Brazil
The best time to visit
When to go to Brazil
For Rio and the south, the cooler, drier months of April to June and September to October are the most comfortable. Summer, December to March, is hot and humid, and the season of Carnival and the beaches.
A 0 to 100 comfort rating from daytime heat, overnight chill, rainfall and storm risk, for Rio de Janeiro. Higher is better. Some links on this page are affiliate links, at no cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Jul.
Either side of peak, with thinner crowds and better rates.
Rainy season.
In short
The year at a glance
Brazil is enormous and tropical, with its seasons the reverse of the northern hemisphere. We rate on Rio de Janeiro, where summer is hot, humid and lively, and the autumn and spring shoulders bring warm, drier days that are easier for sightseeing.
The country splits into very different climates. The northeast coast is warm and sunny much of the year, the Amazon is hot and humid with a wetter and a drier season, and the southern cities have a true four-season feel. Carnival, in February or early March, is the headline event.
Month by month
Brazil month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Rio de Janeiro.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rating | What it is like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 73°F | 115 mm | Great 71 | Hot with a little rain. |
| February | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | 105 mm | Ideal 74 | Hot with a little rain. |
| March | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 73°F | 100 mm | Ideal 77 | Hot with a little rain. |
| April | 28°C / 82°F | 22°C / 72°F | 135 mm | Great 64 | Warm and wet. |
| May | 26°C / 79°F | 20°C / 68°F | 80 mm | Ideal 86 | Warm with a little rain. |
| June | 25°C / 77°F | 19°C / 66°F | 55 mm | Ideal 96 | Warm with a little rain. Rio de Janeiro hotels in June |
| July | 25°C / 77°F | 18°C / 64°F | 45 mm | Ideal 100 | Warm and dry. Rio de Janeiro hotels in July |
| August | 25°C / 77°F | 19°C / 66°F | 45 mm | Ideal 100 | Warm and dry. Rio de Janeiro hotels in August |
| September | 25°C / 77°F | 19°C / 66°F | 65 mm | Ideal 92 | Warm with a little rain. |
| October | 26°C / 79°F | 21°C / 70°F | 90 mm | Ideal 82 | Warm with a little rain. |
| November | 28°C / 82°F | 22°C / 72°F | 100 mm | Ideal 78 | Warm with a little rain. |
| December | 29°C / 84°F | 23°C / 73°F | 135 mm | Great 64 | Hot and wet. |
By region
Where you go changes when you go
Rio and the southeast
Hot, humid summers and warm, drier shoulder seasons. April to June and September to October are the most comfortable.
The northeast coast
Salvador and the beaches are warm and sunny much of the year, with the driest months from September to March.
The Amazon and the Pantanal
Hot and humid year round. The drier months, broadly June to October, make for easier travel and the best wildlife viewing.
Go for
Best time to visit Brazil for
Rio and the beaches
December to March for hot summer beach days and Carnival, or the milder shoulders for easier sightseeing.
Carnival
February or early March, when Rio and Salvador host the world's most famous street party.
The Amazon and Pantanal
June to October, the drier season, for wildlife spotting and more comfortable jungle travel.
Iguazu Falls
Pleasant year round, with the falls fullest after the summer rains and the shoulder months most comfortable.
On the calendar
What is on, and when
Carnival, February
Rio and Salvador erupt into days of parades, samba and street parties.
Summer beach season, Dec to Mar
Rio's beaches are at their hottest and liveliest under the high summer sun.
Rainy season
Apr, Dec.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Brazil
Compare hotels and rentals around Rio de Janeiro, then book the month you want.
Ready to book?
Rates climb in peak season, so the best-weather months pay to book early. Shoulder and low months are the value windows.
Prefer to sort flights first? Compare flights
Questions
Good to know
What is the best time to visit Brazil?
When is Carnival in Brazil?
When is the best time for the Amazon?
Where else, and when
Every country on one map, or jump straight to another guide.