Weather in Rio de Janeiro in March

How March compares

March is the 3rd warmest month of the year in Rio de Janeiro and ranks 14th of 134 destinations we compare for March - see where else is hot in March. Against London's average high of 10.5°C in March, Rio de Janeiro is 19.1°C warmer by day and 19.8°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in March

The typical March day in Rio de Janeiro peaks at 29.6°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 33.5°C or more. About 96% of days top 25°C and 1 in 2 pass 30°C. Nights average 23.1°C; one night in ten drops to 21.3°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest March day here reached 37.3°C (2003-03-02) and the coldest night 18.1°C (2000-03-14).

Rain in March

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 20 days with 1 mm or more, 210 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest March was 1994 with 577 mm, the driest 2002 with 78 mm. Humidity averages 81%, which makes the heat feel heavier than the thermometer suggests.

Sea temperature in March

The sea averages 26.1°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 25.1°C to 26.7°C. For the warmest sea here, come in February (26.4°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 4.3 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 12.2 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 05:55 and sets about 18:09 local time in mid-March. Average cloud cover is 64%.

Is March 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, with little cooling after dark

Pack for sustained warmth rather than mild spring weather. With 45% of days reaching 30°C and humidity at 81%, March suits travellers who are comfortable with heat, not those who want cool conditions for long walks. Keep strenuous outdoor plans away from midday where possible, and leave room for shaded breaks. Loose, breathable clothing is more useful than heavy layers, while accommodation with effective cooling is worth prioritising. Average night lows of 23°C mean evenings are still warm: do not expect sunset to bring much relief. If heat affects your sleep, that matters as much as the daytime temperature.

Rain is the main compromise

The main reason to hesitate over March is the frequency of rain. About 20 rainy days makes a flexible itinerary more sensible than committing every day to weather-dependent plans. Keep an indoor alternative available and take light rain protection that will not feel too heavy in the heat. Sunshine averages about 4.3 hours within 12.2 hours of daylight, so there is time for outdoor plans, but daylight should not be confused with clear skies. The figures do not promise a reliable dry part of the day. March works better if you can change plans than if your holiday depends on consistent sunshine.

Warm sea water is a clear advantage

For swimming, March has a straightforward advantage: the sea averages 26.1°C, with a year-to-year range of 25°C to 27°C. That puts it comfortably in swimming territory rather than the bracing category. If warm water is central to your holiday, this helps balance the less reliable skies. It does not remove the need to judge conditions on the day, though: water temperature alone is not a guide to safe swimming. Think of March as a hot, wet option with appealing sea temperatures, rather than a reliably sunny beach break. It suits travellers who can enjoy the warmth while keeping their outdoor plans flexible.