Month guide · Rio de Janeiro · Brazil
Rio de Janeiro in December
What December is really like in Rio de Janeiro: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Arne Müseler, CC BY-SA 3.0 de
Quick answer
December is a quieter month with trade-offs. Expect average highs of 29°C (84°F), lows of 22°C (72°F), about 11 rainy days and roughly 13.5 hours of daylight. Summer heat and the run-up to New Year's Eve, when Copacabana hosts a huge fireworks party; hotels often require multi-night packages, so book early.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 29°C (84°F) / 22°C (72°F)
- Rainy days
- About 11
- Daylight
- About 13.5 hours
- Sea temperature
- 24°C (75°F)
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in December
December is the 4th-warmest month in Rio de Janeiro: days average 29°C (84°F) against a yearly average high of 27°C (81°F), and nights fall to about 22°C (72°F). Rain falls on roughly 11 of its 31 days. Compared with November (27°C (81°F)), December is warmer; by January highs stay near 30°C (86°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 05:02
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 18:34
- Daylight
- About 13.5 hours
- Sea
- 24°C (75°F)
Autumn (April–May). Warm, drier and less humid, with comfortable hiking weather, clear views and fewer visitors.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 5 for crowds (the peak is January at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in January). Book accommodation early: December is one of the pricier months.
Events in December
- Réveillon — New Year's Eve fireworks and concerts on Copacabana Beach (31 December)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in December
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Nature · Tijuca Forest
Tijuca National Park
Replanted from the 1860s after coffee plantations stripped the hills, the Tijuca forest is one of the largest urban forests in the world and covers the mountains behind the city.
- Time needed
- Half a day to a full day
- Cost
- Free
- Nature
- Outdoors
- Active
- Views
- Free
![tsc_traveler [2]](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:JdBotanico3-CCBY.jpg){kind=link}
Garden · Jardim Botânico
Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden
Combine it with lunch in the Jardim Botânico neighbourhood and a walk or bike ride around the Lagoa.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Nature
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Photo spot
Historic site · Lapa
Lapa Arches
The 42 white arches of the Carioca Aqueduct, built in the 18th century to carry water into the colonial city, now carry the Santa Teresa tram.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes by day, an evening for samba
- Cost
- Free
- History
- After dark
- Free
- Architecture
Waterfront · Lagoa
Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas
Rent a bike from a bike-share dock and ride the full loop in the late afternoon, then stay for dinner at a lakeside kiosk.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Kids
- Active
- Views
The sea averages 24°C (75°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Rio de Janeiro.
What to pack
For highs near 29°C, lows near 22°C and 11 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is December a good time to visit Rio de Janeiro?
A quieter month with trade-offs, with a notable event on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, April–June and August–October are better overall. Compare every month.
Rio de Janeiro in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit Rio de Janeiro?
It is a quieter month with trade-offs. Summer heat and the run-up to New Year's Eve, when Copacabana hosts a huge fireworks party; hotels often require multi-night packages, so book early.
+How warm is Rio de Janeiro in December?
Average highs are around 29°C (84°F) and lows around 22°C (72°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Rio de Janeiro in December?
Expect rain on about 11 days of the month.