When to Visit the City of Rio de Janeiro

The temperature in Rio de Janeiro is really quite moderate all year round. So, in truth, there is really no bad time to visit the city. 

Summer

Summer runs from December through the first half of March. The hottest months are December and January when temperatures can get well over 104ºF (40ºC). There is also quite a bit of rain during the summer every afternoon. Many of the locals take their vacations during this time especially from Christmas through to the Carnival. The beaches can be quite crowded and prices do increase. Also some businesses are closed from just before Christmas through the beginning of January. Along with the Carnival, New Years Eve is another holiday that draws large crowds. 

Winter

The winter months include July, August and September. There is very little rainfall and while the sunny days are perfect beach days, the nights and cloudy days can get a bit chilly. Expect high temperatures to be around 75ºF (24ºC) during the day and well into the 60s (15ºC) at night. Because this is not a time of the year as popular as summer is to visit the city and prices are much lower and it is easier to find lodging at the last minute. Winter is also the best time of the year for surfers to hit the beach as the oceans are at their most turbulent.

Spring

Spring, September through November, is a lovely time of the year to stay in the city. There is very little humidity and few rainy days. The temperatures are almost perfect ranging around 79º F (26ºC). Still warm enough for the beach but cool enough for a hike through the rainforest. During the spring, the gardens and mountains are full of color and new growth. This time of the year is a horticulturist’s paradise. Prices are still fairly cheap and the beaches are not very crowded. This is the perfect time to visit places like Botanical Garden, Tijuca Forest and Parque Lage, some of the favorite places of the natives to be in touch with nature.

Autumn

Autumn is another beautiful time of the year. Less humidity and cooler temperatures than summer, April, May and June average around 80º F (26ºC). There is almost no rain and the beach crowd is thinning out from the very busy summer. Prices around town are dropping to attract business and it is easier to find lodging.

It is not so much a question of the best time of year to visit Rio but what is the best time of the year to you? If you enjoy the crowds and want to celebrate the holidays then stop in during the summer months. If you hate the heat but have been dying to visit the rainforest and beaches and see the sights, winter is perfect for you. Spring brings flowers and autumn brings peace and quiet. It is all a matter of preference.

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