Weather in Rio de Janeiro

Planning your day in Rio de Janeiro? In this section, you will find the most up-to-date weather information, including detailed forecasts and visual charts, to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.

Rio de Janeiro, located in Brazil, boasts a typical tropical savanna climate. This means the city enjoys warm or hot weather throughout the year, with relatively high humidity, especially during the summer months. Temperature fluctuations between seasons are not too drastic, making Rio an attractive destination at any time of year for those who love the heat.

There are two distinct seasons in Rio de Janeiro. Summer, which lasts approximately from December to March, is characterised by hot and humid weather. Average daytime temperatures during this period often exceed 30°C, and nights remain warm. This is also the rainiest season, with frequent but usually short downpours that bring refreshment. Winter, from June to August, offers milder and drier conditions. Daytime temperatures at this time typically hover around 20-25°C, and rainfall is significantly less frequent, making this period very comfortable for walking and sightseeing.

Overall, the weather in Rio de Janeiro is predictable in its seasonal patterns. The highest amount of rainfall and, consequently, "wet days" occur during the summer months (especially from January to March and in December), while the middle of the year (June-August) is the driest period. Even in the "coolest" months, the temperature rarely drops to uncomfortable levels, maintaining the city's tropical atmosphere.

Warm weather reigns in Rio de Janeiro all year round, although temperature patterns have their own seasonal specificities. The annual range of average temperatures is relatively small: from 20.8°C in July to 27.1°C in January. The hottest month is typically January, when the average maximum temperature reaches 31.1°C, and the average minimum does not drop below 23.2°C. The coolest month is considered to be July, with an average temperature of 20.8°C, where the air warms up to an average of 25.6°C during the day and can cool down to 16.0°C at night.

The summer months in Rio de Janeiro, which fall between December and March, are characterised by hot and humid weather. Average daily temperatures during this time consistently stay above 25°C. For example, in January and February, the averages are 27.1°C and 26.7°C respectively. Daytime highs often exceed 30°C, creating a sultry atmosphere, while nights remain very warm, with temperatures rarely falling below 22-23°C. Humidity during this period is also high, which intensifies the sensation of heat.

The winter period, from June to August, brings milder and more comfortable temperatures to Rio de Janeiro. The average daily temperature in these months hovers around 21-22°C. During the day, the air usually warms up to a pleasant 25-26°C, which is ideal for walking and outdoor activities. Nights become noticeably cooler compared to summer, with average minimum temperatures around 16-17°C. Temperature fluctuations between day and night in the winter months can be more perceptible than in summer, reaching 9-10°C, whereas in summer this difference is about 7-8°C. Despite this, even "winter" temperatures in Rio remain very pleasant for most travellers.

In Rio de Janeiro, there is a clear division of the year into wet and dry seasons, which is characteristic of its tropical climate. The amount and frequency of precipitation vary noticeably from month to month. The summer months, from December to March, bring the highest amount of rain, while the winter period, from June to August, is distinguished by significantly drier weather.

The wet season in Rio de Janeiro usually lasts from December to March, bringing frequent rainfall. According to the provided data, the month with the most abundant rainfall is February, when an average of 9 mm falls. In terms of the number of rainy days, December stands out – precipitation is recorded here for an average of 23 days. January is also rainy, with 7 mm of precipitation and approximately 20 rainy days. During this period, rains are generally frequent but can be short, bringing refreshment in the hot weather.

The dry season sets in Rio de Janeiro roughly from May to September. At this time, the amount of precipitation decreases substantially, and there are more sunny days. The driest months are June and July, when an average of only 1 mm of precipitation falls. July is also characterised by the lowest number of rainy days – averaging just 6 days per month, while in June there are about 8. This period is more predictable in terms of weather and less prone to sudden rains.

When planning a trip to Rio de Janeiro, it is important to choose the right wardrobe to feel comfortable in its tropical climate. Year-round, you will need light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Be sure to bring a swimsuit (or several!), high SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for protection against the bright sun. For walking around the city and sightseeing, comfortable trainers or sandals are ideal, and flip-flops for the beach. Considering that during the period from December to March, as well as in October and November, the number of rainy days increases (up to 20-23 days in December-February), a light raincoat or compact umbrella would not be amiss, even if the total precipitation in millimetres is small.

Although it is warm in Rio de Janeiro all year round, in the so-called "winter" months (from June to August), evenings can be slightly cooler, with temperatures dropping to 16-17°C. At this time, a light jacket, cardigan, or long-sleeved shirt will come in handy, especially for evening walks or visiting air-conditioned places. The principle of layering clothing is your best friend in Rio, allowing you to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day and evening breezes. Do not forget insect repellent, especially if you plan to visit parks or be outdoors in the evening, and a reusable water bottle to always stay hydrated in the hot weather.