Juquehy (São Sebastião)
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Small waves
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Juquehy (São Sebastião) is an exposed, sandy beach-break known for consistently fun surf with lefts and rights. The wave frequency is described as very consistent (about 150 rideable days per year), with working swell starting below 1m and holding up to around 2.5m+. Typical surfing conditions are rated good, and rides are commonly in the 50–150m range, extending to roughly 150–300m on the better days. For surfing, the spot is best with south swell and offshore winds from the north quadrant (North, North-West, and North-East). It works at all tides, and both rising and falling tides are noted as suitable. On the downside, larger sets can become closeouty: waves around or above 2m may start to close out, even though the wave shape can hold up to about 2.5m. Wind sports are seasonal: kitesurfing can become wave-focused during southern cold fronts, aligning with the June–January wind season, and winds are commonly described in the ~15–40 knot range. However, the area can get busy during summer weekends and holidays, and safety logistics matter—shorebreak timing is noted, and rip currents can form, particularly near the river mouth or during larger swells. For safety and planning, it’s important to respect designated swimming areas and avoid kitesurfing in swimming zones during high season. The western end near the river mouth (Canto do Rio) is described as having smaller waves, which can make it a better option for beginners or easier launches. Early mornings are often the glassiest for surfing before winds strengthen.
- Very consistent beach-break surfing (150 rideable days/year described)
- Sandy, exposed wave setup with lefts and rights
- Offshore wind options for grooming surf (north-northeast quadrant for surfing)
- Seasonal wind window supports kitesurfing during southern cold fronts
- Very consistent beach-break surfing with both lefts and rights and generally good wave quality.
- Works across all tides (rising and falling).
- Strong seasonal wind period supports kitesurfing, and offshore wind directions can groom the surf.
- Exposed conditions can be intense on larger swells (waves over about 2m can close out).
- Crowding during holiday periods and weekends can affect both lineup space and safe kiting/launching around swimmers.
- Rip currents can occur, especially near the river mouth and during larger swell periods.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, ESE, SE, SSE, S, SSW, SW
- Offshore directions
- N, WNW, NW, NNW
- Wind Range
- 15–40 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Surf wind is best offshore from the North, North-West, and North-East; kitesurfing best directions are easterly through southerly (E to SW).
- Reliability
- very consistent
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Gust factor described as moderate; surfing notes also emphasize consistency during the main season.
- Best Months
- June, July, August, September, October, November, December, January
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy beach.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small — Surf swell can range from less than 1m up to about 2.5m+.
- Launch
- Big — Extensive sandy beach with ample space for setting up gear; instant access noted.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Launch difficulty described as easy; instant access (<5 minutes walking distance) is noted.
Through the year
Extremely crowded in summer (December–February) and on holiday weekends; quiet and pleasant during winter weekdays.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Shallow, wave-focused kitesurfing spot that activates during southern cold fronts and works during the June–January wind season; winds increase from roughly the mid-teens to over 40 knots by October. Shorebreak timing can be important.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Suitable for wave/wave-freeride windsurfing during frontal conditions, though it is less popular due to shorebreak.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.7–5.7 m²
Sandy bottom and waves can suit foil-surfing; shorebreak can make launches challenging for beginners.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly conditions are indicated.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Exposed sandy beach-break that works from less than 1m up to 2.5m+; lefts and rights are available and conditions are generally good. Waves over 2m can start to close out.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- S
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Works at all tides; both rising and falling tides are noted as suitable.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed beach break with limited protection from swell/wind.
- Wind Effect
- North, North-West, and North-East offshore winds help groom the waves for surfing.
- Bigger Swell
- Maintains shape up to around 2.5m, but very large sets can begin to close out.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Wave shape described as mixed overall (peeling/mixed behavior noted).
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peel speed described as medium.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Normal rides are typically 50 to 150m; good days can extend to 150 to 300m.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Normal 50–150m; good day 150–300m.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Juquehy (São Sebastião) in the full forecast view.
Juquehy (São Sebastião) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–10 ktsGusts 24 kts
- Direction
- S172°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2510 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.5–1.5 m8s period
- Temperature
- 17–29 °C
Over the next 7 days, Juquehy (São Sebastião) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–10 kts, peaking around 10 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 24 kts. The prevailing direction is S. Waves run 0.5–1.5 m with a period of about 8s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Crowds
- Shore break
- Rip currents
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards are present seasonally.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability described as limited.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospitals and clinics are located in the center of São Sebastião or Bertioga.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Mild localism noted in terms of respecting the lineup.
Rules of the spot
Avoid kitesurfing in the middle of swimming zones during high season; respect designated swimming areas and the local surf lineup.
- Designated swimming areas
- Seasonal crowding
- The western end of the beach near the river mouth (Canto do Rio) often has smaller waves, which can help for beginners and easier launches.
- Early mornings often provide the glassiest surfing conditions before sea-breeze or frontal winds strengthen.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- São Sebastião
- Nearest Town
- Juquehy
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Extensive accommodation options including boutique pousadas and vacation rentals.
- Food & Drink
- Numerous restaurants, bars, and beach kiosks (quiosques) are described, serving local seafood.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surfboards and SUP boards widely available for rent at various points along the beach.
- Gear Storage
- Gear storage available at some local surf shops and upscale hotels.
- Gear Repair
- Minor board ding repairs described as available at local shops.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Juquehy (São Sebastião)?
The best overall months at Juquehy (São Sebastião) are June, July, August, September. The best wind months are June, July, August, September, October, November, December, January.
Which wind directions work at Juquehy (São Sebastião)?
Juquehy (São Sebastião) works with E, ESE, SE, SSE, S, SSW, SW winds. Offshore directions are N, WNW, NW, NNW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Juquehy (São Sebastião)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Juquehy (São Sebastião): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.7–5.7 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–40 kts.
What skill level is Juquehy (São Sebastião) suitable for?
Juquehy (São Sebastião) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.