Best time to go to Rio de Janeiro Average weather of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Lucie Lhortolat and Tony Samson last update: 17/04/2024When is the best time to go to Rio de Janeiro?
The peak tourist season in Rio de Janeiro is between the months of December and March, when it is summer in Brazil. Indeed, many travelers seek to escape the winter cold of the northern hemisphere and enjoy the beaches for the year-end holidays. This season is therefore very busy but also relatively expensive.
However, it is not the most favorable season weather-wise in Rio de Janeiro. With its tropical climate, the city of Rio experiences a hot but very rainy summer. If you travel during this period, you can expect significant showers, often in the form of thunderstorms.
On the other hand, the city is not prone to cyclones, making a trip during this season entirely possible.
In fact, the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro with pleasant weather is rather during the winter, from May to October. Winter temperatures in Rio hover around 20°C (68°F) , with the possibility of cooler nights (below 15°C (59°F) ).
July and August are very busy months and prices are high. However, if you are looking for lower prices, the months of May, June, September, and October are very suitable for a trip.
Ultimately, if you are wondering when to go to Rio, know that there are no months to avoid really. Rainy days may slightly disrupt your stay, but they are very unpredictable and can occur in any season.
Overall, Rio enjoys a tropical climate, warm all year round, with intense but short-lived rainfall. You can also swim all year round as the water temperature is around 22 to 26°C (79°F) .
So, when is the best time to go to Rio de Janeiro? Here's some more information to help you in your decision:
- The best months for good weather in Rio de Janeiro are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and December
- On average, the warmest months are January, February, March and December
- The rainiest months are January, November and December
- The sea temperature is suitable for swimming all year round
Annual weather in Rio de Janeiro
Weather details in Rio de Janeiro month by month
Weather and climate in Rio de Janeiro
Located along the Tropic of Capricorn, the city of Rio de Janeiro is one of the largest cities in Brazil, along with Porto Alegre and Sao Paulo.
Rio de Janeiro has a tropical climate with hot and humid weather throughout the year. It experiences two distinct seasons:
- the rainy season, from December to March, which corresponds to summer
- the dry season, from May to October, which corresponds to winter
The months of March and November are transitional months, where the weather can be either hot and rainy or cooler and dry.
Rio de Janeiro Climate during the rainy season: December to March
In Rio de Janeiro, the rainy season lasts from December to March. This is the hottest season in the city, with daily averages ranging between 25 and 30°C (86°F) . However, the heat can be stifling during this period, especially due to the very high humidity levels.
Moreover, Rio de Janeiro's summer climate is subject to significant precipitation. There is about 100 mm of rain between November and March, mainly in the form of thunderstorms lasting less than an hour.
During this season, the sea has a pleasant temperature, ideal for swimming, with temperatures around 24 to 26°C (79°F) .
Climate in Rio de Janeiro during the dry season: May to October
Winter in Rio de Janeiro extends from May to October. Temperatures are slightly cooler, with averages ranging between 21 and 25°C (77°F) .
However, like Brasília, Rio de Janeiro's winter weather experiences some precipitation, although the rainfall is lower than during the rainy season.
For example, in May and October, there are more than 7 rainy days and around 50 mm of precipitation. On the other hand, the months of June, July, and August are quite dry and are popular with vacationers.
Sunshine levels are not as high during this period, with the presence of clouds. There are about 8 hours of sunshine per day compared to 12 hours in December and January.
Finally, the water temperature during this period is around 22°C (72°F) , making swimming possible although a bit cool.
Charts: temperature and rainfall in Rio de Janeiro
In the charts below, you can see the following seasonal norms for the city of Rio de Janeiro: the minimum and maximum outdoor temperature, the risk and amount of monthly rainfall, daily average sunshine, sea temperature, and relative humidity for each month of the year.
Outside temperature
Precipitation (rainfall)
Daily sunshine hours
Sea temperature
Humidity
Best time for low prices in Rio de Janeiro
Average prices of hotels in Rio de Janeiro month by month
Generally, July is the month with the lowest hotel prices in Rio de Janeiro. So this is a great time to save on your holiday! In contrast, January is statistically the most expensive month of the year for hotels.
Find the best price for your hotel room
Average price for flights to Rio de Janeiro
A return flight between London and Rio de Janeiro is generally cheaper if you go in may ($ 983 on average): this is the best time for travellers on a tight budget. In contrast, you may end up paying $ 466 more for your airline ticket to Rio de Janeiro if you go in december.
Find the best price for your flight Flight prices to Rio de Janeiro
Average price of hiring a car in Rio de Janeiro
On average, it costs $ 25 per day to hire a car in Rio de Janeiro. This price varies by $ 4.2 depending on the month. In october, hiring a car costs an average of $ 23 per 24 hours, so this is the best time to save money! In contrast, the average price in december is $ 27.
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