Best Time to Visit Brazil
When is the Best Time to Visit Brazil?
While Brazil’s summer is from December – March, and winter is from June – September, Brazil’s climate varies depending on the region you’re visiting. Overall, the best time to visit Brazil is during the shoulder season (September – November), when the weather is mild and fewer tourists are visiting major cities and attractions.
Brazil weather varies a lot given the size of the country. In the south of Brazil, there is a more seasonal difference in temperatures than there is further north and in the Amazon. The beaches of southern Brazil have beautiful weather from around October to April, outside those months they can get cool but not cold. In contrast, the northern coast of Brazil has year-round high temperatures and is always warm enough for a Brazil beach vacation. In the Amazon too, temperatures are always high. Though rainfall varies a bit from month to month, the best time to visit the Amazon in Brazil depends more on high and low water season and whether taking an Amazon cruise or staying in a rainforest lodge, more on that below. The best time to visit the Pantanal is from around April to October, this is the cooler, drier time of year.
Whatever the time of year, it is always a good time to visit somewhere in Brazil! With rainforest tours, Pantanal wildlife trips, Brazil city tours and of course tour of Brazil with beach stays, look at our Top 15 Brazil Tours for inspiration.
My Recommendation
“After living and traveling extensively in Brazil, I’ve found that the shoulder season is the best time to visit Brazil. This falls between winter and the hot rainy summer season. It is a fantastic time to explore Brazil’s highlights. The best months to travel to Brazil are September to November when temperatures are mild, flight & hotel prices are lower, and there aren’t as many tourists.”
Jon Hillstead
Brazil Travel Expert
Visiting Brazil in Spring: September to November
Spring in Brazil (September – November)
September to November is considered Brazil’s “shoulder season,” and is one of the most ideal times to explore the country. It is during this time that Brazil is moving from the chilly winter season to a humid, hot summer season. It is also during this time that most travelers from the northern hemisphere are returning home from their holiday vacation, leaving the main tourist attractions with fewer visitors.
Brazil Weather in the Spring
Brazil’s weather in spring is mild and mostly dry, allowing visitors to explore some of the country’s most popular highlights at ease. In Rio de Janeiro, the days can get as warm as 80F / 27C, but then in the evening, the temperature drops to 70F / 21C, making nighttime strolls pleasurable. In more tropical areas like Manaus (Amazon) or Iguazu Falls, heat can spike as high as 91F / 33C.
Rio de Janeiro
27ᵒ C / 80ᵒ F
Amazon
33ᵒ C / 91ᵒ F
Iguazu Falls
29ᵒ C / 84ᵒ F
Best Things to Do in Brazil during Spring
The best things to do during spring in Brazil involve getting outside! At this time, the weather is cooler than the summer and lacks the rain and humidity that might otherwise impact the traveler’s comfortability trekking or other outdoor activities. Areas like Ilhabela, a popular island municipality just outside São Paulo are an ideal destination at this time. Featuring over 40 km of islands, guests enjoy sailing, snorkeling, and beach lounging here. Hiking in Chapada Diamantina is also very popular.
For travelers seeking adventure, an excursion to the Amazon Rainforest provides a journey through some of the world’s rarest flora and fauna while the region experiences its “dry season,” allowing travelers more opportunity for land-based exploration.
Visiting Brazil in Summer: December to February
Summer in Brazil (December – February)
In most of Brazil, the summer season is a hot one, and for those who enjoy sunshine and heat, this is the perfect time to visit. It is also during this time that the world-famous Carnival occurs. In addition to Carnival, the sunny weather and high temperatures during the summer season make visiting Brazil’s northern beaches a must. Even join the locals at Copacabana Beach in Rio for that Brazilian sunkissed glow!
Note: the Brazilian summer season is a hot and humid one. If you’re uninterested in exploring areas with high humidity, we don’t recommend visiting during this time.
Brazil Weather in the Summer
Brazil weather in the summer is hot, hot, hot! Rio de Janeiro can reach highs of 87F / 31C, and Iguazu Falls can get up to 89F / 32C. The reason why this season is extremely warm is not just because of the number on the thermostat – it’s also very humid due to the tropical climate. While January isn’t as wet as other times of the year, the country does experience a fair amount of rainfall leading to more humid weather conditions.
Rio de Janeiro
31ᵒ C / 87ᵒ F
Amazon
31ᵒ C / 87ᵒ F
Iguazu Falls
32ᵒ C / 89ᵒ F
Best Things to Do in Brazil during Summer
Since Brazil is steamy hot during the summer, the most popular things to do become being as close to the coast as possible. Southern Brazil offers up the beautiful Florianópolis famous for its beaches. Those looking for some gorgeous sea breezes and sunshine can stay at one of the popular resort areas such as Praia dos Ingleses. People also enjoy visiting the saltwater lagoons, and watersports such as windsurfing and boating.
Also, during the months of summer, the natural wonder, Iguazu Falls, has the highest water levels of the year due to the increased humidity and rain levels. Getting up and close to the hundreds of cascading falls will never look, feel or sound more impressive.
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Visiting Brazil in Autumn: March to May
Brazil in Autumn (March – May)
March to May is another “shoulder season” in Brazil. This is the time when the hot humid summer season is coming to a close and fall is about to emerge. April, in particular, lowers the heat in Brazil’s famous city Rio de Janeiro making it easier to explore the city and all of its charming neighborhoods.
Brazil Weather in Autumn
With the average temperatures in Rio de Janeiro dropping to 80F / 27C, Brazil’s weather becomes very appealing. Still warm, still humid, just not as intense. By May, Brazil reaches a very comfortable state, with blue skies and sunny weather during the day and a drop in mugginess at night.
Rio de Janeiro
28ᵒ C / 83ᵒ F
Amazon
31ᵒ C / 87ᵒ F
Iguazu Falls
28ᵒ C / 83ᵒ F
Best Things to Do in Brazil during Autumn
The top things to do in Brazil during Autumn involve seeing some of the country’s most prominent landmarks. With humidity and temperatures lowering to a more comfortable level, exploring Rio de Janeiro is ideal at this time. Additionally, Autumn marks the shoulder season in Brazil, lessening tourists crowds at popular sites and allowing more availability in accommodation and activities. Be sure to check out top sites, like Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer and even the white sand beaches surrounding the city.
Temperatures remain between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, perfect for enjoying the Atlantic waters. For adventure, the Pantanal Wetlands is another great option during this time of year. As the region enters its dry season, more land-based exploration is accessible and visitors can get closer to the diverse species that reside here, including jaguars, caiman, and anacondas.
Visiting Brazil in Winter: June to August
Brazil in Winter (June to August)
June in Brazil can be one of the best times to visit Brazil as the temperatures drop, but not to the lows that you might associate with other winter seasons. Winter in Brazil is still warm – upper 60’s, lower 70’s, and there are nice, clear blue skies. It also doesn’t rain as much during this time of the year, eliminating the humidity that you find in the summer season.
Brazil Weather in the Winter
Do not be scared of Brazil weather in the winter season. Unlike many areas in the northern hemisphere, winter in Brazil is very pleasant and travelers are able to still do the same activities that the warmer seasons accommodate. Temperatures rarely go below 68F / 20C during this time of the year, ideal for exploring outside. The central area of the country stays warm and dry whereas the Amazon jungle will experience more humidity.
Rio de Janeiro
25ᵒ C / 77ᵒ F
Amazon
31ᵒ C / 88ᵒ F
Iguazu Falls
24ᵒ C / 75ᵒ F
Best Things to Do in Brazil during Winter
The top things to do in Brazil in Winter involve some of the country’s most beautiful natural landscapes and regions. Travelers love exploring Brazil’s most famous city, Rio de Janeiro, as the temperature and humidity decrease.
People also love visiting the volcanic islands of Isla Fernando de Noronha. The winter months mark the end of the rainy season in Fernando de Noronha, with rain levels decreasing starting in July. The clear skies and waters at this time offer a remarkable display of wildlife, from sea turtles, rays, dolphins and reef sharks. The area is also renowned for its undeveloped beaches, and excellent scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities.
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