Best time to visit · Rio de Janeiro · Brazil
The best time to visit Rio de Janeiro
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Marshallhenrie, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
The most comfortable time to visit Rio is April to June and August to October, when days are warm, humidity is lower and hotel prices are moderate. December to March is the classic beach season, with Carnival and New Year's Eve, but it is hot, stormy and the most expensive time to stay.
Key facts
- Best months
- April–June and August–October
- Shoulder season
- March, July and November
- Warmest month
- January (avg high 30°C (86°F))
- Coldest month
- June (avg high 25°C (77°F))
- Rainiest month
- January (~12 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- May–June and August–September
Seasons
Rio has a tropical climate: hot, humid summers from December to March with heavy afternoon storms, and mild, drier winters from June to August with daytime highs around 25°C.
December–March
Summer
Hot and humid, often above 30°C, with afternoon storms, the busiest beaches and Carnival and New Year's Eve, when prices peak.
April–May
Autumn
Warm, drier and less humid, with comfortable hiking weather, clear views and fewer visitors.
June–August
Winter
Mild days around 25°C, cooler evenings and the clearest skies; the sea is cooler but locals still fill the beaches on sunny weekends.
September–November
Spring
Rising temperatures, more rain from October and moderate prices before the summer rush.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sea | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C | 23°C | 12 | 25°C | 13.4 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| February | 30°C | 23°C | 10 | 26°C | 12.9 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| March | 29°C | 23°C | 10 | 26°C | 12.3 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| April | 28°C | 22°C | 9 | 25°C | 11.6 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 26°C | 20°C | 7 | 24°C | 11 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| June | 25°C | 18°C | 6 | 23°C | 10.7 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| July | 25°C | 18°C | 5 | 22°C | 10.9 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| August | 26°C | 18°C | 5 | 22°C | 11.3 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| September | 25°C | 19°C | 7 | 22°C | 12 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| October | 26°C | 20°C | 9 | 22°C | 12.7 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| November | 27°C | 21°C | 10 | 23°C | 13.3 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| December | 29°C | 22°C | 11 | 24°C | 13.5 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Saint Sebastian's Day — holiday for the city's patron saint (20 January); Pre-Carnival street parties (blocos) start at weekends (usually from mid-January) |
| February | Carnival — Sambadrome parades and street blocos (usually February, sometimes early March) |
| April | Easter holidays (March or April); Tiradentes Day — public holiday (21 April) |
| June | Festas Juninas — June festivals with quadrilha dancing and corn dishes (June–July) |
| July | Festas Julinas — the June festivals continue into July |
| September | Rock in Rio — large music festival held in some years (usually September) |
| October | Festival do Rio — international film festival (usually October) |
| November | Black Consciousness Day — public holiday (20 November) |
| December | Réveillon — New Year's Eve fireworks and concerts on Copacabana Beach (31 December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in May–June and August–September, and the sights are quietest in May–June and August–September.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Summer | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Spring | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Rio de Janeiro?
The most comfortable time to visit Rio is April to June and August to October, when days are warm, humidity is lower and hotel prices are moderate. December to March is the classic beach season, with Carnival and New Year's Eve, but it is hot, stormy and the most expensive time to stay.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Rio de Janeiro?
Usually in May–June and August–September. One of the most comfortable months: warm, mostly dry days, clearer views from Corcovado and fewer visitors.
+What is the rainiest month in Rio de Janeiro?
January, with about 12 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Rio de Janeiro get?
The warmest month, January, averages highs of 30°C (86°F) and lows of 23°C (73°F).