Being in the São Paulo capital during the summer months can be both terrible and wonderful. After all, it’s hot (very hot) and you can run out of ideas about what to do in the summer in São Paulo. But the truth is that the city that never stops offers a plethora of options to enjoy even in high temperatures.
So, if you’ve forgotten all the possibilities this city has for you, we’ve put together the best things to do in the heat in São Paulo.
Table Of Contents
Outdoors
Free swimming pools to cool off
Summer has only just begun and São Paulo residents can’t stand the high temperatures any longer. If you’re looking for ideas of what to do in the heat, the best thing to do is to visit the free swimming pools in São Paulo, which offer a dip at a bargain price. Find out how to enjoy them here!
Pullman Hotel Day Use
There’s nothing better than a little pool to cool off in the heat of São Paulo. The Pullman Day Pass at the Pullman Guarulhos Hotel is an option for you to have fun with the family and relax in your free time. It runs daily and you can make use of all the leisure facilities: swimming pool, courts,
playground, petpark, gym and changing room. In addition, the ticket includes a delicious buffet breakfast or lunch from Base Restaurant. An excellent option for what to do in the summer heat in São Paulo!
Explore lesser-known parks
Did you know that São Paulo has more than 100 parks in its territory? With so many options, only those who want to go again will do. We at São Paulo Secreto have already written a guide to green areas that are not so well known to the general public!
Waterfalls in São Paulo
We’re always looking for shade and fresh water – so why not check out São Paulo’s waterfalls? Yes, they exist and are some of the best places to visit in the heat in São Paulo. To prove it, we’ve selected in this article some waterfalls that you can visit without leaving the city.
Agita + Férias
São Paulo City Hall is promoting Agita + Férias, with sports and leisure options for children and teenagers. Among the attractions are inflatable toys, a gourmet kids’ area, recreational street play activities and a baby area, as well as various workshops!
📅 Until 31/01/2026
🕓 Fridays to Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
🎟️ Free, registration required at the event
📍 São Paulo Sports Centers | Check out all the addresses here
Sesc swimming pools
If you have a Sesc-SP Full Credential, you already know what to do in the heat in São Paulo: visit the Sesc swimming pools! There are more than 20 units spread throughout the capital and the Metropolitan Region, with options to please everyone from athletes to families. Check out the list in our article and enjoy the summer!
Family in the Park
The traditional weekend program Família no Parque returns with Hippo, the highest inflatable toboggan in Latin America. With a height of 15 meters and a length of 55 meters, it still has water on the way down on hot days.
📅 3 a 25/01
Every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
📍 Villa-Lobos Park
Eat & drink
Ice cream parlors in São Paulo
Fancy an ice cream? Summer is the best time to visit all the wonderful ice cream parlors in São Paulo. Check out our guide here!
Açaí
If you don’t like ice cream, no problem. Feel free to check out our list of açaiterias in São Paulo which offer everything from the original version from the Amazon to cold, refreshing creams for the heat.
Bars with milkshakes
Some people prefer beer others opt for drink and there are those who prefer a nice cold fruit shake. If you fall into the latter group, here are some bars with fruit shakes to cool off in SP, perfect for beating the summer heat in São Paulo.
Lazer
Art exhibitions in São Paulo
Another option for what to do in the heat in São Paulo is to take refuge in an air-conditioned museum and enjoy an art walk. Check out the exhibitions on show in São Paulo in this article. With immersive and virtual reality options!
Paintball in São Paulo
The paintball game may seem like a simple shooting war with paintballs, but it’s a real test of teamwork. After all, despite being a combat sport, the aim of paintball is to steal the opposing team’s flag.
Visit the São Paulo Zoo and Botanical Garden
Those staying in São Paulo will have the option of learning more about endangered species of animals and plants by visiting the country’s largest zoo and the almost century-old Botanical Garden. Both tourist attractions offer ticket combos with discounts on the official website, just go there and secure yours.
Getaways
Beaches near São Paulo
São Paulo has (almost) everything. But beaches are lacking, aren’t they? Maybe that’s why, whenever possible, people from São Paulo travel to the coast. With this in mind, we’ve selected beaches near São Paulo for you to go to whenever you want.
Water parks near São Paulo
When the weather warms up and temperatures soar, all we want to do is find a good place to cool off. How about setting aside a weekend to visit some of the water park in São Paulo close to the capital?
Take a balloon ride in Boituva
Known as the “National Capital of Ballooning”, Boituva has become one of the most popular destinations for adventurers and is located about 1h15 from São Paulo. So, how about taking advantage of the summer to live an unforgettable experience?
📅 Saturdays and Sundays
