Best time to visit Brazil
Whether you’re looking for a beachside getaway, an urban city experience, or any other type of adventure, Brazil has something for everyone. With its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes and spirited locals, it's easy to see why this South American gem attracts people from all over the world. But when is the best time to visit?
Overall, the best time to visit is during the summer between December and March. Everything Brazil is most loved for is in full swing—the beaches are in their full, sun-kissed glory; the sun sets to the melodic sounds of samba, and a cold caipirinha tastes even better when the sun’s beaming down. Not to mention the opportunity to experience one of the world’s biggest parties: Carnaval! If you want the cultural buzz and great weather minus the crowds, a shoulder month like April or October is ideal.
Ultimately, the best time to plan a trip to Brazil depends on which region of the country you plan to visit and what type of experience you’re looking for. But with so much on offer, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience no matter when you go.
When to visit
One word: Carnaval. If you want to experience the best of Brazil’s vibrant culture, then you should visit in February for this iconic festival. Expect a riot of colour, elaborate float parades and bejewelled dancers shimmying through the streets of every city. The beaches are jam-packed and prices go through the roof, but it’s well worth it for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
For a lesser-known cultural event, plan your trip in June for Festa Junina – a nationwide festival to celebrate saints John the Baptist, Anthony and Peter. People flock to rural fairs wearing straw hats and plaid shirts to feast on corn and sweet treats, play games and dance the quadrilha (similar to a square dance). There’s also Paratins Folklore Festival which celebrates Bumba Meu Boi (a famous folklore character) with flamboyant song and dance performances, traditional folk costumes and giant floats.
Copacabana, Ilha Grande, Ipanema – Brazil's beaches are world-famous for a reason. The best time to enjoy them is from December to March, but bear in mind they will be packed. If you prefer solitude instead of a sea of parasols and people, you might be better off going in November just before the busy festive season, or in March when the summer rush calms down. If you're travelling from the northern hemisphere to have a break from the cold, Brazil is the perfect winter escape.
If you’re not too fussed about hot weather and would prefer to dodge the crowds, you might like to visit in the low season between June and August. While this is considered to be winter in Brazil, the weather is still warm – especially for folks travelling from temperate parts of Europe – with average highs of 19°C. Nights can be cool so you’ll need a warm fleece to rug up.
There are two seasons in the Amazon Rainforest: wet (January to June) and dry (July to December). That said, it would be more accurate to call them the ‘rainy’ and ‘rainier’ seasons. The wet season brings intense rains that increase the water levels of the Amazon River, meaning you can canoe into parts of the rainforest that are inaccessible otherwise. All that rain makes the vegetation even lusher shades of green and juicy fruits appear on plants, so it's a great chance to spot hungry monkeys and birds.
The dry season is for hiking, trekking and land-based activities. It’s an incredible feeling walking through the thickets of the forest and being immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of Mother Nature. You’ll also have more opportunities to spot wildlife as the river water recedes.
What’s the weather like in Brazil?
Brazil is huge, and so the climate varies considerably. There are five climatic regions – equatorial, tropical, semi-arid, highland tropical and subtropical – though a large chunk of the country is tropical and the temperature lingers between a pleasant 20 to 30°C throughout the year. Typically, December, January and February are the hottest months with daytime temperatures climbing into the high 30s.
Rainfall varies greatly depending on where you are. Sao Paolo’s rainy season falls between October to March, with January being the wettest month. Rio and the areas around Foz de Iguacu don’t have distinct rainy seasons and are usually drier than other areas of Brazil. Around the Pantanal, Manaus and the Amazon basin, you can expect patches of rain all year round.
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