Best time to visit · São Paulo · Brazil
The best time to visit São Paulo
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Ricardo Migliani, CC BY 3.0
Quick answer
The best times to visit São Paulo are April to May and August to October, when days are warm and mostly dry and evenings are comfortable. Summer (December to March) is hot, humid and stormy, while June and July are dry but can turn cold. São Paulo is a business city, so hotel prices often dip at weekends and in January.
Key facts
- Best months
- April–May and August–October
- Shoulder season
- March, June–July and November
- Warmest month
- February (avg high 29°C (84°F))
- Coldest month
- June (avg high 22°C (72°F))
- Rainiest month
- January (~18 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- March–October and December–January
Seasons
São Paulo has a subtropical highland climate: warm, humid summers from December to March with heavy afternoon thunderstorms, and mild, dry winters from June to August, when cold fronts can bring chilly days.
December–March
Summer
Hot and humid with almost daily afternoon thunderstorms, occasional flooding, Carnival and quieter business districts in January.
March–May
Autumn
Warm, increasingly dry days, cooler nights and the Virada Cultural; comfortable for walking.
June–August
Winter
Dry and mild with cold snaps, clear skies and Festa Junina; bring a jacket, as many buildings lack heating.
September–November
Spring
Warming weather, the first rains, the Bienal in even-numbered years and the film festival.
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 | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28°C | 19°C | 18 | 13.4 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| February | 29°C | 19°C | 15 | 12.9 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| March | 28°C | 18°C | 14 | 12.3 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| April | 26°C | 17°C | 9 | 11.6 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 23°C | 14°C | 8 | 11 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| June | 22°C | 13°C | 5 | 10.7 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| July | 22°C | 12°C | 5 | 10.8 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| August | 24°C | 13°C | 4 | 11.3 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| September | 24°C | 14°C | 7 | 12 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| October | 26°C | 16°C | 10 | 12.7 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| November | 26°C | 17°C | 12 | 13.3 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| December | 28°C | 18°C | 15 | 13.6 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| February | Carnival — street blocos and samba-school parades at the Anhembi Sambódromo (February or early March) |
| May | Virada Cultural — 24 hours of free performances citywide (usually May) |
| June | São Paulo Pride Parade on Avenida Paulista (usually May or June); Festas Juninas — June festivals with traditional food and dancing |
| September | Bienal de São Paulo — contemporary art exhibition in Ibirapuera (even-numbered years, usually September to December) |
| October | Mostra Internacional de Cinema — São Paulo International Film Festival (usually late October) |
| November | Formula 1 São Paulo Grand Prix at Interlagos (usually November) |
| December | São Silvestre road race (31 December); New Year's Eve concert and fireworks on Avenida Paulista (31 December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in March–October and December–January, and the sights are quietest in March–October and December–January.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Summer | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; 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 compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; 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 São Paulo?
The best times to visit São Paulo are April to May and August to October, when days are warm and mostly dry and evenings are comfortable. Summer (December to March) is hot, humid and stormy, while June and July are dry but can turn cold. São Paulo is a business city, so hotel prices often dip at weekends and in January.
+When are hotel prices lowest in São Paulo?
Usually in March–October and December–January. Hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and flash flooding; many residents head to the coast.
+What is the rainiest month in São Paulo?
January, with about 18 days of rain on average.
+How hot does São Paulo get?
The warmest month, February, averages highs of 29°C (84°F) and lows of 19°C (66°F).