The best time to climb Sugar Loaf in Rio de Janeiro is early morning (from 6 a.m. on) for at least two reasons: 1) it is not that hot yet, and 2) you may get to Sugar Loaf summit before the tourists.
Another great time to climb Sugar Loaf rock is in the end of the afternoon in order to see the sunset and the city lights when the night falls.
Prefer to climb Sugar Loaf rock on a weekday in the cooler months (April-October), as there are fewer climbers on their way up and fewer tourists on the summit.
The worse day to climb Sugar Loaf are during Carnival days and right around New Years Day. Why? Because there are way too many tourists standing in line to take the cable car down. Since that’s the line you will face as well, you better go early in the morning in order to take the cable car down before the crowds, or go in the end of the afternoon and take your time until it gets dark, when then most tourists head down.
See photos of Sugar Loaf in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil as well as info on how to climb it.