When is the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro?

The most comfortable stretch is May to July and September, when average highs run 77 to 80 degrees F with 7 to 9 rainy days a month. January is the hottest month at 86 degrees F on average, and July the coolest at 77 degrees F.

What is the rainiest month in Rio de Janeiro?

November, with roughly 16 days of rain. The driest is July, with about 7. Both are averages from 2019-2024 records.

How warm does it get in Rio de Janeiro?

July averages 77 degrees F by day and 65 degrees F at night, and January averages 86 degrees F and 75 degrees F. In the southern hemisphere those two are reversed.

How do I book tours, a hotel or an airport transfer in Rio de Janeiro?

Everything on this page books through our travel partners: top-rated tours and tickets, hotels, car rental, airport transfers, an eSIM and travel insurance. Voyaggora earns a commission on some bookings at no extra cost to you, and our AI concierge can put a day-by-day plan together first.

Rio de Janeiro: Best Time to Visit & Things to Do

Updated September 23, 2026. Prices and availability come live from the partners when you click; ratings are re-checked on the date shown in the note at the end of the page.

Top-rated tours in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro: 6-Stop Highlights of Rio with Lunch★ 4.45,544 reviews→ Rio de Janeiro: Rocinha Favela Walking Tour with Local Guide★ 4.84,357 reviews→ Up to 5% offRio Rainforest: Waterfalls Hike, Wildlife & Caves★ 4.83,552 reviews→ Rio: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, Selaron & BBQ Lunch★ 4.53,195 reviews→

See all things to do in Rio de Janeiro → More tours on Viator →

Planning your trip to Rio de Janeiro

Best time to visit

December to March is hot and the busiest, with the famous carnival in late winter for the region. April to October is milder and drier, which suits hiking and sightseeing.

How many days you need

Four to five days covers the big viewpoints, the beaches, a historic neighborhood and a day on the water. Book the popular mountain-top viewpoints early, since visibility depends on the weather.

Getting around

The metro is useful along the coast, and ride-hailing apps are common. Keep your phone and valuables discreet on the beach and carry only what you need.

What to skip

Do not bring valuables to the beach, and be careful with phones and jewelry in busy places. Check the weather before going up the mountain, as clouds can hide the view.

Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro

Hotels and vacation rentals around Rio de Janeiro with live prices from the big booking sites. Pick your dates on the map to compare.

Hotel map by our partner Stay22. If you book through it we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.

Best time to visit Rio de Janeiro

The most comfortable months in Rio de Janeiro are May to July and September, with average daytime highs of 77 to 80°F and 7 to 9 rainy days a month. January is the hottest month, averaging 86°F, and July the coolest at 77°F. November sees the most rain, around 16 days, while July is the driest with about 7.

Jan86°75°14 d

Feb85°75°15 d

Mar84°74°12 d

Apr81°71°12 d

May79°68°8 d

Jun78°66°8 d

Jul77°65°7 d

Aug77°65°10 d

Sep80°68°9 d

Oct80°69°15 d

Nov80°70°16 d

Dec83°73°16 d

Average daily high / low and days with rain, from Open-Meteo ERA5 records for 2019-2024. Highlighted months are the pick above.

Plan the rest of your trip to Rio de Janeiro

🏨Hotels in Rio de JaneiroCompare hotels and apartments through our partner RateHawk. 🚗Car rental in Rio de JaneiroCompare car rental prices in Rio de Janeiro with Discover Cars. 🎟️What’s on in Rio de JaneiroSee upcoming concerts, sports and shows from Ticketmaster. ⛵Boat rental in Rio de JaneiroRent a boat or yacht, with or without a skipper, on SamBoat. 🎟️Museum and attraction ticketsSkip-the-line tickets for top sights in Rio de Janeiro, from Tiqets. ✈️Flights to Rio de JaneiroCompare airfares on Trip.com and search your route. 🛎️Hotels in Rio de Janeiro on Trip.comCompare hotels and homes in Rio de Janeiro for your dates. 🏩Hotels in Rio de Janeiro on ExpediaCompare hotel prices and reviews on Expedia for your dates. 🎡Things to do in Rio de Janeiro on ExpediaTours, tickets and activities you can book on Expedia. 🏡Vacation rentals in Rio de Janeiro on VrboWhole homes, villas and apartments with room for everyone. 🚖Airport transfer in Rio de JaneiroPre-book a driver who meets you at arrivals, from Welcome Pickups. 🧭Transfer, taxi or rideshare?Our guide to choosing the best ride from the airport into Rio de Janeiro. 🧳Luggage storage in Rio de JaneiroDrop your bags at a nearby shop or hotel and explore hands-free, with Radical Storage. 🙋Private local guideCustomizable private tours with vetted local guides from GoWithGuide. 📱eSIM data planGet mobile data before you land, with Airalo. 📶eSIM, roaming or local SIM?Our guide to staying connected on a short trip to Rio de Janeiro. 🛡️Travel insuranceCompare travel medical and cancellation cover with HelloSafe. ⏱️Flight delayed or cancelled?Check if you are owed compensation, with AirHelp. ✦Ask our AI conciergeTell us how many days you have and what you enjoy, and get a plan for Rio de Janeiro. 🏨Hotels in Rio de Janeiro on AgodaCompare hotel prices and reviews on Agoda, via our partner Stay22.🔎Compare hotels in Rio de Janeiro on KAYAKSearch and compare hundreds of hotel sites at once, via our partner Stay22.🛂Do you need a visa for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil?Check entry requirements and apply online with eVisas.com, a private visa service (service fee applies).

More destinations in Latin America & Caribbean

🥩 Buenos Aires 🦙 Cusco 🏝️ Punta Cana 🏰 San Juan, Puerto Rico 🐢 Nassau 🍤 Lima All Latin America & Caribbean →

Closest guides to Rio de Janeiro

🏙️ São Paulo 220 mi 🥩 Buenos Aires 1,220 mi 🦙 Cusco 1,990 mi 🍤 Lima 2,350 mi 🐢 Barbados 2,730 mi

Planning guides

Cruise or all-inclusive resort?Airport transfer or rental car?What travel insurance actually pays When to book flights and hotels

Rio de Janeiro: common questions

When is the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro?: The most comfortable stretch is May to July and September, when average highs run 77 to 80°F with 7 to 9 rainy days a month. January is the hottest month at 86°F on average, and July the coolest at 77°F.
What is the rainiest month in Rio de Janeiro?: November, with roughly 16 days of rain. The driest is July, with about 7. Both are averages from 2019-2024 records.
How warm does it get in Rio de Janeiro?: July averages 77°F by day and 65°F at night, and January averages 86°F and 75°F. In the southern hemisphere those two are reversed.
How do I book tours, a hotel or an airport transfer in Rio de Janeiro?: Everything on this page books through our travel partners: top-rated tours and tickets, hotels, car rental, airport transfers, an eSIM and travel insurance. Voyaggora earns a commission on some bookings at no extra cost to you, and our AI concierge can put a day-by-day plan together first.

Some links on this page are sponsored: if you book through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Ratings and review counts come from GetYourGuide and were last checked on September 23, 2026. Prices, availability and rules are set by the providers and change often. See our affiliate disclosure.