Leme
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- Spot Type
- Busy
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Leme is a classic left-breaking surf spot on the far-left corner of Copacabana (Pipeleme), where the wave runs next to the rocks. The standout feature is its hollow, fast, powerful left-hand wave, with a typical ride that is short—generally under 50 meters—though it can occasionally hold size on bigger swells when the mix of swell and conditions is right. For surfing, the spot is described as most consistent during winter (May through September), when South swells reliably reach Rio’s coastline. Reports also emphasize that the setup is inconstant and depends on the right combination of tide, swell, and wind, so conditions can vary significantly day to day even in the same season. Safety is a key consideration at Leme. The northern rocks (Costão do Leme) and strong rip currents near the costão are recurring warnings, and the shore break can become heavy on big swells. Crowds can increase on weekends, and there can be restrictions during peak holiday periods due to designated swimming areas. In general, the spot is described as suitable for beginners through intermediate surfers (with the wave becoming more demanding as it gets faster and heavier). Lifeguard presence is seasonal, with lifeguard towers along the beach, and rescue availability is described as limited—so check conditions carefully, especially on larger South-swell days.
- Hollow, fast left-hand wave breaking next to the rocks
- Most consistent May to September
- Short rides typically under 50 meters
- Powerful, hollow fast left-hand surf on the far-left corner of Copacabana
- Most consistent during the winter months (May to September)
- Easy city access and numerous beachfront amenities
- Waves can be very fast and heavy when conditions line up
- Strong rip currents near the costão
- Rocks at the northern end create additional risk
- Wind reliability is low and wind shadows can affect wind sports
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NE
- Wind Range
- 5–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Sea-breeze is common in the afternoon; wind is generally not strongly consistent for kites/foils.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Gustiness is reported as moderate.
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September
- Shadow Zones
- High-rise buildings and the Morro do Leme can create significant wind shadows near the shore.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Often small; starts working under 1 m and can hold up to 2 m+.
- Launch
- Small — Sandy corner of Copacabana with easy self-launch (left part of the beach).
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Easy self-launch is described, though another report calls it moderate with the best entry near rocks on the left.
Through the year
High year-round, with peak summer and weekends especially crowded with tourists and locals.
Summer months (December to March) often see heavy afternoon tropical rains.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Generally not a primary wingfoil spot due to wind shadows and proximity to swimmers; some advanced riders may launch further out into open water.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Foil-friendly conditions are described as limited.
- Min Depth
- 2 meters
A left-breaking sand-bar wave on the far-left corner of Copacabana, known locally as Pipeleme. It breaks next to rocks and is most consistent in winter when South swells hit the Rio coastline; it can occasionally work on bigger swells but is often more suitable when the mix of swell, tide, and wind is right.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- S
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Generally works across all tides, with more specific consistency described as winter/offshore conditions.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Breaks near the rocks on the left corner (Costão do Leme area), reducing some exposure but can still become heavy and hazardous on big swells.
- Wind Effect
- Wind direction matters for how the wave behaves; east winds are required/most helpful in kite-sport terms, while offshore winds from the North and Northeast are described as grooming for wave faces.
- Bigger Swell
- Works very occasionally on big swells; it can hold significant size but may close out if the swell is too direct from the South.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Wave quality is described as good, with hollow and fast sections when set up.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Can get very fast and heavy when conditions line up.
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Hollow, fast left-breaking wave.
- Peel Speed
- Fast — Fast rides with occasional hollow sections.
- Ride Length
- Short — Good day length is short, typically under 50 meters.
- Typical Ride Length
- 30–50 m
- Ride Length Details
- Fast and occasionally hollow; typically under 50 meters (often about 30–50 m).
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Leme in the full forecast view.
Leme wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–13 ktsGusts 25 kts
- Direction
- SSE159°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 2613 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.6–1.7 m7s period
- Temperature
- 19–30 °C
Over the next 7 days, Leme is forecast for daytime winds of 2–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 25 kts. The prevailing direction is SSE. Waves run 0.6–1.7 m with a period of about 7s. 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
- Rocks at the northern end (Costão do Leme)
- Strong rip currents near the costão
- Heavy shore break on big swells
- Crowded conditions on weekends
- Designated swimming areas may restrict surfing during peak holiday periods
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguard towers (Posto 1) are located along the beach.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue coverage is described as limited, but response/lifeguards are present in high-traffic areas.
- Emergency Info
- Dial 193 for Fire/Ambulance and 190 for Police.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Respect local surfers who frequent the peak near the rocks.
Rules of the spot
Follow standard surfing etiquette and be aware of local surfers near the peak near the rocks.
- Designated swimming areas may restrict surfing during peak holiday periods.
- On larger South swells, be cautious of currents that can pull you toward the rocks near the costão.
- Check conditions on big swells before going in.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Rio de Janeiro
- Nearest Town
- Rio de Janeiro
- Nearest Airport
- Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport (GIG) (~18–25 km) and Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) (~10 km).
- Parking
- Street parking is available but extremely limited and difficult to find, especially on weekends.
- Public Transport
- Metro, integrated bus systems, and ride-sharing across Rio’s South Zone.
- Access
- Instant access (< 5 min walk) from the city; on the left part of Copacabana beach (Avenida Atlântica access at the northern end).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous hotels and hostels are available within walking distance in the Leme and Copacabana neighborhoods.
- Food & Drink
- Kiosks line the boardwalk offering snacks, coconuts, and meals.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available at local surf schools on the beach.
- Gear Storage
- Not typically available.
- Gear Repair
- Board repair services are available through local shapers and workshops; surf shops in the nearby Copacabana and Ipanema areas offer repairs.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Visitors get a blend of dramatic coastal scenery and a high-energy city lifestyle, with well-known landmarks, dining, and beach culture spanning recreational to competitive water sports.
Iconic peak with panoramic coastline views, reachable by cable car.
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, located on Corcovado Mountain.
Historic military base with a museum and well-known cafes.
Urban forest offering hiking, waterfalls, and hang gliding.
Popular sunset drinks and snacks along the oceanfront stone wall.
South America’s largest marine aquarium in the renovated port area.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Leme?
The best overall months at Leme are May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Leme?
Leme works with N, NE winds.
What skill level is Leme suitable for?
Leme suits these riding levels: Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.