Rio de Janeiro Weather

Bustling Rio de Janeiro is located at sea level and enjoys a hot and relatively damp tropical climate. It is sited close to the Tropic of Capricorn in the southern hemisphere so seasons are effectively reversed in comparison to Europe. Weather in Rio de Janeiro is influenced by the effects of El Nino and oceanic drifts and experiences hot sunshine through the year. Rio sees plenty of winter rainfall and long periods of high humidity. Spring which begins in September is arguably the most agreeable time to visit when temperatures are a very comfortable 24c and humidity is much reduced.

 

Summer is the busiest time for tourism in Rio which begins in December with long periods of unbroken hot sunshine and cloudless blue skies. It is not uncommon for temperatures to rise as high as 40c during the afternoon with 8 hours of sunshine each day. High factor sunscreen and common sense is a must when venturing out into the sunshine. High humidity is likely to be a factor and plenty of rest and rehydration is vital. Things cool down in the evenings with rather pleasant sea breezes blowing in off the shore.

 

 

The winter months of June to August are much cooler on average with cold fronts arriving from Argentina bringing cool sea and air temperatures followed by sea storms. Rainfall can be heavy and some districts may suffer from widespread flooding. In general winter weather in Rio de Janeiro still enjoys a high proportion of bright sunny days with an average of 6 hours daily sunshine to look forward to. In August and September it is not uncommon to experience a 'Veranico' or a Brazilian equivalent of an Indian summer which sees temperatures rise again up to 30c for several consecutive days without so much as a single drop of rain.