The best time to visit Rio de Janeiro is from April to November: it is the driest season, with afternoons of 26 to 30 °C (79 to 86 °F) and gentler prices. For the beach, the southern-hemisphere summer atmosphere, New Year’s Eve and Carnival, aim for December to March, and accept the heat, the thunderstorms and the highest prices.
⚠️ Safety: according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 29 September 2026), the security situation in many favelas is unpredictable and can be dangerous, and travellers should avoid all favelas, including favela tours marketed to tourists. The U.S. State Department (travel.state.gov, last updated August 6, 2026) likewise advises against entering favelas, even on a guided tour, and warns of armed robberies at or near public beaches. Check both pages for the latest advice before you travel.
Rio has a tropical climate: temperatures vary little through the year, but rainfall follows a clear pattern. The southern-hemisphere summer, from December to March, is hot and humid, with more than 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain a month, often as late-afternoon thunderstorms. The southern-hemisphere winter, from June to September, is mild and much drier. The seasons are reversed compared with Europe and North America: July is the heart of winter in Rio. Here is how to choose your dates, based on the official normals of Brazil’s National Institute of Meteorology (INMET).
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When to go to Rio de Janeiro at a glance
- Best times April–May and August to November, for drier weather and moderate heat
- For the beach and partying December to March, the high season
- Hottest month February, with an average high of 32.2 °C (90 °F)
- Driest month July (42 mm (1.7 in)), followed by June and August
- Wettest month January (137 mm (5.4 in)), followed by March, December and February
- Major events New Year’s Eve (Réveillon) on December 31 at Copacabana and Carnival, in February or March depending on the year
- Cheapest period May–June and August–September, outside school holidays
When to go to Rio de Janeiro by priority
- Best weather: April to November, the driest season; July is the driest month
- Cheapest: May, June and September, in the low season
- Fewest crowds: May, June and September; December to February is the busiest period
- Events: Saint Sebastian’s Day (January 20), Carnival (February 6 to 9, 2027), Festas Juninas (June), New Year’s Eve at Copacabana (December 31)
Rio de Janeiro: the calendar at a glance
✅ Best months: April, may, June, July, August, September, October, November
Climate and weather in Rio de Janeiro month by month
The table below uses the normals of the Rio de Janeiro station of Brazil’s National Institute of Meteorology (INMET), the official reference for the city.
| Month | Avg. max | Avg. min | Rain | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31.5 °C (89 °F) | 24.1 °C (75 °F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | Very high | Very high | ⚠️ Hot, stormy summer, high season |
| February | 32.2 °C (90 °F) | 24.4 °C (76 °F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | Very high (Carnival) | Very high | ⚠️ The hottest month, Carnival |
| March | 31.2 °C (88 °F) | 24.0 °C (75 °F) | 136 mm (5.4 in) | Moderate | Moderate | ⚠️ Still hot and rainy |
| April | 30.0 °C (86 °F) | 23.0 °C (73 °F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | Moderate (Easter) | Moderate | ✅ Less rain, gentler heat |
| May | 27.8 °C (82 °F) | 20.7 °C (69 °F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | Low | Low | ✅ Mild and drier, low season |
| June | 26.7 °C (80 °F) | 19.3 °C (67 °F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | Low | Low | ✅ Dry, mild southern winter |
| July | 26.4 °C (80 °F) | 18.7 °C (66 °F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | Moderate (school holidays) | Moderate | ✅ The driest month |
| August | 27.0 °C (81 °F) | 19.1 °C (66 °F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | Moderate | Moderate | ✅ Dry and pleasant for sightseeing |
| September | 26.7 °C (80 °F) | 19.6 °C (67 °F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | Low | Low | ✅ Dry, start of the southern spring |
| October | 28.2 °C (83 °F) | 21.1 °C (70 °F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | Moderate | Moderate | ✅ A good compromise, the heat returns |
| November | 29.4 °C (85 °F) | 22.3 °C (72 °F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) | Moderate | Moderate | ✅ Pleasant, showers more frequent |
| December | 30.3 °C (87 °F) | 23.2 °C (74 °F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | Very high (holidays) | Very high | ⚠️ Hot and rainy, New Year’s Eve |
The gap between the hottest and coolest months is only about 6 °C (43 °F) for the average highs. What really changes is rain and humidity: three times more rain in January than in July. Nights do not fall below 18 °C (64 °F) on average, even in winter.
Rio’s seasons: pros and cons
Southern summer (December to March): beach, partying and thunderstorms
Highs exceed 30 °C (86 °F), humidity is high and more than 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain falls each month from December to March, mostly in late-afternoon thunderstorms. This is the Brazilian holiday season: Copacabana and Ipanema beaches are packed on weekends, and prices rise sharply for New Year’s Eve and Carnival.
- Pros: party atmosphere, warmer sea, long evenings, Carnival and New Year’s Eve
- Cons: heavy heat for sightseeing, thunderstorms, the highest prices, minimum stays imposed by hotels on festival dates
- Our tip: March, after Carnival, keeps the summer heat with fewer people
Southern autumn (April–May): the in-between season
Rain falls back noticeably (95 mm (3.7 in) in April, 70 mm (2.8 in) in May) and the heat becomes more bearable: 30 °C (86 °F) in April, 28 °C (82 °F) in May. After Easter, the city settles into a calmer rhythm.
- Pros: more stable weather, falling prices, good conditions for hikes and viewpoints
- Cons: the sea starts to cool, Easter is in high demand
- Our tip: May is one of the best months to visit Rio without the crowds
Southern winter (June to September): the dry season
This is the driest season, with less than 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain a month. Afternoons are still around 26 to 27 °C (79 to 81 °F); nights drop to about 19 °C (66 °F). Skies are more often clear for the views from Corcovado and Sugarloaf. July coincides with the Brazilian school holidays. Our guide to Christ the Redeemer explains how to reach the summit.
- Pros: pleasant temperatures for sightseeing, little rain, moderate prices outside July
- Cons: cooler water, shorter days, occasional cold fronts with gray skies
- Who is it for? A first trip focused on sightseeing and hiking, or combined with the Northeast or the Amazon
Southern spring (October–November): the heat returns
Temperatures climb back (28 to 29 °C (82 to 84 °F)) and showers gradually return (87 mm (3.4 in) in October, 98 mm (3.9 in) in November). It is a good compromise before the high season in December.
- Pros: summer-like warmth, still reasonable prices, a warming sea
- Cons: more frequent showers in November
- Our tip: October, to combine beach and sightseeing
When to go to Rio by trip type
| Trip | Best time | Where? |
|---|---|---|
| Sightseeing and viewpoints | April to November | Corcovado, Sugarloaf, Santa Teresa by day |
| Beach | December to March; October–November as a compromise | Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon |
| Carnival | February or early March depending on the year | Sambadrome, street parties (blocos) |
| New Year’s Eve | December 31 | Copacabana beach |
| Hiking | May to September | Tijuca National Park (with a guide), Pedra da Gávea |
| Combined with Paraty or Ilha Grande | April–May, September–November | Costa Verde |
| Budget | May–June, August–September | Everywhere |
Major events in Rio de Janeiro
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| January 20 | Saint Sebastian’s Day, patron saint of the city (municipal holiday) | Citywide |
| February 6 to 9, 2027; late February 2028 | Carnival (dates tied to Easter, they change every year) | Sambadrome and city streets |
| June | Festas Juninas, popular Saint John’s festivals | Citywide |
| December 31 | Réveillon, New Year’s Eve on the beach with fireworks | Copacabana |
Rio de Janeiro weather month by month: what to expect
Rio de Janeiro in January: Peak summer and Brazilian holidays: 31.5 °C (89 °F) in the afternoon and the wettest month (137 mm (5.4 in)). Crowded beaches, very high prices.
Rio de Janeiro in February: The hottest month (32.2 °C (90 °F)) and, in 2027, the month of Carnival. Book months ahead.
Rio de Janeiro in March: Still hot and rainy (136 mm (5.4 in)). After Carnival, the crowds thin out.
Rio de Janeiro in April: Rain falls back (95 mm (3.7 in)) and the heat eases (30 °C (86 °F)). Check the date of Easter.
Rio de Janeiro in May: One of the best months: 28 °C (82 °F), 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, low season.
Rio de Janeiro in June: Mild, dry southern winter (43 mm (1.7 in)). Festas Juninas. Low prices.
Rio de Janeiro in July: The driest month (42 mm (1.7 in)), 26 °C (79 °F) in the afternoon. Brazilian school holidays.
Rio de Janeiro in August: Dry and pleasant (27 °C (81 °F), 45 mm (1.8 in)). An excellent month for sightseeing and hiking.
Rio de Janeiro in September: Still dry (54 mm (2.1 in)), start of the southern spring. Moderate prices.
Rio de Janeiro in October: The heat returns (28 °C (82 °F)), moderate showers. A good compromise for beach and sightseeing.
Rio de Janeiro in November: Warm (29 °C (84 °F)) and wetter. The last month before the high season.
Rio de Janeiro in December: Start of summer and thunderstorm rains (134 mm (5.3 in)). Prices peak around New Year’s Eve.
When to book your trip to Rio de Janeiro
For New Year’s Eve and Carnival, book your flight and accommodation 5 to 6 months ahead: hotels in the Zona Sul often impose minimum stays and higher rates. For July, which combines Brazilian school holidays with peak holiday travel from abroad, 3 to 4 months ahead is advisable. The rest of the year, 2 to 3 months is generally enough. Most international visitors arrive at Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport.
Planning your trip to Rio de Janeiro
- Entry requirements: passport and visa rules depend on your nationality: see the entry requirements for Brazil.
- Time difference: Rio is on UTC-3 and Brazil no longer observes daylight saving time: 3 hours behind London in winter and 4 in summer; 2 hours ahead of New York in winter and 1 in summer (details).
- Currency: the Brazilian real. To convert, use our currency converter.
- Health: the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 29 September 2026) lists yellow fever and dengue among the health risks in Brazil; the U.S. State Department (travel.state.gov, last updated August 6, 2026) says the yellow fever vaccine is not required for entry to Brazil but, if you want it, it must be given at least 10 days before travel. Protect yourself from mosquito bites, especially in the southern summer, and check current vaccination advice at least 8 weeks before your trip.
- Rainfall and landslides: GOV.UK notes that the rainy season runs from November to March in south-east Brazil, including Rio de Janeiro, and that flash floods and landslides are common where mountains are close to the coast.
To plan your sightseeing, see our Rio de Janeiro travel guide. To combine Rio with Iguaçu, Salvador or the Amazon, see when to go to Brazil and our Brazil travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Rio de Janeiro?
May, August, September and October offer the best compromise: 27 to 28 °C (81 to 82 °F) in the afternoon, little rain and moderate prices. For the beach and the summer atmosphere, choose March, after Carnival.
What is the rainy season in Rio?
From December to March, with more than 130 mm (5.1 in) a month according to the INMET normals. It is mostly late-afternoon thunderstorms. From June to August, less than 50 mm (2.0 in) a month falls.
Is Rio cold in July?
No: it is about 26 °C (79 °F) in the afternoon and 19 °C (66 °F) at night on average. It is the southern winter, but the water is cooler and some days are gray when cold fronts pass through.
When is Carnival in Rio?
Its dates depend on Easter and change every year. In 2027 it runs from Saturday, February 6 to Tuesday, February 9; in 2028 it falls in late February. Book several months ahead.
When should you go to Rio to avoid the crowds?
In May–June and August–September, outside school holidays. Avoid New Year’s Eve, Carnival, January and July if you want some quiet.
Can you swim in Rio all year?
Yes, but the water is cooler in the southern winter. Both GOV.UK and travel.state.gov warn of strong currents and rip tides on Brazil’s beaches: get local advice, follow the warning flags and lifeguards’ instructions, and do not swim if you are unsure.
What is the weather like in Rio in December?
Hot and humid: about 30.3 °C (87 °F) in the afternoon, 23.2 °C (74 °F) at night and 134 mm (5.3 in) of rain on average, mostly as thunderstorms. It is also the month of New Year’s Eve, with crowds and prices at their peak. To compare destinations, see our picks for where to go in December.
What is the weather like in Rio in January?
It is the heart of the southern summer: about 31.5 °C (89 °F) in the afternoon, 24.1 °C (75 °F) at night and 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain on average, with frequent thunderstorms. It suits the beach if you can stand the heat. More ideas: where to go in January.
Our sources
- Climate normals: Brazil’s National Institute of Meteorology (INMET), Rio de Janeiro station: temperatures, 1981–2010 normals; rainfall, 1961–1990 normals (the latest period published for this station)
- Safety, health and weather information read on 26 October 2026: UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Brazil (GOV.UK, updated 29 September 2026), and U.S. Department of State, Brazil country information (travel.state.gov, last updated August 6, 2026)
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.
