Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Weather and Climate

General & Geography

According to abbreviationfinder, Rio de Janeiro is the capital of the state of the same name and the second largest city in Brazil. The city is one of the world’s megacities and is located on Guanabara Bay in southeastern Brazil, immediately north of the Tropic of Capricorn.

The city is bordered in the south by the Atlantic Ocean, in the east by the Guanabara Bay, in the north and west by the foothills of the Serra do Mar. This is a foothill of the central Brazilian highlands.

A range of hills divides the city into a south zone, the Zona Sul, and a northern part. In the south zone there are the well-known districts of Ipanema and Copacabana with their wonderful beaches. In the northern part are the historical and today’s business center of Rio de Janeiro.

Climate in Rio de Janeiro

The location in lower latitudes on Guanabara Bay and on the Atlantic Ocean ensures a tropical climate with twelve humid months. Due to the high water temperatures of the Atlantic Ocean, there is a high humidity of 75 to 90 percent all year round in Rio de Janeiro. The temperature differences between summer and winter, however, are small.

Since the beginning of the weather records, there has never been snow or frost on the Sugar Loaf. On January 14th, 1984 in Bangu (Rio de Janeiro) the historical high of 43.2 ° C was measured. On July 19, 1926 the temperature was 4.9 ° C, the lowest value to date. On average there are 109 rainy days per year in Rio de Janeiro.

The amount of precipitation is 1173 millimeters per square meter per year. In the months of December until April, the summer in the southern hemisphere, most precipitation falls. The frequent showers and thunderstorms do not last long, but can be reminiscent of a deluge. From April the air becomes increasingly drier and the humid and hot season is slowly ending. Temperatures continue to decline until May and the dry season heralds.

When is the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro?

The months of December to March are summer in the southern hemisphere. April and November are so-called transition months. The best travel time is from June to September. May and October are also good months to visit Rio de Janeiro. Every travel time has its advantages and disadvantages. Of course, travel plans also play a role.

For example, if you want to experience the carnival live, you have to travel to Rio de Janeiro during the months of February and March. Accommodation is difficult to find at this time of year and is also very expensive. Trips to the Amazon are from January until May rather difficult and sometimes impossible due to heavy rains. The months May to September are ideal for exploring the city.

Temperatures, precipitation, sunshine

Temperatures

The annual average temperature is 24.8 ° C. For comparison: Munich reaches an average of 8.6 ° C, in Berlin it is 9.6 ° C. The warmest month is January (27.8 ° C), coldest month of July with averages of 22.2 ° C. The maximum water temperature is 26 ° C. Comfortable bathing is possible at these temperatures. All months have a water temperature of at least 21 ° C and are therefore suitable for a beach holiday.

Precipitation

The annual precipitation is 1067 mm on 95 days with precipitation. For comparison: In Munich, 967 mm, in Berlin 570 mm, precipitation is measured annually. There is no rainy season, i.e. months with more than 175 mm of precipitation. Snowfall is generally not expected in any month.

Sunshine

As our climate table shows, January is the sunniest month with an average of 7.5 hours of sunshine per day. On average over the year, the sun shines 6.5 hours a day. For comparison: In Munich and Berlin, the sun shines an average of 4.7 hours per day throughout the year.

Cities nearby

The following larger towns are nearby and have a similar climate: São Gonçalo, Duque de Caxias, Nova Iguaçu, Niterói, Belford Roxo, São João de Meriti, Magé, Itaboraí, Mesquita, Nilópolis, Queimados, Vila Medeiros District and Maricá.

Sights and attractions

You shouldn’t miss a ride on the cable car to the top of the Sugar Loaf Mountain at a height of 394 meters. The Corcovado is ideal for wonderful walks. A fantastic view awaits you at 704 meters. The figure of Christ on the Corcovado is one of the city’s landmarks. The figure has a height of 38 meters. Enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. Take a stroll through Santa Teresa, the popular artists’ quarter with its narrow and winding streets is well worth a visit.

The botanical garden was founded in 1808 by King John IV and is home to 6500 plant species. Plants threatened with extinction can still be viewed here. The Rio-Niterón Bridge is a fantastic sight. Officially called Ponte Presidente Costa e Silva, it was built in honor of the Brazilian President during his tenure. The monumental structure leads over the Guanabara Bay and offers fantastic views. Don’t miss out on Copacabana Beach. It is one of the most famous beaches in the whole world.

Rio de Janeiro weather in March, April and May

Average daily temperatures between 26 ° C and 30 ° C can be expected over the next three months. In Rio de Janeiro it gets warmest in March, but May is a little cooler.

Do you want to go on a beach holiday? The water temperatures are in March, April and May 25-26 ° C. This is great weather for a great time on the beach and in the water.

You can expect around 10 days of precipitation in March, around 9 days in April and around 6 days in May.

In the period from March to May , the sun shines an average of 7 to 8 hours a day. The sunniest weather is in March in Rio de Janeiro, with a little less sun you will have to get by in April.