Monthly weather averages & travel planning

South America › 🇧🇷 Brazil › Fortaleza
Updated: March 2026
April is a fair time to visit Fortaleza (4/10). With 9 daily sunshine hours and only 26 rain days, this month delivers genuinely reliable outdoor conditions, ranking it 12th sunniest of the year in Fortaleza. April suits travellers visiting for indoor culture, food, and architecture rather than outdoor activities. Pack accordingly for 26 potential rain days. May offers a similar profile at lower hotel rates if dates are flexible. Watch out for prolonged rain stretches: with 26 wet days, a fully outdoor itinerary is risky. Build in museum days and covered market visits as contingency. Planning tips: most accommodation categories have availability, and last-minute deals are common. The quieter streets and shorter queues can make this a genuinely enjoyable time to visit for the right type of traveller. Budget-conscious visitors will find the best value of the year in this period.
April sits at a particular moment in Fortaleza's seasonal arc. Temperatures average 29°C during the day, placing this month in the warmer half of the year, when the city operates at full summer intensity. Against the seasonal backdrop, 26 rainy days and 9 sunshine hours per day help calibrate expectations for what actually awaits on the ground.
29°C
84°F
Avg High
24°C
75°F
Avg Low
26 days
251 mm total
Rain Days
9h
per day avg
Sunshine
82%
Humid
Humidity
The narrow 5°C gap between daytime and overnight temperatures, characteristic of coastal cities with maritime moderation, means a single mid-layer works across the whole day. At 82% humidity, the 29°C daytime high feels 2-4°C warmer in practice: quick-dry fabrics and shade-seeking between noon and 3pm are the sensible response. UV index averages 6 this month, classed as moderate. Sunscreen is a sensible precaution for extended outdoor time, particularly at midday. Wind averages 18 km/h, light enough to be refreshing on warm days but noticeable in open coastal areas or elevated viewpoints. In Fahrenheit: 84°F average high, 75°F overnight low. Data sourced from Open-Meteo ERA5 climate reanalysis (1991–2020 normals).
Packing for Fortaleza in April means dressing for 29°C days and 24°C evenings. A lightweight linen or cotton shirt with loose-fit trousers or a sundress handles the 29°C daytime heat. Evening temperatures settle at 24°C, a modest 5°C drop that a light cardigan or denim jacket covers. For footwear, breathable walking sandals work for casual exploration, but closed-toe trainers are better for uneven surfaces in the historic centre. With 26 rain days expected, a compact travel umbrella is worth the bag space. A waterproof jacket is better than an umbrella if you plan full-day outdoor routes. At 82% average humidity, quick-dry synthetic or bamboo fabrics dry overnight and stay comfortable longer than cotton.
Local tip: Fortaleza sees heavy rain periods where a compact travel umbrella can feel inadequate. A packable waterproof jacket offers better coverage for prolonged downpours and leaves both hands free for maps and cameras.
April has no major festivals or public holidays in Fortaleza, which is one of its practical advantages for independent travellers. Attractions run at lower capacity than during peak event periods, queues are shorter, and accommodation is easier to find without needing to book many months in advance. Local restaurants, markets, and transport operate at a relaxed pace, making this an ideal time for visitors who prefer a more authentic, unhurried experience of everyday city life rather than large crowds drawn in by a single major headline event.
Based on 29°C average highs and 26 rainy days
In April, Fortaleza sits in the dry season corridor, as the ITCZ shifts away from the region and trade winds bring drier, more stable air. This produces reliably sunny days reaching 29°C, with lower humidity than the wet months. Overnight lows of 24°C offer a pleasant reprieve from the midday heat. Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 (1991–2020).
Sunshine Hours
The average number of hours per day with direct sunlight. Calculated from satellite measurements. Days with more than 7 hours of sunshine are ideal for outdoor activities. Under 3 hours means overcast conditions dominate.
UV Index
A scale from 0-11+ measuring ultraviolet radiation intensity. UV 0-2: Minimal risk. UV 3-5: Moderate, wear sunscreen. UV 6-7: High, hat and SPF 30+ essential. UV 8-10: Very High, limit midday exposure. UV 11+: Extreme, seek shade between 10am-4pm.
Rain Days
A rain day is counted when precipitation exceeds 0.1mm. This threshold captures even light drizzle. Unlike total rainfall in mm, rain days tells you how often you might need an umbrella, which is useful for planning outdoor activities.
Humidity
Relative humidity as a percentage. Below 40%: Dry, skin and throat may feel parched. 40-60%: Comfortable, ideal for most people. 60-80%: Sticky, light breathable fabrics recommended. Above 80%: Muggy, heat feels more intense; quick-dry clothing is essential.
Fortaleza in April
April ranks 12th sunniest of the year in Fortaleza, with an average 9 daily sunshine hours. The driest months are September, October, and August. August is the hottest month (30°C avg high); January is the coolest (29°C). From here, temperatures fall 0°C into May. Compared to last month (March: 29°C high, 25 rain days), April is similarly warm and wetter. April is one of the least sunny months, but that often means lower prices and fewer fellow tourists.
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sun | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29°C | 25°C | 18 | 11h | View |
| February | 29°C | 25°C | 20 | 11h | View |
| March | 29°C | 25°C | 25 | 10h | View |
| April | 29°C | 24°C | 26 | 9h | View |
| May | 29°C | 25°C | 20 | 10h | View |
| June | 29°C | 24°C | 14 | 11h | View |
| July | 29°C | 24°C | 8 | 11h | View |
| August | 30°C | 24°C | 3 | 11h | View |
| September | 30°C | 24°C | 2 | 11h | View |
| October | 30°C | 25°C | 2 | 12h | View |
| November | 30°C | 25°C | 3 | 12h | View |
| December | 30°C | 25°C | 10 | 12h | View |
January
18 rain days, 11h sun
February
20 rain days, 11h sun
March
25 rain days, 10h sun
April
26 rain days, 9h sun
May
20 rain days, 10h sun
June
14 rain days, 11h sun
July
8 rain days, 11h sun
August
3 rain days, 11h sun
September
2 rain days, 11h sun
October
2 rain days, 12h sun
November
3 rain days, 12h sun
December
10 rain days, 12h sun
Data Sources for Fortaleza
Climate normals represent 30-year averages (1991-2020). Individual years may vary.