Overcast day in Rio de Janeiro; SugarLoaf Mountain in the background.
The four seasons in Rio de Janeiro (located in the Southern Hemisphere) are opposite to the seasons of the North Hemisphere. In other words, late December, January, February, and until late March is summer season. The climate is hot (approximately 32 c°/90 F°), and most of the time humid.
Everybody is out, tourists and locals alike. Tourist attractions, beaches, nightlife venues, and other sites are rather busy. This is the tropical raining season — rains are usually short and strong — considered a bless in the end of a hot and humid day.
Late March, April, May, and until mid-June is autumn. Temperatures drop slightly to around 27 C°/80 F°. This is a great season to visit Rio de Janeiro — the temperature is just right. Good for touring, for lounging and sunbathing on Copacabana or Ipanema beaches, for picnicking in the Botanical Garden, for being outdoors as well as indoors.
Copacabana Beach on a winter day.
That’s the season that has less foreign tourists traveling to Brazil; especially in May and June.
Late June, July, August and until mid-September is winter season in Rio de Janeiro. Temperatures drop a bit more; it ranges around 20 C°/68 F°. It is an awesome season for travelers who are heat-averse.
Finally, Late September, October, November, and until mid-December is spring. Temperatures and climate are similar to autumn (although early autumn tends to rain).
In whatever season you are coming to Rio de Janeiro, book 3 to 7 days in the city. The most popular Brazilian destination does have a lot to offer for the active and for the lazy.
It is unlikely you will regret staying for several days exploring the sights and sounds of Rio de Janeiro. Or, just chilling out at the roof-top bar of your hotel or on a white-sand beach.
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