Planning your Route of Emotions adventure but confused about timing? You’re not alone. The difference between visiting in June versus December can mean the difference between swimming in crystal-clear lagoons surrounded by white dunes or walking across dry sand with no water in sight.
As specialists in the Route of Emotions, LDJ Travel has guided hundreds of travelers through this spectacular region across all seasons. This comprehensive guide reveals exactly when to visit based on your priorities – whether that’s peak lagoon conditions, budget savings, avoiding crowds, or optimal weather for specific activities.
Why Timing Matters So Much on the Route of Emotions
Unlike many travel destinations where timing is just about weather and crowds, the Route of Emotions involves a unique natural phenomenon that fundamentally changes based on season. The famous lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses only exist during certain months, formed by seasonal rainfall collecting between sand dunes.
Visit during peak season and you’ll experience thousands of crystal-clear lagoons. Visit during off-season and you’ll see mostly sand dunes with few or no lagoons. Neither is “wrong” – but they’re dramatically different experiences.
The Best Time to Visit: June to September (Peak Season)
Why These Months Are Optimal
June through September represents the absolute best time to experience the Route of Emotions. Here’s why:
🌊 Lagoons at Maximum Capacity
Brazil’s rainy season (January-June) fills the valleys between dunes, and by June, the lagoons reach their fullest and most spectacular state. The water is crystal-clear, depths perfect for swimming, and the contrast between white sand and blue water is at its most dramatic.
☀️ Perfect Weather Conditions
- Daytime temperatures: 25-30°C (77-86°F) – warm but not scorching
- Minimal rainfall – most days are sunny
- Comfortable evening temperatures for outdoor dining
- Lower humidity than rainy season
- Clear skies ideal for stargazing and photography
💨 Best Wind for Jericoacoara
June to September brings consistent winds perfect for kitesurfing and windsurfing. If these activities interest you, this period is non-negotiable.
📸 Optimal Photography Conditions
Clear skies, full lagoons, perfect light – photographers consider June-September the golden period for capturing Lençóis Maranhenses at its most photogenic.
The Trade-offs
Higher Prices: Accommodations and tours cost 20-40% more than off-season. Popular properties sell out 2-4 months in advance.
More Visitors: While never overcrowded by international standards, you’ll see more tourists than other times of year. However, LDJ Travel’s insider knowledge ensures we avoid the busiest times at popular lagoons.
Advanced Booking Essential: The best accommodations, guides, and dates fill quickly. Booking 3-4 months ahead is recommended.
Month-by-Month Breakdown (Peak Season)
June:
- Lagoons newly full and pristine
- Slightly cooler temperatures
- Beginning of peak season means some availability remains
- Excellent choice for early planners
July:
- Peak conditions across all destinations
- Highest visitor numbers
- Brazilian school vacation period (mid-July)
- Book 3-4 months ahead
August:
- Still peak conditions
- Slightly fewer Brazilian tourists (school back in session)
- Excellent weather continues
- Our most recommended month for optimal balance
September:
- Lagoons beginning to recede but still beautiful
- Prices starting to decrease slightly
- Fewer visitors than July-August
- Still excellent conditions overall
LDJ Travel Recommendation: Late June or August offers the sweet spot – peak conditions with slightly better availability and pricing than July’s absolute peak.
Shoulder Season: May and October (Good Value, Good Conditions)
Why Consider Shoulder Season
If peak season prices concern you or you prefer fewer tourists while maintaining good conditions, shoulder season offers compelling advantages.
May:
- Lagoons still filling but many already at good levels
- Weather excellent (tail end of rainy season but rain decreasing)
- 15-25% lower prices than peak
- Fewer tourists
- Good availability at premium properties
October:
- Lagoons beginning to dry but many still swimmable
- Weather remains good
- Similar pricing benefits to May
- Very few tourists
- Last chance to see lagoons before dry season
Who Should Choose Shoulder Season
- Budget-conscious travelers willing to accept slightly less optimal conditions
- Those seeking more intimate, less crowded experiences
- Flexible travelers who can adjust plans if weather varies
- Repeat visitors who’ve seen peak season and want a different perspective
Important Note: Early May and late October offer better conditions than late May and early October respectively. If choosing shoulder season, timing within the month matters.
Rainy Season: January to April (Budget Option with Compromises)
What to Expect
January-April is when rain falls in northeastern Brazil, creating the phenomenon that makes Lençóis Maranhenses famous. However, experiencing the rain itself isn’t ideal for tourism.
The Reality:
- Lagoons are forming but not yet full (or don’t exist yet in January-February)
- Rain can be heavy, especially February-March
- High humidity
- Some activities weather-dependent
- However: lowest prices (30-50% below peak), virtually no crowds
Who Might Consider Rainy Season:
- Extreme budget travelers
- Those combining Route of Emotions with other Brazilian destinations where rainy season doesn’t matter as much
- Photographers seeking unique atmospheric conditions
- Travelers who’ve visited during peak and want to see the landscape in transformation
LDJ Travel Honest Assessment: We generally don’t recommend January-April for first-time visitors. The experience is significantly compromised compared to peak season, and the cost savings may not justify missing the lagoons at their best.
Off-Season: November to December (Not Recommended)
November through December represents the least optimal time for the Route of Emotions:
- Most lagoons have dried up completely
- Transition period with unpredictable weather
- Heat can be intense
- You’ll miss the defining feature of Lençóis Maranhenses
Exception: If you’re primarily interested in Jericoacoara’s beaches and kitesurfing, and only want a brief visit to Lençóis Maranhenses to say you’ve seen it, November-December might work. But for the full Route of Emotions experience, choose different months.
Special Considerations for Specific Interests
For Photographers
Best Months: July-August
Why: Full lagoons, clear skies, optimal light conditions, dramatic contrasts
Pro Tip: The two weeks around the full moon in July or August offer incredible night photography opportunities for capturing the Milky Way over the dunes.
For Kitesurfers/Windsurfers
Best Months: July-September
Why: Most consistent wind conditions in Jericoacoara
Acceptable: June and October also work but with less consistent wind
For Budget Travelers
Best Months: May or October
Why: Good balance of decent conditions with 20-30% savings
Avoid: January-April (savings aren’t worth compromised experience)
For Avoiding Crowds
Best Months: June or September
Why: Shoulder edges of peak season – still excellent conditions but fewer visitors
Also Good: May or October if you don’t mind lagoons being less full
For Families with School-Age Children
Best Months: June or late August
Why: Peak conditions but avoiding Brazilian school vacation (mid-July)
Plan Ahead: Book 4-6 months in advance for family-friendly accommodations
For Honeymoons/Romantic Getaways
Best Months: August or September
Why: Peak conditions, fewer families (schools in session), still romantic and beautiful
Bonus: September has slightly fewer tourists for more intimate experiences
How Far in Advance Should You Book?
Peak Season (June-September):
- 3-4 months ahead for best selection
- 2-3 months minimum for decent availability
- Less than 2 months: Limited options, may compromise on accommodations or dates
Shoulder Season (May, October):
- 2-3 months ahead recommended
- 1-2 months usually still feasible
Why Early Booking Matters:
- Best accommodations (limited rooms in remote areas) fill first
- Most experienced guides have capacity limits
- Popular tour dates sell out
- Peak season pricing sometimes increases as availability decreases
LDJ Travel Advantage: Contact us as early as possible. We’ll reserve your preferred dates and accommodations, and can make adjustments if your plans change (within our cancellation policy).
Weather Details Month-by-Month
January
- Temperature: 28-32°C (82-90°F)
- Rainfall: High (beginning of rainy season)
- Lagoons: Beginning to form
- Verdict: Skip unless combining with other destinations
February
- Temperature: 28-33°C (82-91°F)
- Rainfall: Highest of the year
- Lagoons: Forming but not ready
- Verdict: Least recommended month
March
- Temperature: 28-32°C (82-90°F)
- Rainfall: High but decreasing
- Lagoons: Filling nicely by late month
- Verdict: Still not optimal
April
- Temperature: 27-31°C (81-88°F)
- Rainfall: Moderate, decreasing
- Lagoons: Good levels by late April
- Verdict: Borderline – late April can work
May
- Temperature: 26-30°C (79-86°F)
- Rainfall: Light, mostly clear
- Lagoons: Excellent levels
- Verdict: Good choice for value
June
- Temperature: 25-29°C (77-84°F)
- Rainfall: Minimal
- Lagoons: Peak levels, pristine
- Verdict: Excellent – peak season begins
July
- Temperature: 25-29°C (77-84°F)
- Rainfall: Minimal
- Lagoons: Peak levels
- Verdict: Peak conditions but highest prices
August
- Temperature: 26-30°C (79-86°F)
- Rainfall: Minimal
- Lagoons: Still excellent
- Verdict: Optimal – best balance of conditions and availability
September
- Temperature: 27-31°C (81-88°F)
- Rainfall: Very low
- Lagoons: Good but beginning to recede
- Verdict: Excellent – fewer tourists
October
- Temperature: 28-32°C (82-90°F)
- Rainfall: Low
- Lagoons: Moderate levels, many dried
- Verdict: Fair – shoulder season savings
November
- Temperature: 28-33°C (82-91°F)
- Rainfall: Low but increasing
- Lagoons: Most dried up
- Verdict: Not recommended
December
- Temperature: 28-33°C (82-91°F)
- Rainfall: Increasing
- Lagoons: Very few remain
- Verdict: Not recommended
Making Your Final Decision
Choose June-September If You Want:
✓ The absolute best lagoon conditions
✓ Optimal weather and photography
✓ Peak kitesurfing/windsurfing conditions
✓ Classic Route of Emotions experience
✓ Willing to pay premium and book ahead
Choose May or October If You Want:
✓ Good conditions with better value
✓ Fewer tourists
✓ More flexibility in booking
✓ Don’t mind lagoons being less full
Skip November-April Unless:
✗ You’re on extreme budget
✗ Combining with other destinations
✗ You’re specifically interested in witnessing the transformation
✗ You’ve already seen peak season
Ready to Book Your Perfect Dates?
Now that you understand exactly when to visit the Route of Emotions, it’s time to secure your dates before availability disappears.
Contact LDJ Travel today and let’s plan your journey for optimal conditions:
📱 WhatsApp: +55 86 98866-0924
🌐 Website: ldjtravelecia.com
📧 Email: contact@ldjtravelecia.com
Mention “Best Time Guide” for priority booking assistance and a complimentary consultation to select your perfect travel dates!
Quick Reference: Best Months at a Glance
| Month | Lagoons | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Skip |
| Feb | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Skip |
| Mar | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Skip |
| Apr | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | Borderline |
| May | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | Good |
| Jun | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | Excellent |
| Jul | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | Peak |
| Aug | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | Optimal |
| Sep | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | Excellent |
| Oct | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | Fair |
| Nov | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | Skip |
| Dec | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | Skip |
Don’t wait – peak season dates are booking now! Contact LDJ Travel today! 🌴