Summer in Rio is from December through to mid-March where the hot weather is matched with quite a bit of rain. The hottest months, December and January can see temperatures soar to well over 40 degrees Celsius. Flights to Rio and hotel rates can be quite pricey during this time and beaches can be crowded. This is not only due to the glorious weather but also a number of celebrations which take place.
The summer season plays host to one of Rio’s biggest celebrations, Carnival. This 5-day festival gives visitors the chance to learn about Brazilian culture through parties which last all day and night. The atmosphere is euphoric across the city, with people singing, dancing and having lots of fun. Rio de Janeiro is considered the Carnival Capital of the World, so it’s no wonder this is “the” time to come. This is clearly reflected through accommodation and flight prices becoming more expensive, therefore, it is advised to book your hotel and Rio de Janeiro flights at least a year in advance. To take in some sights and museums, you should aim to arrive a few days before the party starts and linger a few days after.
Another grand party is New Year’s Eve, called Reveillon. Millions pack the beach for the all-night celebration, music, and fireworks. Bear in mind this event can also affect hotel rates and the price of airline tickets.
When planning your trip, it should be taken into consideration that businesses are usually closed from just before Christmas through to the beginning of January.
The city is less crowded and prices are a bit lower during winter, from July to September. This is still a great time to visit, weather-wise, as there is very little rainfall and there are still sunny days, although the nights and some cloudy days can be a little chilly.
RIO Temperature | 21 - 28 °C |
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If weather is an important factor for your trip to Rio de Janeiro, use this chart to help with planning. For those seeking warmer temperatures, February is the ideal time of year to visit, when temperatures reach an average of 28.0 C. Travellers hoping to avoid the cold should look outside of June, when temperatures are typically at their lowest (around 21.0 C).
Overall
Crew
Entertainment
Boarding
Comfort
Food
Reviews
Delayed flight a bit annoying but staff all good and surprisingly the main course of vegan meals were good.
Overall
Crew
Entertainment
Boarding
Comfort
Food
Reviews
Delayed flight a bit annoying but staff all good and surprisingly the main course of vegan meals were good.
Overall
Crew
Entertainment
Boarding
Comfort
Food
Reviews
Delayed flight a bit annoying but staff all good and surprisingly the main course of vegan meals were good.
Overall
Crew
Entertainment
Boarding
Comfort
Food
Reviews
Delayed flight a bit annoying but staff all good and surprisingly the main course of vegan meals were good.
Overall
Crew
Entertainment
Boarding
Comfort
Food
Reviews
Delayed flight a bit annoying but staff all good and surprisingly the main course of vegan meals were good.
Overall
Crew
Entertainment
Boarding
Comfort
Food
Reviews
Delayed flight a bit annoying but staff all good and surprisingly the main course of vegan meals were good.
The Rio de Janeiro subway doesn’t reach all parts of the city, but it is air conditioned and quicker and cheaper than the buses, which can take you anywhere. You will need to learn enough Portuguese to ask for directions though, since few drivers speak English. Avoid taking buses at night; they can be a hotspot for robberies. The private Fresco buses have regular stops and can be flagged down anywhere on the way to the beach, downtown or the airport. If you’re travelling anywhere in the city at night, take a taxi to play it safe. There are plenty of taxis around, and you shouldn’t have trouble flagging one down. For a more reliable and air-conditioned cab, your best bet is one of the radio taxis and cab companies that serves hotels. It’s always a good idea to negotiate your fare before you get in the car if the meter isn’t running. If you rent a car, stay alert and keep the car doors locked. You’ll have to deal with heavy traffic, poorly labelled streets and scarce parking.
An airport bus leaves Galeão International Airport (GIG) regularly for the major hotels along the beach road. Taxis are available outside the terminal; visitors are advised to buy prepaid taxi vouchers at the Rio Tourism Authority desk; they are usually a little bit more expensive but give you peace of mind. Public buses are also available.