Sao Rafael
Sao Rafael is a SUB AREA in São Paulo, São Paulo.
Sao Rafael is a tranquil coastal district in São Paulo state, offering pristine beaches and lush Atlantic rainforest. The main beach, Praia de São Rafael, features calm, clear waters ideal for swimming and stand-up paddleboarding. Surrounded by low-rise condominiums and native vegetation, it retains a relaxed, uncrowded atmosphere compared to nearby Riviera de São Lourenço. Visitors enjoy long walks on the soft sand, fresh seafood at beachfront kiosks, and kayaking in the estuary. The area is also a gateway to hiking trails in the Serra do Mar state park, where you can spot toucans and howler monkeys. Sunset views from the rocky points are spectacular. With a laid-back vibe and family-friendly infrastructure, Sao Rafael is perfect for those seeking a peaceful beach escape with easy access to nature.
Best time to visit Sao Rafael
The best time is from April to October, during the dry season. April-June offers pleasant temperatures (22-28°C) and fewer crowds. July is peak winter but still warm, with clear skies. Avoid December-February (summer) when it's hot, humid, and rainy, with heavy crowds and higher prices.
October
NowTypical for October
- Weather
- Warm 22-28°C, increasing rain
Travel notes
- Crowds
- Low
- Prices
- Mid
Last dry month before summer
Know before you go
Getting there
São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport
International
120 km away
São Paulo/Congonhas Airport
Domestic
110 km away
Santos Air Force Base
Domestic
50 km away
Getting around
Stay connected
WiFi speed
20 Mbps
Mobile data
Good
WiFi
Available in most hotels and some beach kiosks
Local SIM
Local SIM from Claro or Vivo available in Bertioga for ~$5
Stay safe
Overall
8/10Petty theft is the main concern; violent crime is rare.
Night safety
7/10Petty theft is the main concern; violent crime is rare.
Transport
9/10Scam risk
6/10Entry and health
Health information
Culture
Local customs
Costs and practicals
Cost level
Meals
Hotels
Local transport
Cost notes
Timezone
Local time 13:24
More facts
Population
148,145
Type
Suburb
Nearby areas in São Paulo
Agua Rasa
Alto De Pinheiros
Anhanguera
Aricanduva
Artur Alvim
Barra Funda
Bela Vista
Belem
Bom Retiro
Bosque Saúde
Brás
Brasilandia
Butanta
Cachoeirinha
Cambuci
Campo Belo
Campo Grande
Campo Limpo
Cangaiba
Capao Redondo
Carrao
Casa Verde
Cidade Ademar
Cidade Dutra
Cidade Lider
Cidade Tiradentes
Consolação
Cursino
Ermelino Matarazzo
Freguesia do Ó
Grajaú
Guaianases
Iguatemi
Instituto de Biociências
Ipiranga
Itaim Bibi
Itaim Paulista
Itaquera
Jabaquara
Jaçanã
Jaguara
Jaguare
Jaraguá
Jardim Angela
Jardim Helena
Jardim Paulista
Jardim Sao Luis
Jose Bonifacio
Lajeado
Lapa
Liberdade
Limão
Mandaqui
Moema
Mooca
Morumbi
Parelheiros
Pari
Parque Do Carmo
Perdizes
Perus
Pinheiros
Pirituba
Ponte Rasa
Raposo Tavares
Republica
Rio Pequeno
Sacomã
Santa Cecilia
Santana
Santo Amaro
Sao Domingos
Sao Lucas
São Mateus
São Miguel
Sapopemba
Se
Tatuapé
Tucuruvi
Vila Andrade
Vila Curuca
Vila Formosa
Vila Guilherme
Vila Jacui
Vila Leopoldina
Vila Maria
Vila Mariana
Vila Matilde
Vila Medeiros
Vila Prudente
Frequently Asked Questions
Also known as: SRA, São Rafael

