Rio de Janeiro, the famous city in Brazil, is right at sea level. However, Rio has several areas above sea level such as Corcovado Mountain, which height is 710 meters (2,328 feet) as well as Sugar Loaf Hill, which height is 396 meters (1,298 feet).
Rio de Janeiro has 40 kilometers (25 miles) of coast with 28 beaches. On the other hand, Rio is very mountainous, so depending on where you live in, it can be actually cold, especially at winter nights (July, August and September). “Actually cold” for Cariocas (Rio natives) is 12°C (53°F). Anything less than that is considering freezing cold! Yes, Cariocas are spoiled and don’t know what real cold is all about since they are used to an yearly average temperature of 23°C (74°F).
But there are cold and higher areas in Rio de Janeiro. For example, Alto da Boa Vista is a district quite above sea level (approximately 500 meters or 1,640 feet in height). This is the neighborhood where are recorded the lowest temperatures in Rio de Janeiro. In fact, when visiting Rio you can have the opportunity of drive by Alto da Boa Vista on your way to Floresta da Tijuca (Tijuca Forest), the largest urban forest in the world.
Other places close to Rio de Janeiro are also above sea level. For example, Petrópolis is a city 65 kilometers (40 miles) away from Rio de Janeiro. It is not in Rio de Janeiro city, but in Rio de Janeiro State. Petrópolis is at 800 meters (2,624 feet) above sea level, no wonder it is a refuge for those who are tired of the heat in Rio de Janeiro.
Are you planning or considering travelling to Rio de Janeiro in the future? Read all about the fascinating attractions you can visit at sea level as well as above it in My Rio Travel Guide – The Essential How-To Visitor’s Guide to Rio de Janeiro.
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