Weather in Rio de Janeiro in January

How January compares

January is the 2nd warmest month of the year in Rio de Janeiro and ranks 5th of 134 destinations we compare for January - see where else is hot in January. Against London's average high of 7.4°C in January, Rio de Janeiro is 23.1°C warmer by day and 21.3°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in January

The typical January day in Rio de Janeiro peaks at 30.5°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 34.8°C or more. About 95% of days top 25°C and 1 in 2 pass 30°C. Nights average 23.5°C; one night in ten drops to 21.6°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest January day here reached 39.1°C (2015-01-12) and the coldest night 18.7°C (1991-01-01).

Rain in January

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 20 days with 1 mm or more, 253 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest January was 2013 with 517 mm, the driest 2019 with 25 mm. Humidity averages 79%, which makes the heat feel heavier than the thermometer suggests.

Sea temperature in January

The sea averages 25.9°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 24.7°C to 27.6°C. For the warmest sea here, come in February (26.4°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 3.8 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 13.3 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 05:20 and sets about 18:44 local time in mid-January. Average cloud cover is 71%.

Is January a good time to visit Rio de Janeiro?

It is a reasonable choice: hot days but expect showers. The best months for Rio de Janeiro on our scoring are August, June, July; months averaging 25°C or more: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec.

Hot days, warm swimming and sticky nights

The heat is useful for a swimming holiday, but it can make a busy outdoor itinerary tiring. Humidity averages 79%, so breathable clothing and a relaxed pace make more sense than packing your days tightly. Keep strenuous outdoor plans for the cooler parts of the day and leave room for shade or indoor breaks around midday. The sea averages 25.9°C, comfortably warm for swimming, though sea temperature alone does not tell you about swimming conditions. Evenings remain warm rather than fresh, so light clothes should do most of the work. Accommodation with effective cooling is a sensible priority if warm nights disrupt your sleep.

Allow for rain rather than planning around clear skies

January is a wet month, and the catch is not just the chance of getting caught in rain. Sunshine averages about 3.8 hours within 13.3 hours of daylight, so long days do not translate into uninterrupted sun. Keep outdoor plans movable, pack a light waterproof and have an indoor alternative ready. The monthly figures do not establish a dependable time of day for rain, so avoid assuming mornings or afternoons will always be dry. This is a better fit for travellers happy to swim when conditions allow and adjust their day than for anyone whose holiday depends on consistently dry weather.