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Joao Pessoa

Joao Pessoa travel guide

Capital city of Paraíba, Brazil

Things to do15 experiences
Best time to visitAll year round
Nearest airportJPA · 5 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−3
Population833,932

About Joao Pessoa

João Pessoa is a port city in northeastern Brazil. It is the largest city and capital of the state of Paraíba, with an estimated population of 888,679. It is located on the right bank of the Paraíba do Norte river.

Places to visit in Joao Pessoa

  1. Ponta do Seixas

    Ponta do Seixas

    Landmark · 6 mi from centre

    The easternmost point of the Americas, a quiet beach below the cliffs at the southern end of the city. Come at sunrise to be among the first people on the continent to see the day begin.

  2. Cabo Branco Lighthouse

    Cabo Branco Lighthouse

    Viewpoint · 6 mi from centre

    A triangular modernist lighthouse on the cliffs above Ponta do Seixas, with a lookout over the coastline. Visit in the late afternoon for softer light, and combine it with a walk down to the beach.

  3. Sao Francisco Cultural Center

    Sao Francisco Cultural Center

    Religious · 4 mi from centre

    A former Franciscan church and convent complex with an ornate Baroque interior covered in gilded wood and tiles. It is in the historic center, so pair it with a walk around the nearby colonial streets.

  4. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Snows

    Cathedral of Our Lady of the Snows

    Religious

    The city's main cathedral, a colonial church dedicated to its patron saint in the old upper town. Visit during the day when it is open, and take care in the historic center after dark.

  5. Tambau Beach

    Beach

    A busy urban beach with a palm-lined promenade, kiosks and calm water protected by reefs. Walk the seafront in the evening, and visit the craft market nearby for regional handmade goods.

  6. Areia Vermelha

    Areia Vermelha

    Nature · 9 mi from centre

    A sandbank of reddish sand that appears offshore at low tide, surrounded by warm, clear pools. Boat trips leave from Camboinha Beach, so check the tide table and book a trip that matches low tide.

  7. Coqueirinho Beach

    Beach

    A beautiful beach on the south coast, framed by colorful cliffs and coconut palms. It is about an hour from the city, so plan a day trip and combine it with nearby Tabatinga or Tambaba.

Things to do in Joao Pessoa by type

15 tours, tickets and experiences across 3 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.

How long
  • Over 6 hours 10
  • 3-6 hours 1
Good for
  • Senior 4
  • Couples 4
  • Youth 4
  • Families 3
Browse all things to do in Joao Pessoa

Top experiences in Joao Pessoa

Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 15 available.

See all things to do in Joao Pessoa

Where to stay in Joao Pessoa

Popular hotels in Joao Pessoa, out of 119 properties you can book.

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Best time to visit Joao Pessoa

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Joao Pessoa is all year round, when average daytime highs are around 80–86°F and rain falls on about 20 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 77° – 86° 20
Feb 77° – 86° 21
Mar 77° – 86° 20
Apr 77° – 86° 18
May 76° – 84° 23
Jun 74° – 82° 26
Jul 73° – 80° 25
Aug 72° – 81° 22
Sep 73° – 82° 19
Oct 75° – 83° 15
Nov 77° – 85° 12
Dec 77° – 85° 22

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Joao Pessoa weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 85° 77° 84%
  • Thu 22 Oct 84° 77° 88%
  • Fri 23 Oct 85° 77° 96%
  • Sat 24 Oct 85° 78° 43%
  • Sun 25 Oct 85° 78° 29%
  • Mon 26 Oct 86° 78° 6%

Know before you go

Currency
Brazilian real (BRL)1 US dollar ≈ R$5.05
Language
Portuguese
Calling code
+55
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/FortalezaUTC−3
Capital
Brasília

Upcoming public holidays in Brazil

  • All Souls' DayDia de Finados
  • Republic Proclamation DayProclamação da República
  • Black Awareness DayDia da Consciência Negra
  • Christmas DayNatal
  • New Year's DayConfraternização Universal
  • Good FridaySexta-feira Santa

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Joao Pessoa

These are the airports closest to central Joao Pessoa. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • JPA Presidente Castro Pinto International Airport5 mi (8 km) from the city centre
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Joao Pessoa travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Joao Pessoa?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Joao Pessoa is all year round, when average daytime highs are around 80–86°F and rain falls on about 20 days a month.

What is the weather like in Joao Pessoa?

January is usually the warmest month in Joao Pessoa, with average highs of 86°F (30°C). July is the coolest, with average lows of 73°F (23°C). The wettest month is typically June, with about 191 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Joao Pessoa?

Presidente Castro Pinto International Airport (JPA) is the closest airport, about 5 miles (8 km) from the centre of Joao Pessoa.

What currency is used in Joao Pessoa?

Joao Pessoa uses the Brazilian real (BRL). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ R$5.05.

What time zone is Joao Pessoa in?

Joao Pessoa uses the America/Fortaleza time zone (currently UTC−3). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

What are the best places to visit in Joao Pessoa?

Top sights in Joao Pessoa include Ponta do Seixas, Cabo Branco Lighthouse, Sao Francisco Cultural Center and Cathedral of Our Lady of the Snows. The easternmost point of the Americas, a quiet beach below the cliffs at the southern end of the city. Come at sunrise to be among the first people on the continent to see the day begin.

What are the top things to do in Joao Pessoa?

Popular experiences you can book in Joao Pessoa include Discover Joao Pessoa - Full-Day Tour, Sunset on the North Coast - Full-Day Tour and The Paridisean Beach Trifecta - Coqueirinho, Tambaba and Tabatinga Full-Day Tour. Destina Holidays offers 15 tours and activities here.

What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Joao Pessoa?

The most popular types of experiences in Joao Pessoa are day trips & excursions (6), outdoor activities & adventure (5), city tours (3) and art & culture (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.

Where should I stay in Joao Pessoa?

Popular areas for hotels in Joao Pessoa include Tambau, Cabo Branco and Manaira. Well-reviewed options include Pousada Tamandare and Rede Andrade Solmar.

How many hotels can I book in Joao Pessoa?

Destina Holidays currently lists 119 properties in and around Joao Pessoa, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.