Furnas Reservoir
Reservoir Reservoir in Minas Gerais, hydroelectric origin
In Minas Gerais, the Furnas Reservoir formed behind a hydroelectric dam; boating, fishing and lakeside towns make it a regional weekend destination.
Furnas Reservoir, often called Lago de Furnas, is a large reservoir in Minas Gerais, Brazil created by the Furnas dam on the Grande River. It is used for hydroelectric generation and is a prominent recreational lake in the region.
The reservoir’s shoreline includes beaches, marinas and scenic cliffs and canyons that attract boating, fishing and sightseeing; the canyon sections near the town of Capitólio are especially popular for boat tours and photography. Numerous towns and resorts sit along the lake and provide access for water-based activities.
The reservoir was created as part of mid-20th century hydroelectric development on the Grande River, which transformed a river landscape into a large navigable lake and altered local settlement and land use patterns.
The reservoir lies in south-central Minas Gerais and extends across multiple municipalities, forming a major inland waterbody in the state.
- Purpose: formed by the Furnas Dam on the Grande River and used for hydroelectric power and recreation
What to See #
- Capitólio canyons: steep sandstone canyons, waterfalls and cliffs along the reservoir near the municipality of Capitólio, popular for boat tours and viewpoint photography.
How to Get to Furnas Reservoir #
Furnas Reservoir is in the state of Minas Gerais. The nearest larger towns are accessible by road; from the city of Belo Horizonte it’s a multi‑hour drive depending on the chosen route. Local bus services and hired cars are common ways to reach the reservoir.
Tips for Visiting Furnas Reservoir #
- Time a visit to the reservoir's viewpoints at sunrise - the light on the water and hills is unexpectedly cinematic.
- If planning water activities, check local authority rules: some areas of Furnas Reservoir are restricted due to dam operations.
- Combine the reservoir visit with nearby towns and coffee shops; the region's agricultural life is part of the experience.
Best Time to Visit Furnas Reservoir #
Best in warmer months for boating and outdoor recreation; check local conditions during rainy season.
Weather & Climate near Furnas Reservoir #
Furnas Reservoir's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with warm summers (peaking in February) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 9°C to 28°C. Abundant rainfall (1466 mm/year), wettest in December with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Heavy rain (264 mm).
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February
February is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (198 mm).
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March
March is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (165 mm).
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April
April is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 9°C. The driest month with just 20 mm.
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August
August is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall.
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September
September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).
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October
October is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm).
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November
November is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (181 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (273 mm).
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