Jericoacoara, or Jeri, is a sandy village inside a national park on the coast of Ceará, in north-east Brazil. It has dunes, sand streets, a famous sunset and, from about July to January, strong trade wind. But if you come to kite, you'll spend most of your time a few kilometres east, on the long beach at Preá. This guide covers both, plus the lagoons and downwinders that make the area special.
I looked at five years of wind data (GFS model, 2022–2026) for Jeri and Preá and counted, for every month, the days with at least two daytime hours of 15 knots or more.
Best time to go
The season runs July to January, and the peak is September to November. In our data Preá gets 26–31 windy days a month from August to November, which means wind almost every day. Jeri itself is a bit lighter in the numbers, with its best months September to November.
Windy days: days with at least 2 hours of 15+ knots between 9:00 and 18:00, averaged over recent years. ✓ = a known windy month that the weather models miss. Averages over recent years from weather data; tap a spot for daily detail.
Windy days: days with at least 2 hours of 15+ knots between 9:00 and 18:00, averaged over recent years. Averages over recent years from weather data; tap a spot for daily detail.
What stands out:
- Preá is the safer bet. In every month it has more windy days than Jeri in our data. That matches what riders say: Preá is the main kite beach, and Jeri is where you sleep and eat.
- July and January are the shoulders. Both are inside the known season, and Preá still gets 11–13 windy days. At Jeri itself the model shows only a few, so in those months base yourself near Preá or plan on a buggy ride each day.
- February to June is the rainy season. March and April have rain on most days and very light wind. Not the time to go.
- The dry months are very dry. From August to October there are only 2–3 rainy days a month.
My pick: October. Preá gets wind on almost every day in our data, it's dry, and the water is 28°C. For the whole coast from Cumbuco to Atins, see Brazil's kite season month by month.
How the wind behaves
The trade wind blows from the east, side-shore along Preá. Riders describe it building through the morning, strongest in the afternoon and often holding until sunset. On a typical season day at Preá it's somewhere in the high teens to the 30s in knots, and guides put the usual kite sizes at around 5–9 m. The lagoons are usually a bit lighter than the open beach.
The ocean is gentle by Atlantic standards. Our data shows average waves of only about 0.5–0.7 m, so you'll find chop and small waves rather than big surf, with flatter patches between the sandbars at low tide.
Where to ride
- Preá. A long, wide sandy beach with plenty of room to launch and ride. Chop and small waves, flatter water near the sandbars at lower tide. Most schools and kite centres are here, and many separate students from independent riders.
- Jeri. Kiting off the main beach in front of the village isn't allowed. The kite spot near Jeri is by the dunes, where the wind is gusty and offshore: not a place for beginners.
- Preá to Jeri downwinder. The classic, short and fairly easy. The finish at Jeri is in offshore wind, so less confident riders exit early.
- Guriú. A river mouth with flat water about 15 minutes west of Jeri, best from mid to high tide. A popular downwinder from Jeri.
- Tatajuba. A wider river mouth and lagoon among the dunes, further west. Reached by a longer downwinder or by buggy.
Who it suits
Everyone, if you pick the right spot. Beginners learn at Preá with a school, or on a lagoon at the right tide. Intermediates have endless freeride and their first downwinders. Advanced riders come for strong wind, big air and long downwinders with buggy support. Jeri's own dune spot is for experienced riders only.
Hazards, rules and etiquette
- National park rules. Jeri is inside the Jericoacoara National Park. Vehicle access is restricted, roads are soft sand, and the village and park have charged visitor fees in recent years. The rules and fees have changed more than once, so check the current situation before you go.
- Busy kite lanes. Preá gets crowded in high season. Keep to the right-of-way rules and look before you jump.
- Buggies and cars on the beach. Watch for traffic when launching and landing.
- Rocks and boats. Near Jeri there are rocks, fishing boats and buildings close to the water. Ride with a group or an organised buggy if you're unsure.
- Tide in the lagoons. Depth changes a lot. Ask a local or do a few slow runs before you try tricks.
- Sun. It's hot and the light is strong. Take water and sun protection on downwinders.
Water temperature and what to wear
Warm all year: 28–30°C in our data. Boardshorts or a bikini, a rash vest or thin top for sun and long sessions, and strong sunscreen. No wetsuit needed. Our wetsuit by water temperature guide has the details.
Getting there and getting around
Most riders fly into Fortaleza and take a transfer, about four hours by private car. Buses take much longer and may involve changing vehicles for the sandy final stretch. There's also a much closer regional airport, Comandante Ariston Pessoa (JJD) near Cruz, about 12 km from Preá and 21 km from Jeri in our data, with fewer flights.
On the ground, you don't need a car. Walk, or use the buggies and 4x4 transfers that run between Jeri, Preá and the lagoons. Many schools include rides to Preá or downwinder pick-ups.
Tips from riders
- Stay at Preá if kiting is the whole point of your trip, and in Jeri if you want the village life too.
- Do the Preá to Jeri downwinder at least once, with a buggy following.
- Ask about the tide before heading to Guriú or Tatajuba.
- Bring a smaller kite than you think. The wind is strong and steady.
FAQ
What is the best month to kitesurf in Jericoacoara? September to November, with October the strongest. In our data Preá has wind on almost every day in October.
Is Jericoacoara good for beginners? Yes, at Preá with a school or on a lagoon. Jeri's own dune spot is gusty and offshore, so it's not for beginners.
Can I kite in January? Yes, but it's the end of the season. Preá gets around 13 windy days in our data, Jeri fewer, and the rains start.
How do I get to Jericoacoara? Fly to Fortaleza and take a transfer of about four hours, or fly to the small Jericoacoara airport near Cruz.
You can see every month for Jericoacoara and Preá, with wind, waves, water and rain, on the spot pages on Best Time to Ride.
