Florianópolis in Winter – Everything you need to know

This post is part of a collective blog by the group “Pequenos Grandes Viajantes”, with the theme “A season of the year in some destination". 

Many people consider Florianópolis to be the “Rio de Janeiro of the southern region”.

Truly, the island of magic has beautiful beaches, trails and other breathtaking scenery. As it is smaller than the wonderful city, I would also venture to say that traffic is calmer, places are all close together and, of course, security is considerably better.
What many people forget when they make this comparison, however, is that it is cold here in my city.

Unlike the temperatures considered low in Rio de Janeiro, where thermometers are close to 20ºC, in Floripa you experience a thermal sensation of zero degrees on the coldest days, and it is difficult to even go out on the street.

I'm not going to lie, when my friends from other states talk about visiting me, I suggest they come in the summer. For me, it doesn't make much sense to go to a paradisiacal place when it's not possible to go into the sea and enjoy the water.

Even so, I know many people who prefer to visit Florianópolis in winter.

Why visit Florianópolis in winter?

Prices are cheaper

As it is the island's low season, this season has the best prices of the year.

A quick search on Booking showed daily rates of R$225 in one of the best hotels in the city in August, but the same room costs R$475,60 in January. The same happens with one of the hostels most popular in Lagoa da Conceição, where a night in a mixed room with 6 beds costs R$40,50 in summer and R$54 in winter.

I don't recommend staying in very busy neighborhoods. beach people during this time, as most of them consist of small shops and restaurants that do not open out of season. Choose to stay in the Center or in Lagoa if you want to explore different parts of the island, or on the southern beaches (I suggest Campeche) if you prefer to stay in touch with nature.

Selina Floripa (Lagoa da Conceição)

Selina is an accommodation chain for digital nomads, and is the perfect mix of hotel for those who need to relax and make friends and for those who want to work for a few hours. O Selina Floripa it has shared rooms and private rooms, as well as a coworking space, swimming pool and various events such as surfing lessons! The place also has a bar and shared kitchen for those who want to prepare their own meals.

Ibis Florianópolis (Center)

Well-known hotel chain, I like to recommend the Ibis Florianópolis because the location is excellent. Close to the seafront, the Public Market, the Hercílio Luz bridge and the bus terminal, and it is a 10-minute walk to the nearest shopping mall.

The hotel also has free internet for guests and parking, as well as a restaurant that is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Daily rates start at R$180 and are pet friendly!

Pousada Vila Tamarindo Eco Lodge (Campeche)

In Campeche, the Pousada Vila Tamarindo Eco Lodge It is just a few minutes walk from the beach. The place offers a garden with hammocks for guests to relax, a swimming pool with sun loungers, yoga classes and spa services, as well as free internet and parking. A breakfast is served every day, with a variety of breads, cakes and sweets.

The city becomes emptier

You can ask anyone manezinho: in December, January and February everyone and his family comes to Florianópolis. Not only Brazilians from all regions, but also many of our Argentine and Uruguayan neighbors.

Although the beaches are close to the city center (just over a twenty-minute drive to most), trying to drive to one of them after nine in the morning means facing hours-long traffic in 40ºC heat.

In winter it's not easy to enjoy the sea, but at least you don't face traffic jams, you don't have to wait in line at the most popular restaurants and you don't have to fight for a space on the sand.. Even shopping malls and cinemas become emptier, considering that many residents travel at this time to try to escape the cold.

Take the opportunity to rent a car and explore the coolest corners of the island. Public transport can be tricky, so if you have the budget I really recommend driving to the tourist spots. To get the best prices, get a quote with Rentcars. The site compares prices from the main rental companies in Brazil, and you can even pay in up to 12 installments.

It's not rainy season

Another great advantage of the low season is that it is the dry season in the city.. Precipitation levels are lowest in July and August, while in summer it is common for it to rain for several days in a row or at least in the late afternoon.

One problem with the cold, however, is the famous South wind, which usually takes tourists by surprise. Always take an extra coat, scarf and something to tie your hair when you go out for a walk.

What to do in Florianópolis in winter?

I can't deny it: Floripa's greatest attraction is its wonderful beaches, which are rarely better enjoyed in the summer. You can see them in the cold, of course, but don't get your hopes up about getting into the water, as it is already cold when the temperatures are warmer.

If this is the only time you can visit the island, however, I recommend SIMs. May you make the trip! Despite being small, the capital of Santa Catarina offers several other attractions during the winter, such as:

• Public Market and the city center
• Saint Anthony of Lisbon
• Conceição Lagoon
• Parks and outdoor places
• cultural programs
• Restaurants

Public Market and the city center

Perhaps one of the most famous tourist attractions, The Public Market is the city's typical market, where you can find fish, meat, markets on certain days and restaurants serving typical cuisine from the surrounding area. My recommendation is the breaded shrimp from box 06, the Wooden Spoon.

Take the opportunity to visit the neighborhood's other landmarks, such as Figueira da Praça XV de Novembro and the Santa Catarina historical museum at Palácio Cruz e Sousa.

Going up Felipe Schmidt Street, in the opposite direction of the square, you also reach the viewpoint near the famous Hercílio Luz bridge, one of the city's most popular postcards. So as not to get lost, use the Google Maps app on your cell phone, as I taught in this post.

Saint Anthony of Lisbon

One of the first parishes in Santa Catarina, the Santo Antônio de Lisboa neighborhood is known by locals for its great restaurants and privileged views of the sunset. It is possible to see the Azorean influence in the region to this day, for example in the famous church of Nossa Senhora das Necessidades.

I really like Fairyland Café to enjoy the evening, and I've heard great things about May for Thai food and Rosso.

Conceição Lagoon

One of the most popular neighborhoods in the city, especially among locals and even younger tourists. It is in Lagoa da Conceição that the best hostels of Florianópolis, and the region maintains its life and lively atmosphere even in winter.

In addition to the nearby Mole and Joaquina beaches, Barra da Lagoa is also chosen by some bathers who like to enjoy the calm waters and do some Stand up paddle. If it's too cold for that, you can take a pleasant walk around the banks, or take advantage of the countless restaurants and shops that inhabit the surrounding area.

It's one of those cool trips both during the day and at night, as there are places to brunch (I recommend Café Cultura) as well as bars and nightlife (my friends love Books & Beers).

Parks and outdoor places

As the sun appears throughout the season, this time is ideal for outdoor programs, even in the cold. Some of the most famous parks are Botanical Garden (I'll tell you it's small), the Coconut Trees Park and Córrego Grande Ecological Park, close to the university.

Another typical tour is to take a walk along the seafront., where the sea meets the city center. The water is not suitable for bathing, but residents use the space for walking, riding bicycle, yoga classes and fairs. It's from Trapiche, a famous pier, that schooner trips like the one I showed in this other post. This is another amazing spot to watch the sunset!

cultural programs

I have to admit that Florianópolis leaves something to be desired compared to larger capitals, but it is still possible to find good cultural programs on the island. The most famous spaces are the Integrated Culture Center (CIC) with exhibitions and shows, the Álvaro de Carvalho Theater (TAC) and the Pedro Ivo Theater. If possible, watch one of the themed presentations at Camerata Florianópolis.

Who likes movies?alternative” will enjoy Cinema Paradigma and the CIC cinema.

Other cool events that take place in Florianópolis are Ilha Veg and free Yoga at Jardim Botânico, on specific dates. You can check the city's agenda on the Guia Floripa website.

Restaurants

Another option to enjoy Florianópolis in winter is to enjoy the best of the region's cuisine. There are good restaurants of almost all cuisines, but I want to highlight some that are even more delicious in winter:

• Blackpot – With fondue wheel;
• Italian pasta – Traditional and specialized in pasta, facing the seafront;
• Center Cafe – Coffee shop specializing in sweet cups (look for it on Instagram, there’s no way to do it justice by writing it down, rs);
• Mamma's Chicken – Traditional gallery with rotation system;

If you want a different experience, you can also eat the gas station's gourmet burger (I swear it's good), at Soul Brothers Hamburgueria.

Looking for a different experience?

We have selected 3 experiences below for you to enjoy winter in Florianópolis even more. These are tours with specialized guides, and you can book in advance through Viator, one of the largest platforms in the world for selling tours and activities. And the best part: you can pay in reais, and most of the time you receive a full refund if canceled up to 24 hours before the tour!

• Balneário Cambouriú and Unipraias Park
• Nova Trento and Brusque
• Beto Carrero World

Tips for enjoying Florianópolis in winter

Does it rain a lot in Floripa in winter?

During winter, Florianópolis' climate is cold but also dry. It rains little during the winter, which is great for enjoying outdoor walks!

What clothes to take to Florianópolis in winter?

My suggestion is that you dress in 3 layers. A lighter one for the first layer (because even in winter it sometimes gets hot), a second layer that will retain heat and a third layer to protect you from the cold, rain and wind. If you don't know how to pack your suitcase for a winter trip, see this post How to pack for winter travel.

How high is it in Florianópolis in winter?

The average temperature during winter in Florianópolis varies from 13 to 22ºC. However, the thermal sensation may be less when the famous south wind hits, so don't forget your hat!

Is it possible to go to the beach in Florianópolis in winter?

You can even visit the beach, but it will be very cold and windy. It's unlikely you'll be able to lie flat on the sand, let alone enter the sea.

What are the best shopping malls in Florianópolis?

Cold calls for shopping! The best shopping malls in Florianópolis are Beira Mar Shopping (in the Center) and Iguatemi (in Itacorubi). At Iguatemi, in addition to the excellent food court, you can see incredible views of the Florianópolis mangrove forest.

Are you going to visit the city at this time? Have you already made the trip? What did you like most? Tell me in the comments! 🙂

Some links in this post are affiliate links.

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Read other participants' posts about other places in different seasons! #viajandonasquatroestações

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– Mariana Viaja – Summer in Spain: tours in Barcelona and Madrid

– Another blog – Winter in Banff | Canadian Rockies

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– Around with the Saucers – Florida in summer

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– Footprints on the Road – Autumn in Iceland, a surprising season!

– Travelers – What to do in California in winter

– Focus on the World – How to survive the European winter

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– Bahians at the North Pole – 10 reasons to visit Toronto in the summer