Where to Enjoy Winter Near São Paulo?

Brazil is a tropical country, and it's hard to say we have a very consistent winter. However, we're often caught by surprise by cold weeks, with temperatures that make us want to experience a bit of that winter climate. Luckily, you can find a few destinations close to São Paulo, particularly in the Serra da Mantiqueira region, perfect for a taste of winter.

The winter escape

Serra da Mantiqueira stands out as the destination for winter tourism, especially for those seeking cooler temperatures, breathtaking scenery, and a truly cozy ambiance. This mountainous region stretches across parts of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro states, offering several charming towns and villages, each with its own unique character.

From June to August, winter brings significantly lower temperatures, often dropping sharply at night. In some of the higher-altitude spots, it's not uncommon for minimums to hit 0°C (32°F) or even dip below freezing. This period is also characterized by its dryness, with minimal rainfall, which makes it ideal for enjoying outdoor activities during the day.

Below are some recommended cities in the region, along with our top picks for attractions:

Cities on the Serra da Mantiqueira worth visiting

Campos do Jordão (SP)

Campos do Jordão is the region's most famous and bustling destination, located 180km (about a 2.5-hour drive) from São Paulo. It offers a complete infrastructure with sophisticated restaurants, chocolate shops, bars, designer stores, and a lively nightlife. Must-see attractions include Morro do Elefante (accessible by cable car), Amantikir Park, and Vila Capivari. If I could give just one restaurant tip, it would be Toribinha, a delicious fondue restaurant inside the Hotel Toriba. Even so, due to its array of more sophisticated options, it's important to note that prices in Campos do Jordão are higher than in other cities.

São Bento do Sapucaí (SP)

For me, São Bento do Sapucaí is a hidden gem in the Serra da Mantiqueira, quite the opposite of the region's more bustling spots. It is 200km from São Paulo. The main draw of "São Bento" is its ecotourism and relaxed vibe, complete with special little eateries and local craft shops. One of the top excursions is the Pedra do Baú trail, offering spectacular views from the summit. The trail has various levels, and you can even drive close to the top if you're not in the mood for a full adventure. Oh, it's also worth noting that this is a great place for camping, with several options available.

Hiking to Pedra do Baú

São Francisco Xavier (SP)

Another gem similar to São Bento do Sapucaí is São Francisco Xavier (or SFX), located just 150km from São Paulo. Being the closest of all the mentioned destinations, it's a fantastic option for a quick escape. SFX is a small, more serene town, boasting excellent inns and Airbnbs perfect for enjoying the cool weather and unwinding. Additionally, if you're feeling adventurous, it also offers several trails and waterfalls. Be sure to soak in the silence and embrace the more rural atmosphere that this place provides.

Monte Verde (MG)

Monte Verde is in a different state (Minas Gerais), is still conveniently close. It is a charming and romantic destination, just 160km from São Paulo. It's often compared to Campos do Jordão but offers a more rustic and cozy feel, making it particularly appealing to couples.

The town center is compact and charming, featuring dirt roads and cute little houses. For the adventurous, Monte Verde is also excellent for hiking, with trails like Pedra Redonda leading to a stunning viewpoint with beautiful regional vistas.

Monte Verde

Cunha (SP)

Cunha is a bit further from the other cities and also from São Paulo (230km – approximately a 3-hour drive). It's closer to Rio de Janeiro, near the mountain range that leads to Paraty, a famous destination on the Rio de Janeiro coast. Beyond its delightful mountain climate, Cunha is a significant hub for art, especially ceramics. There are numerous ateliers around the town where you can visit and purchase unique pieces. Cunha also boasts several lavender fields, offering a wonderful scenic experience. It's definitely worth a visit!

Suenaga e Jardineiro - unique ceramics from Cunha

Useful Tips

How to get there?

We recommend that you rent a car in São Paulo to reach all these destinations. Given the more rural vibe of the region, a car will be necessary for getting to your accommodation, sightseeing and getting around. The only exception is Campos do Jordão, which, being a larger town, has buses departing from Tietê Bus Terminal.

*If you are going by car, use Rentcars.com and if you are buying a bus ticket, use Clickbus.com.br. This way you help me maintain this blog alive. :)

Where to Stay?

While there are many great inns (pousadas), I highly recommend doing a thorough search on Airbnb. As this is a very welcoming and more rural region, you'll find numerous wonderful chalets and houses ready to host you for tranquil and comfortable days, offering stunning views from the mountains.

I hope you enjoyed these tips and get to experience a bit of the cold weather close to São Paulo.