When is the Best Time to Visit Brazil?
The best time to visit Brazil for warm weather is during summer, from December to March. Average daily temperatures range from 24°C–35°C (75°F–95°F), and the world–famous Carnival also falls during this period. These weather conditions are great for beach visits in Trancoso, sightseeing in Rio de Janeiro and hiking in the Ibitipoca Reserve.
Brazil’s climate is primarily tropical so you can expect warm temperatures and some rain throughout the year. Although, as the fifth largest country in the world, Brazil is home to a diverse range of landscapes and the best time to visit can depend on which region you want to visit, and what you’d like to do.
The shoulder months of April to May and September to November offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. If you want to witness some of Brazil’s spectacular wildlife, the Pantanal is best visited from July to September, and wildlife viewing in the Amazon is at its peak during the dry season from June to October.
Brazil month by month weather guide
Spanning 8.5 million square kilometres (3.2 million square miles), it’s no surprise that there are a variety of climates in Brazil. Equatorial climates in the far north experience frequent rainfall, compared to the semi-arid climates found in parts of the interior. There are also seasonal changes across spring (September to December), summer (December to March), autumn (March to June) and winter (June to September), which impact the weather conditions.
To help you decide the best time of year to visit Brazil for your own adventure we’ve put together a month by month weather guide. Our guide highlights the different weather conditions you can expect each month, across the country.
January in Brazil
January is summer in Brazil, and marks the start of the rainy season in the Amazon. The days are hot and humid, and average temperatures range from 24°C–35°C (75°F–95°F). This is a great month to visit Brazil’s fantastic beaches, or experience vibrant festivals, such as the Réveillon – New Year’s Eve celebrations and the Three Kings Day on 6th January.
February in Brazil
February is the hottest month in Brazil, and the daily average temperatures in Rio de Janeiro range from 27°C–35°C (81°F–95°F). Visitors and residents alike enjoy the city during this time for its world–famous Carnival and hot weather. February is also the middle of Brazil’s rainy season, and short rain showers in the afternoons and evenings are common.
March in Brazil
March is the last month of summer and the rainy season in Brazil, expect hot, humid days, although temperatures begin to cool down towards the end of the month. Expect daily average temperatures between 26°C–29°C (78°F–84°F) along coastal areas such as Florianopolis and Buzios. March is a great month to visit Iguassu Falls as they are at their most powerful thanks to the increased rain.
April in Brazil
April in Brazil is the first month of autumn, and the climate becomes cooler and drier. Average daily temperatures are around 18°C–26°C (65°F–80°F), staying warmer around the coast but getting cooler towards the south. This shoulder month is a great time to explore the Amazon river by canoe, as water levels are at their highest.
May in Brazil
The weather in Brazil in May is warm and pleasant with low humidity. This shoulder month is a fantastic time to visit Rio de Janeiro without the crowds of high season, and daily temperatures there hover around 25°C–26°C (78°F–80°F). May is also an ideal month to visit the Pantanal wetlands, where there is an increased chance of spotting wildlife, including jaguars, due to decreasing water levels.
June in Brazil
June is part of the dry season in Brazil, which is also slightly cooler. Average temperatures range from 16°C–26°C (60°F–80°F). There are fewer visitors during this season, and the lower temperatures are better suited to exploring the historic towns and cities of Minas Gerais, including Ouro Preto, which was the centre of the Portuguese gold rush.
July in Brazil
July is winter in Brazil, and the coolest month of the year in Rio, where average temperatures sit between 18°C–25°C (64°F–77°F). This is an ideal time of year to visit the Amazon, or the Pantanal wetlands, where you’ll have the chance to spot an abundance of wildlife, including jaguars, caimans and capybaras, who congregate around the remaining water sources.
August in Brazil
Brazil is mild and dry in August. Temperatures range from 19°C–25°C (66°F–79°F) and there are very few rainy days. Low water levels in the Amazon make it easier to walk through the rainforest for wildlife viewing. It’s possible to spot humpback whales off the coast of São Sebastião, or southern right whales at Santa Catarina in the south of the country, which is also home to the postcard–perfect beaches of Florianopolis.
September in Brazil
In September the weather in Brazil is warm and pleasant. It’s a great month to visit cities such as Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo, where the shoulder season means fewer visitors. Temperatures here range from 26°C–29°C (80°F–85°F) during the day, perfect for exploring. Both the north and south of the Pantanal are good to visit in September as this is the bird breeding season.
October in Brazil
October is spring time in Brazil, and temperatures are beginning to increase again following winter. Much like April and May, October is one of the shoulder months in Rio de Janeiro, where day time temperatures average 26°C (80°F), and you can experience the city with fewer crowds. It’s also a good month to visit the tropical beaches and colourful Portuguese architecture of Salvador de Bahia as it has the lowest amount of humidity and rainfall.
November in Brazil
In November, the weather in Brazil is warm and humid. Rainfall increases as the month progresses and short afternoon showers become more frequent. Temperatures climb in Rio, which has a daily average high of 28°C (82°F). The beaches of Bahia are beautiful during this month, and the mighty force of Iguassu Falls is beginning to increase again due to the rainfall.
December in Brazil
December in Brazil marks the start of summer, and also signifies the beginning of the country’s most popular travel season. Temperatures across the country can range from 24°C–35°C (75°F–95°F), with the hottest weather around northeastern coastal cities such as Recife. It is also one of the wettest months, and short afternoon showers are common.
The best time to visit Rio de Janeiro
The best time to visit Rio de Janeiro is from December to March when the weather is hot and sunny, with average daily temperatures up to 30°C–32°C (86°F–90°CF). The temperatures during this time are perfect for enjoying the city’s famous beaches, such as Copacabana and Ipanema. Expect frequent refreshing rain showers, as the rainy season runs from December and April.
This is also the busiest time of year to visit Rio de Janeiro as Carnival typically falls at the end of February or beginning of March. Visit during the shoulder months from April and May and September to November, when temperatures are cooler, and there are fewer visitors.
The best time to visit the Amazon
The best time to visit the Amazon for wildlife viewing and activities is during the dry season from June to October. The water levels are lower, and the concentrated water sources allow for better wildlife viewing. The dry season also brings better hiking, and fewer mosquitos. Visit from December to May during high water season, when the Amazon spills into intricate networks of creeks and tributaries which can be explored by boat.
It’s important to bear in mind that the Amazon’s humid climate is generally wet, so expect some rainfall year–round, normally for an hour or two per day. The Amazon is also extraordinarily vast, covering 6.7 million square kilometres – that’s an area twice the size of India, and the climate can vary depending on where you go.
The best time to visit Iguassu Falls
The largest waterfall system in the world, Iguassu Falls sit on Brazil’s border with Argentina, and are an incredible sight to see all year round. The falls are much busier during the peak season of December to February, and this is also when you’re likely to experience more rain, albeit in warm, short showers.
We recommend visiting during the shoulder months, from March to May or August to October as these periods experience pleasant weather and fewer crowds. During this time average daily temperatures are around 26°C–30°C (79°F–86°F), and rain showers are less frequent.
When is Carnival in Brazil?
Carnival in Brazil takes place in February or March, just before the start of Lent. The dates change slightly each year according to when Easter falls, but it always starts on the Friday before Ash Wednesday, and ends five days later on Ash Wednesday itself.
Carnival is treated as a month–long celebration, and festivities and street parties take place in the weeks leading up to the main event. This is one of the most popular times to vacation in Brazil, and the busiest time of year to visit Rio de Janeiro. The city plays host to some of the biggest celebrations in the country, including the world–renowned competition between samba schools at the Sambadromo.
Whatever you want from your trip to Brazil, our team of expert travel designers are here to help.
