beira-Mar Norte and the Hercílio Luz Bridge, plus parties in Jurerê Internacional.

Recurring annual events: exact dates change every year, so confirm them before you plan your trip.

Getting there

Getting to Florianópolis from abroad

The gateway is Hercílio Luz International Airport (FLN), in the south of the island, in the Carianos neighborhood, about 12 km from the city.

Because the beaches are far apart and public transport is slow, it is best to rent a car or use ride-hailing apps to get around the island. In summer, traffic between the north and the south of the island is heavy, so it pays to choose your area to stay carefully.

Routes and airlines arriving from each country change often; the safest approach is to check them when you plan your trip.

FLN · Hercílio Luz International Airport, about 12 km (7 mi) from Florianópolis
See the full guide to getting there
Where to stay

Hotels in Florianópolis

Choosing the area matters, because the beaches are far from one another. The north (Jurerê, Canasvieiras, Ingleses) holds most of the tourist infrastructure and has the calmest, warmest sea, which makes it a good choice for families. The east (Praia Mole, Joaquina, Campeche) is for those who want waves and surf, and Lagoa da Conceição brings together bars by the shore and water sports. The south (Lagoinha do Leste, Pântano do Sul, Ribeirão da Ilha) has the feel of a fishing village, with trails and good seafood. Santo Antônio de Lisboa, on the west side of the island, is another spot for dinner at sunset.

Porto da Ilha Hotel in Florianópolis 8.9 ★★★★ · 47 reviews Porto da Ilha Hotel See on Booking → Novotel Florianopolis in Florianópolis 8.6 ★★★★ · 24 reviews Novotel Florianopolis See on Booking → Rede Andrade Cecomtur in Florianópolis 7.9 ★★★ · 615 reviews Rede Andrade Cecomtur See on Booking → Lumar Hotel in Florianópolis 5.3 ★★★ · 60 reviews Lumar Hotel See on Booking →
See all hotels in Florianópolis

Rates change with the dates: confirm the price on Booking.com.

Before you go

Practical information for visitors from abroad

Entering the country
Passport and visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Confirm them on the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website before you buy your flight.
Currency and payments
The currency is the real (BRL). Check with your bank or card issuer how payments work abroad, and carry some cash for small purchases.
Language and time
Portuguese is spoken. Florianópolis uses Brasília time, UTC−3, all year round.
Getting around
A car helps a lot: the beaches are scattered and in summer traffic between the north and the south of the island is heavy. Public transport is slow; ride-hailing apps are another option.
Sea water
The beaches in the north (Jurerê, Canasvieiras) have the warmest water; those in the east (Joaquina, Mole) are cold and wavy.
Safety in the water
The beaches in the east, such as Joaquina and Mole, have open sea and strong currents. Follow the signs and choose the north of the island if you want calm water for swimming.
Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions about Florianópolis

What is the best time to go to Florianópolis?

For the beach, December to March, when it is hot (highs of 28 to 30 °C) and the sea in the north is warm. It is also the high season, with more people, high prices and the rainiest months (177 to 241 mm). For a quieter trip, spring and fall still bring sunny days and a calmer city.

How many days do you need in Florianópolis?

Between 4 and 6 days lets you see the north, the lagoon, the historic center and at least one wild beach in the south without rushing. With 3 days you get a taste, but you leave wanting more.

How do you get from Florianópolis airport to the city?

Hercílio Luz International Airport (FLN) is in the south of the island, in the Carianos neighborhood, about 12 km from the city. The transfer time depends on the area where you stay, because the beaches are far apart.

Are the beaches in the east dangerous?

Beaches such as Joaquina and Mole have open sea and strong waves, ideal for surfing but with currents. Follow the signs and choose the north of the island if you want calm water for swimming.

Is Florianópolis a good destination for families with children?

Yes. The beaches in the north of the island, such as Jurerê and Canasvieiras, have the calmest, warmest sea and good infrastructure. Lagoa da Conceição offers relaxed boat trips and stand-up paddleboarding.

Can you see the island without a car?

You can, but it takes planning. The beaches are far from one another and public transport is slow. To see several spots on the island in a few days, renting a car or using ride-hailing apps makes things much easier.

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Sources

The weather and population data in this guide come from official agencies and open databases. Entry requirements and health recommendations change: always check the official source linked.

INMET: 1991-2020 climate normals IBGE: Florianópolis Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: visas Brazilian Ministry of Health: yellow fever