Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit Rio de Janeiro
🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil · South America
Based on 30-year climate data (1991-2020) from Open-Meteo
Recommended Travel Months
Jan
32°
25°
Great
Feb
31°
24°
Great
Mar
30°
23°
Great
Apr
29°
22°
Good
May
28°
21°
Great
Jun
28°
21°
Great
Jul
28°
21°
Great
Aug
29°
22°
Good
Sep
30°
23°
Great
Oct
31°
24°
Great
Nov
32°
25°
Great
Dec
32°
25°
Great
Month-by-Month Weather in Rio de Janeiro
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sunshine | Humidity | UV | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryRecommended | 32°C | 25°C | 17 | 7h | 78% | 9 | Great | View |
| FebruaryRecommended | 31°C | 24°C | 15 | 6h | 78% | 9 | Great | View |
| MarchRecommended | 30°C | 23°C | 12 | 4h | 78% | 6 | Great | View |
| April | 29°C | 22°C | 9 | 2h | 78% | 6 | Good | View |
| MayRecommended | 28°C | 21°C | 7 | 1h | 78% | 2 | Great | View |
| JuneRecommended | 28°C | 21°C | 6 | 1h | 78% | 2 | Great | View |
| JulyRecommended | 28°C | 21°C | 7 | 1h | 78% | 2 | Great | View |
| August | 29°C | 22°C | 9 | 3h | 78% | 2 | Good | View |
| SeptemberRecommended | 30°C | 23°C | 12 | 4h | 78% | 6 | Great | View |
| OctoberRecommended | 31°C | 24°C | 15 | 6h | 78% | 6 | Great | View |
| NovemberRecommended | 32°C | 25°C | 17 | 7h | 78% | 9 | Great | View |
| DecemberRecommended | 32°C | 25°C | 18 | 7h | 78% | 9 | Great | View |
Data source: Open-Meteo ERA5 reanalysis archive, 30-year historical normals (1991-2020). Temperatures in Celsius. Sunshine hours are daily averages.
Seasonal Guide to Rio de Janeiro
Spring (September to November)
Avg: 31°C high, 24°C low
The spring equivalent in Rio de Janeiro brings gradually warm temperatures. Daytime highs reach around 31°C (88°F) while nights cool to 24°C (75°F). This is one of the wetter periods, so waterproof gear is recommended.
Summer (December to February)
Avg: 32°C high, 25°C low
Summer is the hottest season in Rio de Janeiro, with temperatures reaching 32°C (90°F). The heat can be intense, but mornings and evenings remain pleasant for sightseeing. Long daylight hours and abundant sunshine provide plenty of time to explore.
Fall (March to May)
Avg: 29°C high, 22°C low
Fall in Rio de Janeiro is one of the best times to visit. Temperatures settle around 29°C (84°F) during the day and 22°C (72°F) at night. Rainfall increases slightly, but comfortable temperatures make up for it. Fewer tourists mean better prices.
Winter (June to August)
Avg: 28°C high, 21°C low
Winter in Rio de Janeiro brings the cooler period, though temperatures remain warm by most standards. This can actually be one of the most comfortable times to visit if you prefer less intense heat.
When to Avoid Rio de Janeiro
The least favorable time to visit Rio de Janeiro is April and August. During this period, you can expect very limited sunshine.
April
Challenges: very limited sunshine
August
Challenges: very limited sunshine
January
Challenges: very hot temperatures, heavy rainfall
Note: visiting during off-peak months often means lower prices, fewer crowds, and a more authentic experience. Consider your priorities when planning your trip.
What to Pack for Rio de Janeiro
Packing recommendations for visiting Rio de Janeiro during the best travel months (May, June, July), when temperatures range from 21°C to 28°C:
- +Lightweight, breathable clothing (cotton or linen)
- +Shorts, t-shirts, and sandals for daytime
- +A compact umbrella or light rain jacket
- +Reusable water bottle
- +Universal power adapter
Rio de Janeiro Year-Round Climate Overview
Rio de Janeiro has a tropical climate (Koppen classification: Am). The warmest month is December with highs of 32°C, while the coldest month is July at just 28°C. Annual rainfall averages 1680mm across approximately 144 rain days.
| Metric | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 32 | 31 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 32 |
| Low °C | 25 | 24 | 23 | 22 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 25 |
| Rain Days | 17 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 15 | 17 | 18 |
| Rain mm | 201 | 175 | 140 | 105 | 79 | 70 | 79 | 105 | 140 | 175 | 201 | 210 |
| Sun h/day | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 7 |
| Humidity % | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 |
| UV Index | 9 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 9 |
Compare Nearby Destinations
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Rio de Janeiro?+
The best time to visit Rio de Janeiro is May, June, July. During these months, temperatures average 28°C (82°F) with 1 hours of daily sunshine and only 7 rain days per month. These conditions offer the most comfortable weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
What is the worst time to visit Rio de Janeiro?+
The least ideal time to visit Rio de Janeiro is April and August. During this period, you can expect very limited sunshine. While Rio de Janeiro can still be visited during this time (often with fewer crowds and lower prices), the weather may limit outdoor activities.
Is Rio de Janeiro good to visit in winter?+
Winter in Rio de Janeiro (December to February) brings temperatures of 32°C (90°F) highs and 25°C (77°F) lows, with about 7 hours of sunshine and 17 rain days per month. This is generally a good time to visit.
What is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro?+
The rainy season in Rio de Janeiro runs from January to December, when average rain days increase to 16 days per month. Total monthly precipitation during this period averages 192mm.
What should I pack for Rio de Janeiro?+
When visiting Rio de Janeiro during the best travel months (May, June, July), pack lightweight breathable clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Bring a compact umbrella just in case. Sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended.
Is May a good time to visit Rio de Janeiro?+
Yes, May is one of the best months to visit Rio de Janeiro. Expect average highs of 28°C (82°F), 1 hours of daily sunshine, and only 7 rain days. The weather is ideal for exploring the city, visiting outdoor attractions, and enjoying local activities.
Detailed Monthly Weather for Rio de Janeiro
For a complete day-by-day weather breakdown including packing lists, activities, and local events, explore each month individually:
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
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