- Temperature
- 18–29°C
Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: climatestotravel.com, en.climate-data.org
Good to know
Good to Know
- Summer rainfall (December–March) is highly predictable: thunderstorms typically occur 2–4 PM, so plan indoor activities during peak rain hours and beaches in the morning.
- March is still part of the rainy season, so don't assume perfect weather right after summer.
- Easter week sees significant price spikes and crowds despite falling outside peak summer; budget travelers should avoid it.
- July is the exception in the dry season—Brazilian school holidays bring families and fill popular attractions; arrive early to avoid midday crowds.
- August is typically the driest and quietest month overall, ideal for hiking and beach days without crowds.
- Water temperatures range from 21–26°C (70–79°F), coldest in August and warmest in February–March. Winter water can feel cool for extended swimming.
- Winter mornings (June–August) offer exceptional light for sunrises and photography; clearer air and lower humidity improve visibility of landmarks.
- Humpback whales migrate offshore June–August; whale-watching tours depart at dawn from Marina da Glória.
Seasons
Summer / Peak Season
- Months
- December to March
- Classification
- Hot humid wet
- Characteristics
- Hot, humid, most crowded; peak tourist season with New Year's Eve and Carnival (February); frequent afternoon thunderstorms; sea temperature around 25–26°C (77–79°F)
Rainfall
- Pattern
- Thunderstorms, often afternoon showers
- Monthly Average Mm
- 130
- Monthly Average Inches
- 5.1
- Description
- Heavy and concentrated
Temperature Range
- Avg Low Celsius
- 23
- Avg High Celsius
- 29
- Avg Low Fahrenheit
- 73
- Avg High Fahrenheit
- 84
- Extreme High Celsius
- 35
- Extreme High Fahrenheit
- 95
Autumn / Shoulder Season
- Months
- April to May
- Classification
- Warm moderate transitional
- Characteristics
- Ideal shoulder season; pleasant warmth; fewer crowds; lower prices; decreasing humidity; good for sightseeing and beach days
Rainfall
- Pattern
- Mostly sunny with occasional showers
- Monthly Average Mm
- 50
- Monthly Average Inches
- 2
- Description
- Declining rainfall
Temperature Range
- Avg Low Celsius
- 20
- Avg High Celsius
- 25
- Avg Low Fahrenheit
- 68
- Avg High Fahrenheit
- 77
- Extreme High Celsius
- 28
- Extreme High Fahrenheit
- 82
Winter / Off-Season
- Months
- June to August
- Classification
- Cool dry
- Characteristics
- Driest season; coolest month is July; still warm and comfortable for a tropical location; very low humidity; clear skies ideal for sightseeing; whales migrate June–August offshore; lowest hotel prices; fewer tourists
Rainfall
- Pattern
- Minimal rainfall; occasional cool fronts bring cloudy/gray days
- Monthly Average Mm
- 45
- Monthly Average Inches
- 1.8
- Description
- Driest period of the year
Temperature Range
- Avg Low Celsius
- 18
- Avg High Celsius
- 24
- Avg Low Fahrenheit
- 64
- Avg High Fahrenheit
- 75
- Extreme Low Celsius
- 10
- Extreme Low Fahrenheit
- 50
Spring / Shoulder Season
- Months
- September to November
- Classification
- Warm moderate transitional
- Characteristics
- City warms up as summer approaches; good balance of weather, crowds, and pricing; late November sees uptick in rain; outdoor activities remain comfortable
Rainfall
- Pattern
- Mostly sunny, rainfall increases toward November
- Monthly Average Mm
- 70
- Monthly Average Inches
- 2.8
- Description
- Moderate and increasing
Temperature Range
- Avg Low Celsius
- 21
- Avg High Celsius
- 26
- Avg Low Fahrenheit
- 70
- Avg High Fahrenheit
- 79
- Extreme High Celsius
- 30
- Extreme High Fahrenheit
- 86
Best Months
March to May and September to October
- Rank
- 1
- Reason
- Ideal shoulder seasons with warm weather (24–28°C (75–82°F) / 75–82°F), manageable crowds, better prices, and moderate humidity
June to August
- Rank
- 2
- Reason
- Driest season with clearest skies, best for sightseeing and outdoor activities; lowest prices; fewer crowds; cool morning/evening light ideal for photography
Worst Months
- Rank
- 1
- Month
- December to February (especially late December, January, and Carnival in February)
- Reason
- Peak crowding, highest prices, extreme heat and humidity (up to 35–37°C (99°F) / 95–99°F), heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, most expensive accommodation
March
- Rank
- 2
- Reason
- Still experiencing rainfall from summer season; erratic weather patterns; heavy crowds until mid-month when schools reopen
General Notes
Rio experiences a tropical wet-and-dry climate. No snow or frost occurs. Annual rainfall is approximately 1,050–1,392 mm. High humidity persists year-round (77–82%), but drops slightly in winter months. Despite being 'winter' (June–August), temperatures remain warm—locals wear coats at temperatures below 20°C (68°F).
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this climate & weather research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Rio de Janeiro
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.