In the Northeast, the trade winds blow strong from August to December; the rest of the year the wind eases off, but it doesn't disappear. Here's how to pick your dates by destination and level.
On the Northeast coast, the strongest wind coincides with the second half of the year. From August to December, the trade winds often blow between 20 and 35 knots, with consecutive days of strong wind — the window of choice for those already riding who want many days on the water.
From January to July the wind doesn't vanish, it just becomes more moderate: usually between 15 and 25 knots, with lighter days. For beginners, this is often the best season, because the water is less punishing and lessons go further.
Your choice also depends on the water. Lagoons and rivers are more suited to the start; the open sea, to those who are already independent. In destinations like Cumbuco and Barra do Cunhaú you find both in the same place, which helps you decide based on the day's wind.
It's also worth looking at rain and tide. In Maranhão, the Lençóis lagoons fill with rain and stay full until around December; in Jeri, the freshwater lagoon and the sea behave differently through the year. Good date planning matters more than any new piece of gear.
