Next week, on March 20, Brazil will officially enter the fall season, a significant transition for the national coffee industry. During this season, the sun will be directly over the equator, resulting in a gradual decrease in solar radiation in the southern hemisphere. This seasonal change brings with it a reduction in temperatures, providing a more favorable environment for the coffee fruit ripening process.
Fall is a crucial period for Brazilian coffee growing, as this is when the fruit begins its ripening process, which lasts until mid-August, varying on the region, altitude and management practices. The milder temperatures characterize an ideal climate for this process, as they promote the plants’ use of energy, directly impacting the quality and quantity of production.
In 2024, some regions experienced early flowering, indicating that fruit ripening has already taken place in some plantations. However, expectations suggest a return to normal weather conditions this year, especially with the weakening of the El Niño phenomenon.
During autumn, it is common for cold fronts to pass along the country’s coastline, which can cause showers, especially in the northern regions of Espírito Santo and southern Bahia. Partly cloudy weather is expected in the Zona da Mata, while drier climate is forecast for the Cerrado, Mogiana and Garça regions. In South Minas, the trend is for sunny weather throughout the season.
The beginning of autumn marks not only a change of season, but also the start of a crucial phase for Brazilian coffee farming. During this period, producers face a series of challenges, with climatic obstacles being one of the most significant due to their unpredictability.
Adapting to climatic conditions is essential to ensure an efficient and high-quality harvest. Humidity is a key factor in this process, as it can directly influence the coffee’s sensory profile. Regions with high humidity, often caused by frequent rainfall, tend to produce coffees with distinct characteristics, such as Rio quality, with phenolic nuances. On the other hand, a drier climate gives producers greater control over post-harvest practices, favoring the production of coffees with more refined sensory qualities.
In this context, it is essential for producers to be aware of climate information and local weather patterns in order to more easily deal with the challenges that arise during the harvest. Knowledge of the region’s climate and the ability to adapt are valuable resources for ensuring success in coffee production, guaranteeing not only the quantity but also the quality of the harvested beans.
Therefore, the beginning of fall not only marks a change of season, but also the start of a period of intense work and dedication in Brazilian plantations, where producers need to be prepared to face the challenges presented by the climate, always seeking to improve their practices and techniques to ensure excellence in coffee production.
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*This article aims only to provide information about the impacts of weather, based on internal and public sources, valid at the time of its dissemination. It does not aim to guide recipients in making any decisions, which are therefore solely the responsibility of the recipient. Atlantica Coffee is exempt from any liability arising from direct or indirect losses.