Weather in Rio de Janeiro

About Rio de Janeiro

Rio is the city that gave the world the word marvelous as a nickname and earns it. Christ the Redeemer gazes down from Corcovado over Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the sweep of Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. Carnival transforms the entire city in February.

Country

Brazil

Best months to visit

April, May, June, July, August, September

Currency

BRL

Language

Portuguese

Things to do in Rio de Janeiro

Christ the Redeemer Copacabana beach Sugarloaf Mountain Ipanema sunset Lapa neighbourhood Hang gliding

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

31C

Hot and humid, with some rainy days.

February

30C

Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.

March

29C

Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.

Recommended

April

27C

Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.

Recommended

May

25C

Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.

Recommended

June

25C

Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.

Recommended

July

25C

Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.

Recommended

August

25C

Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.

Recommended

September

27C

Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.

October

27C

Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.

November

27C

Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.

December

29C

Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.

Rio de Janeiro is the most extravagantly beautiful city in the world — Christ the Redeemer stretching his arms above jungle-covered mountains, Sugarloaf rising from Guanabara Bay, and Copacabana and Ipanema spreading their famous curves in either direction. The city lives outdoors — the beach, the boardwalk, the samba schools, and the botequins serving cold Brahma until midnight are all expressions of a joy-oriented civic culture unlike anywhere else. Carnival transforms it into something even more extraordinary.

Best areas to stay in Rio de Janeiro

Copacabana & Ipanema

Rio's legendary Atlantic beach neighbourhoods — 6km of combined beachfront, world-class restaurants, and the most famous urban beach culture on earth.

Santa Teresa

A charming bohemian hilltop neighbourhood of colonial houses, art galleries, samba bars, and extraordinary views over the city — a welcome contrast to the beach strip.

Lapa & Centro

Rio's historic city centre and entertainment district — the Arcos da Lapa aqueduct, samba clubs that come alive on Friday nights, and the most important colonial architecture in the city.

Corcovado & Tijuca Forest

The vast Atlantic Forest national park at the city's heart, containing Christ the Redeemer and offering remarkable wildlife including toucans, monkeys, and orchids within the city limits.

Getting to Rio de Janeiro

✈

Flights

Rio Galeão International Airport (GIG) is served from London via São Paulo (GRU) with LATAM and British Airways, or via Lisbon with TAP. Direct connections from the US and several European hubs are available.

⏱

From London

~14–16 hours total journey time from London

🚕

Getting around

Uber is widely used and very safe; metered taxis are available but only use those from official stands. The Metro serves Copacabana, Ipanema, and downtown. BRT buses serve the airport to Alvorada hub.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro?

December to March is summer and Carnival season (February–early March) — hot, festive, and the most vibrant but also the wettest period. June to September is cooler and drier — ideal for sightseeing without summer humidity.

Is Rio de Janeiro safe for tourists?

Rio requires sensible precautions — avoid displaying expensive items, use organised taxis or Uber rather than street taxis, and take local advice about which areas to avoid, particularly at night. Many popular tourist areas are well-patrolled and generally safe.

How do I get to Christ the Redeemer?

A cog train (trem do Corcovado) from Cosme Velho station, minivans from near the Botanical Garden, or hiking trails all reach the summit. Book tickets online in advance as the attraction is extremely popular.

What is the difference between Copacabana and Ipanema?

Copacabana is larger, more popular, and livelier with a famous 4km promenade; Ipanema is considered more upmarket and fashionable with a more relaxed atmosphere and the iconic Arpoador rock at its eastern end.

What currency is used in Brazil?

The Brazilian Real (BRL). UK visitors benefit from a generally favourable exchange rate making Rio quite affordable. Use ATMs at banks and avoid unlicensed exchange booths.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Rio in July is dry season perfection — warm enough for the beach, not the sweltering humidity of January. Christ the Redeemer at sunrise (book the first tram) with a clear horizon in every direction is genuinely one of the most awe-inspiring moments you can have.

Rafael M. · July 2024

★★★★★

We went for Carnival and it was completely overwhelming in the best possible way — the samba school parades at the Sambadrome are unlike anything else on earth. Book bleacher seats well in advance; it's worth every penny.

Sophie L. · February 2023

★★★★☆

Beautiful city that requires smart planning — Uber everywhere, don't show your phone in the street, and take the sensible precautions. Once you do, the rewards are extraordinary: Sugarloaf at sunset, caipirinhas on Ipanema, and the best churrasco of my life.

Tom C. · October 2024