Restinga de Jurubatiba National Park
National Park Coastal national park protecting unique restinga ecosystems
A protected coastal area in Rio de Janeiro state preserving ‘restinga’ dune scrub, lagoons and salt marshes; visitors come for birdwatching, guided dune walks and studies of the fragile coastal ecosystem.
Restinga de Jurubatiba National Park is a federally designated national park on the northern coast of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. It was created to protect coastal restinga ecosystems and associated dune and lagoon landscapes.
The park protects extensive sandy plains of restinga vegetation, interdunal lagoons and low coastal dunes. Visitors can find a mosaic of open sandy habitats, patches of shrub and forest adapted to saline, sandy soils, and a variety of water bodies used by birds and other wildlife.
The area was placed under federal protection to conserve remaining examples of restinga habitat on this stretch of Brazil’s Atlantic coast. Management focuses on habitat conservation, research, and controlled public use.
The park lies along the northern shoreline of Rio de Janeiro state, on the Atlantic coast of southeastern Brazil. It spans coastal areas characterized by low dunes, lagoons and sandy plains.
- Habitat: Protects coastal restinga vegetation, dunes and coastal lagoons along the northern coast of Rio de Janeiro state.
- Protection status: Established as a federal national park to conserve fragile sandy coastal systems and associated wildlife.
How to Get to Restinga de Jurubatiba National Park #
The park stretches along the northern Rio de Janeiro coast between the towns of Macaé and Campos dos Goytacazes. From Macaé, take BR-101 north toward Quissamã and follow local signs for Parque Nacional da Restinga de Jurubatiba; the main access points are on municipal roads off BR-101. Public transport is limited-travelers commonly rent a car in Macaé or arrange a local guide/transfer from nearby towns (Macaé is ~120 km from Rio de Janeiro city by road).
Tips for Visiting Restinga de Jurubatiba National Park #
- Arrive at low tide to see exposed sandbanks and salt pans; some wildlife is far easier to spot then.
- Use a local guide from nearby Macaé or Quissamã for birding spots-locals know the small tracks and seasonal lagoons.
- Bring sun protection and mosquito repellent-the restinga scrub offers little shade and mosquitos are common at dusk.
Best Time to Visit Restinga de Jurubatiba National Park #
Best visited in the Southern Hemisphere winter (May-September) for drier trails and clearer wildlife viewing; the wet season transforms the landscape but can restrict access.
Weather & Climate near Restinga de Jurubatiba National Park #
Restinga de Jurubatiba National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in February) and warm winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 16°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1133 mm/year), wettest in December.
January
January is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (146 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is the warmest month with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (106 mm).
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March
March is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (115 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).
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July
July is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (150 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (160 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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