"O Brasil começa aqui | Brazil starts here"
About:
São Luís, founded in 1612 by French explorers, is the capital of Maranhão state, Brazil. Briefly Dutch-occupied, it became Portuguese in 1648. Known for its colonial architecture, São Luís was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Its economy, initially based on sugar and cotton, expanded to include industries like aluminum. Today, it's a vital cultural hub, hosting the popular Bumba Meu Boi festival, and is also an important educational and medical center in the northern/northeastern regions of Brazil.
When to visit:
São Luís, located in northeastern Brazil, experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The best time to visit São Luís for a holiday would be during the dry season, which typically runs from June to December. During this period, visitors can enjoy warm temperatures, clear skies, and lower chances of rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. It is advisable to avoid the wet season, from January to May, when heavy rains can impact travel plans and outdoor excursions.
When to avoid:
São Luís, a vibrant city located in northeastern Brazil, experiences its peak tourist season during the holiday months of December and January. During this time, the city's attractions can become overcrowded with visitors, leading to long lines and limited availability of accommodations. Additionally, prices for flights and accommodations tend to be higher during the holiday season. Travelers looking to avoid the crowds and save on expenses may consider visiting São Luís during the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) or fall (September to November).
Rainy Season (January-April)
In São Luís, Brazil, the wettest period is from January to June, with the heaviest rainfall in April and May. Average temperatures range from 24 to 30°C, with high humidity. It's cloudy most of the time, with less sunlight compared to other months. Rain showers can be heavy but are often brief, followed by sunshine. An average day for a visitor might start sunny, turn rainy and humid in the afternoon, and then clear up again. Despite the rain, it's warm enough for sightseeing, but carry an umbrella!
"Hot Season (September–November)"
In São Luís, Brazil, the warmest part of the year typically extends from August to November. During this period, the average high temperature ranges from 30°C to 32°C (86°F to 90°F), while the average low temperature is around 24°C to 25°C (75°F to 77°F).
Rainfall is relatively low during these months, with August and November being the driest, receiving about 30mm and 50mm of precipitation respectively. The sunlight is abundant with an average of 6 to 7 hours of sunshine per day.
Humidity is relatively high in São Luís throughout the year, but during the warmest months, it can range from 65% to 85%. This can make the heat feel more intense. Cloudiness varies, with slightly clearer skies in the earlier months (August and September) and increasing cloud cover as the season progresses.
A typical day for a visitor during this period would be hot and humid, especially in the afternoon. Mornings and evenings are slightly cooler and more comfortable. Despite the heat, the relatively low rainfall and abundant sunshine make it an ideal time for outdoor activities. However, visitors should stay hydrated and use sun protection due to the intense tropical sun.
Language:
In São Luís, the most commonly spoken language is Portuguese, as it is the official language of Brazil. However, a significant portion of the population also speaks a local language known as Maranhense Creole, a Portuguese-based creole language. English and Spanish are also taught in schools and spoken by some inhabitants.