When I planned my trip to Florianópolis, I envisioned beautiful beaches, stunning coastlines, and good weather. Although I got all of those things, I (naively) wasn’t expecting so much rain. The wettest months in Florianópolis (Floripa) are from October to March. And since I visited in October, I got to experience it first-hand! But don’t worry if you’re also planning to visit during this time. There are tons of things to do on this gorgeous island, that don’t involve being outside! This is my guide for some of the best things to do in Florianópolis when it rains.
For more things do to do in Florianópolis, check out my other blog post here.
Rain in Florianópolis
The wettest months in Floripa are from January to March. October is spring time in Floripa. During this time there’s a 40% chance of rain on an average day. But if there’s one thing I learned while I was on the island, it’s that the weather changes quickly. Multiple Uber drivers joked that, “if you don’t like the weather in Floripa, just wait a few minutes.” I definitely found this to be true on some days. But other days, it did rain enough that outdoor activities weren’t ideal.
But don’t let this discourage you from visiting during this time. There’s plenty to do and see in Floripa, even if you have to spend a day or two indoors.
Advantages to Visiting During Shoulder Season
Visiting Floripa in October has several advantages that make it an excellent time to explore the island. In my opinion it might be a better time to visit than high season!
Good weather
October falls in the middle of spring here, so the weather is mild and comfortable. The temperatures average between 18°C (64°F) and 26°C (79°F), which is perfect if you don’t want to burn up at the beach. And even though it does rain in October, there’s less rainfall than in the peak summer months.
Smaller Crowds
As an introvert, this is probably my favorite reason to visit anywhere during shoulder season. Shoulder season is from March to May and September to November. Brazil’s high tourist season is from December-February, which means you’ll get to experience Floripa before the crowds arrive if you visit during shoulder season. The beaches will be less packed, which means you’ll have more space to relax.
Keep in mind that even during shoulder season, there are still huge crowds at the beaches! When I visited Joaquina I left early (around 9 am) to make my way across the island and make sure I got a good spot on the beach. It was a good decision because by noon it was packed. And while it was really good vibes and didn’t feel uncomfortable, I couldn’t imagine how much more packed it would be during high season.
Better Prices
Ubers, flights and hotels are going to be way more affordable during the shoulder season than during peak tourist season. But there’s enough to see and do during this time that makes visiting during this period worth it.
Good Surfing Opportunities
October often offers consistent swells, making it a great time for surfing at beaches like Praia da Joaquina and Praia Mole. I don’t personally surf, but I had a great time watching the surfers on Joaquina!
Things to Do in Florianopolis When It Rains
Here’s a list of some of my favorite things to do in Floripa when it’s raining!
Gatoffee Cat Cafe
This was my absolute favorite (indoor) thing I did during my time in Floripa. I love cats, and if you do too then you will love this place. Gatoffee is a charming cat cafe located in the heart of the city. They serve coffee and food, which were both very good. It’s also just a really cozy spot to hang out if the weather is bad.
Gatoffee also promotes animal welfare. You can tell the cats are very well-cared for. They have a huge room to roam around, with lots of toys and things to keep them busy. It was also spotless. The employees were constantly cleaning and made sure that everyone cleaned their shoes when entering and leaving the cat’s room. The workers knew so much about the cats, from their personalities to their special needs. Many of the cats are available for adoption, making your visit not just enjoyable but meaningful.
They are open every day from 2pm to 9 pm. You need to make a reservation to hang out with the cats. I did this when I got there by scanning the QR code they gave me. But there’s a link to make reservations in their linktree here. Each reservation is 15 minutes, and you’re free to interact with all of the cats. When I went, they were all very curious and many of them were playful! It was a great way to spend a rainy afternoon.
Also, when I visited none of the employees spoke English, so have your translation apps ready!
Have A Spa Day
A spa day is a perfect way to spend a rainy day, especially if you did one of Floripa’s more difficult hikes, like Lagoinha do Leste, the day before.
I visited Shambala Spa after my beach day at Joaquina and it was divine! The atmosphere was exactly what you’d expect from an upscale spa. I did a massage and a facial. I’d highly recommend the massage, but not the facial. It served its purpose, but I felt like a lot of it was just not worth paying for (half of it was just a sheet mask). Either way, I left with glowing skin and ultimately, I would visit again!
They’re open everyday, Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 8 pm and Sunday from 2pm to 8pm. You need a CPF to make a reservation. Keep reading for loopholes on how to get around this.
Explore the Mercado Público
The Public Market is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the city, and a great place to stop for local pastries and produce. It’s divided into two main areas. One side is a mix of fresh seafood and local produce and the other side has artisan crafts, and other souvenirs. There are some outdoor stalls, but many of them are inside, so you can walk around comfortably if it’s raining. Many of the outdoor stalls and nearby restaurants have umbrellas at their outdoor dining areas, since it rains so often.
I recommend visiting the lace store on the souvenir side of the market, where you can watch bobbin-lace crafts being made. I brought a few back as souvenirs! Also, if you happen to walk past this store, make sure to get a pastel de camarão (shrimp pastry) with a sugarcane juice. They were so good, I went back a second time. If it’s raining, you can sit under one of the umbrellas outside!
It’s free to enter and open every day from 7 am to 10 pm (5 pm on the weekends).
Visit a Museum
If you like museums, there’s many options to choose from in Floripa. Visiting the Museu Histórico de Santa Catarina on a rainy day is the perfect way to dive into the rich history and culture of the region. Located in the iconic Palácio Cruz e Sousa, just a few blocks away from the Public Market. You can admire the beautifully preserved architecture and intricate tile work.
If you’re not into history but still want to visit a museum, consider visiting Museu do Lixo (Museum of Trash). This museum is comprised of rescued materials that were thrown in the trash to build a memory space about society’s habits and consumption. The items range from nostalgic to just… weird. The goal of the museum is to raise awareness about society’s waste habits, the dangers of consumerism, and the benefits of recycling. The museum is located within a municipal waste management facility, which is where many of the items are sourced from. Definitely doesn’t sound glamorous, but it’s a very unique experience. (And it’s free to enter).
Book A Wine Tour
If you’re looking for something to do indoors, then consider visiting Villa Francioni Wine Bar, located just outside Sao Joaquim. You can do a guided wine tour where you learn about the history and process of how they make their wines. When the tour is over, you get to do a wine tasting, which is included in your reservation. This place is beautiful, and definitely worth checking out (even when it’s not raining).
You can make reservations through their website via Whatsapp. It’s 110 Brazilian Real per person. They’re open every day from 9:30- 5:30 pm on the weekdays (10 am to 6 pm on weekends). So you can have wine for breakfast if you want!
Shop At Villa Romana
I’m not sure if it’s because I hadn’t been to a mall in years, but I was very impressed with Villa Romana in Santa Monica. I explored it on a rainy day, with the goal of getting some cute outfits at Farm Rio in mind. It was huge, had a huge selection of stores, a giant food court, and even a play area for kids. If the weathers not good, this is a great option to shop or watch a movie.
Tips For Visiting Florianópolis
These are some useful tips I wish I had known before visiting Floripa!
Public Transportation vs. Uber
In Floripa, public transportation is basically an extensive network of buses that connect the city center with its surrounding neighborhoods and beaches. They’re more affordable than taking an Uber, but I found it tedious to navigate since there were no English signs. It would still be manageable with translation, but I also noticed that public transportation doesn’t take you directly to all the beaches. So even if you took the bus, you’d still have to walk or get a taxi/ Uber to the final destination.
Public transportation might be a better option if you have a lot of time to spend in Floripa. But if you’re visiting for a just a few days and trying to maximize your time, I would recommend getting an Uber.
English is not widely spoken.
In the more touristy cities of Brazil, you’ll have no problem finding someone who speaks English. But even in the most touristy areas of Floripa, most people just speak Portuguese or maybe Spanish. Even when checking into my accommodation, no one spoke English. The nice thing is, when someone does speak English, they actually want to talk to you. They don’t have many people to practice with (or so I’m told), so many locals take advantage of having a native English speaker around.
That being said, knowing some simple Portuguese phrases before you get there will definitely enhance your experience. Make sure to have your translation apps ready!
You need a CPF for many online purchases.
In Brazil, the CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas) is a taxpayer identification number often required for online purchases. Depending on where you are making your purchase from, there may be an option to select that you are a foreigner and bypass entering a CPF. But unfortunately, you are not always able get around it. My friend’s contact in Floripa was able to make our purchases for us, and we just paid him back. But here are some alternative methods you can try if you find yourself needing a CPF.
- Use PayPal: Some Brazilian online stores accept PayPal, which bypass the CPF requirement since PayPal handles the identity verification. Make sure your PayPal account is linked to a credit card that supports international transactions.
- Use Prepaid Gift Cards: Some stores allow the use of prepaid gift cards, which can be purchased from international gift card sites. These cards can be a workaround for specific purchases without needing a CPF.
- Use Cash: if you’re trying to book a service, like a massage or facial, you’ll likely have to use Whatsapp to coordinate with the local business. If you have trouble paying for your service online, try asking if they can accept your reservation via Whatsapp and pay for your service in cash when you get there. This might not always be possible, so only try it as a last resort.
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Hopefully you’re sold on taking a trip to Floripa, even if it’s during shoulder season. There’s plenty to see and do whether or not it’s raining. For more travel tips and itineraries, be sure to check out my other blog posts here.
