Updated: Sep 16
(last checked September 2026)
You’re probably reading this as you’ve just seen a bad weather forecast. Or you’re at your wits’ end after a run of rainy days in Paraty. So what to do now? What are the best things to do in Paraty in the rain?
First up, was the forecast actually right? Is it raining? Will it rain all day? Or only part of it? Have they actually got it right? The forecasts get it wrong a lot. Very often people cancel tours and plans only to wake up to a bright sunny day! So hold off on cancelling that fair weather Plan A. Also, if the forecast is for small quantities of rain, 1 or 2mm, then often that translates to no rain. Don’t panic. Check one of the better weather forecast apps. In our opinion the best forecast is on Windy. It might not be beach weather but you can get out and about and enjoy, rather than endure, outdoor activities. For passing rain showers or cloudy days we believe a Kayak tour exploring the mangroves or a walk through the Atlantic Forest on the historic Gold Trail are the best possible days out.
But let’s assume it is raining and let’s be honest here, with one of the highest rainfalls in the country, it does rain a lot in Paraty!
So, the big question is just what the hell are you to do on those rainy days in the paradise that is Paraty?
It’s time to grab the umbrella or the rain poncho and get out and about.
Here are Paraty Explorer’s wet weather TOP 6 tips:
6 – Surfing
You’re going to get wet anyway so what’s the difference? It may be raining but it’s unlikely to be ‘proper’ cold, and oddly enough the sea feels warmer when it rains (try it. Altho this sounds like bullshit tour guide advice it appears to be true!). Surf trips take place on the beaches on the Ubatuba side of Paraty.
5 – Spoil yourself with a SPA day
You're on holiday. You know you deserve it. A rainy day may be the perfect excuse to get yourself a relaxing massage with one of Paraty's many professional masseuses. Or why not go the whole hog and spend the day at Shambhala Day Spa in the old town?
4 - Explore the mangrove by Kayak
Paraty Explorer is not good at sitting around doing nothing.
And if you know Paraty Explorer you know that the answer to most questions is ‘OK, let’s go kayaking!’
We kayak in the rain and believe it or not, it’s fun!
Is it dangerous? No!
Will I get cold? Not if you keep paddling!
Some of our most rewarding paddling experiences have been on those wet days kayaking on the protected waters of the bay and exploring the mangrove.
3 – A fascinating walk on Paraty's Gold Trail
British walker A Wainwright had a point when he said, "There is no such things as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing".
So put on the waterproofs and join us on Paraty's historic Gold Trail for a walk through the Atlantic Forest and Paraty's history.
For the bold there's a chance to swim at Tarzan's pool or slide down the Toboggan Rockslide before tasting Cachaca at a distillery where they still make it the traditional way.
This is a fascinating and fun way to explore the Rainforest and Brazil's history. And let's not forget, there's a reason they call it the Rain Forest.
2 – Walking Tour of the Old Town
With all those sunny days at the beach under your belt you’ve probably been too busy to soak up the rich and colourful history of the Old Town of Paraty. Why are there so many churches for such a small town? Just where does the Prince live? And didn’t anyone realise the high tides would flood the streets before the town was built? A tour with a local guide can open your eyes to all that’s going on around you.
Paraty Explorer tip: Finish up at Marina's restaurant at the end of Pontal Beach where you can enjoy rainy day views of the bay at one of the best places to eat in Paraty.
1 – A good book and a hammock
Every now and then the rain is just too heavy and there's no point in getting a soaking just for the sake of it. So find yourself a hammock (make sure you know the right way to lie in it!) and delve into that book you brought with you.
Forgotten to bring a book?
Here are some Paraty Explorer favourites: Brazil: A Biography by Lilia Schwarcz & Heloisa Starling
An very enjoyable and informative read of Brazilian history, politics and culture.
How to Save the Amazon by Dom Phillips, murdered journalist and great friend to Paraty Explorer.
Charles C Mann's fascinating books 1491: The Americas before Colombus, and what happened afterwards, 1493.
Or for a more local link try 100 Days Between Sea and Sky in which Brazilian explorer and sailor Amyr Klink recounts his extraordinary solo journey rowing across the southern Atlantic in 1984. The boat is on display in the Flavia Aranha designer store in Paraty's main square. And finally, Doctor Socrates: Footballer, Philospher, Legend by Andrew Downie.
After all, a Brazilian booklist without a book on Football is an incomplete booklist.
Read on. Before you know it, the sun will be out again!
