Rio de Janeiro weather by month

When to go to Rio de Janeiro

For beach weather, look at months where the daytime average clears 25°C and rainy days stay low: January, February, March, April, May, June, August, September, October, November, December. January is the wettest month (253 mm, about 20 rainy days) and August the driest (44 mm). The sea is warmest in February at 26.4°C and coolest in August at 21.7°C.

Getting there

A direct flight from London Gatwick to Santos Dumont Airport (SDU, 2 km from Rio de Janeiro) takes roughly 12 h 18 min - long-haul (7 h+) by UK standards. Time-zone: America/Sao Paulo.

Records and extremes, 1991-2020

The hottest day recorded in Rio de Janeiro between 1991 and 2020 reached 39.8°C on 16 October 2015; the coldest fell to 11.3°C on 4 June 2009. In February one day in ten tops 34.8°C and about 64% of days pass 30°C; in July one night in ten drops to 15.2°C or below. The wettest single month of the period was March 1994 with 577 mm, against a March average of 210 mm.

December to March: hot days, warm seas and frequent rain

Rio's summer is a better fit for heat lovers than travellers seeking reliably dry days. December and January average 30°C by day, while February is the hottest month at 31°C. Nights stay warm, so light clothing is useful well beyond sunset, and it makes sense to keep strenuous activity away from midday. January and February have sea temperatures of 26°C, making swimming appealing if you dislike cooler water. Rain is the catch: December and January each average 20 rain days, compared with 17 in February. March brings little cooling as autumn begins, with daytime temperatures still at 30°C and 20 rain days. Keep outdoor plans movable rather than expecting uninterrupted sunshine.

April to August: easing heat and the driest stretch

April starts to offer a more comfortable balance, with daytime temperatures of 28°C and fewer rain days than March. May takes another step towards milder conditions: 26°C days suit time outdoors, while 19°C nights make a light layer useful. June, July and August are the strongest choices if avoiding rain matters more than having the warmest sea. June averages just 7 rain days, while August is the driest month overall. July is the coolest month, though average daytime temperatures still round to 25°C, so winter here is not cold by day. The main compromise is swimming comfort: the sea falls to 22°C in July and August. Pack for warm afternoons but cooler evenings, especially with July nights averaging 17°C.

September to November: warmth returns, but rain becomes more likely

Spring gradually gives back some of winter's dry-weather advantage. September keeps daytime temperatures at 26°C, but rain days rise to 11, making it a reasonable compromise for travellers who prefer moderate warmth. October reaches 28°C and has 14 rain days, so allow more flexibility for outdoor plans. By November, the same daytime warmth comes with 19 rain days, making it a weaker choice if dry weather is your priority. Sea temperatures stay at 22°C through September and October before edging up to 23°C in November. Do not choose early spring expecting summer-like swimming warmth; its appeal is warm days without the highest daytime temperatures.