The best time to visit Rio de Janeiro is from May to September. The most comfortable month is July, with highs of 25 °C (77 °F) and 41 mm of rain over 7 days. January is the rainiest month (137 mm over 13 days), and the summer peak is the high season, with higher prices and big crowds.
Temperature and rainfall averages from INMET (updated 2026). The verdict combines thermal comfort and rainfall. Tap a month to see the weather, crowds, prices and what is going on in detail.
| Month | High / Low | Rain | Rainy days | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30° / 23° | 137 mm | 13 | Fair |
| February | 30° / 23° | 130 mm | 11 | Fair |
| March | 29° / 23° | 130 mm | 12 | Fair |
| April | 28° / 22° | 96 mm | 10 | Fair |
| May | 27° / 20° | 70 mm | 8 | Good |
| June | 26° / 19° | 49 mm | 7 | Good |
| July ★ | 25° / 18° | 41 mm | 7 | Good |
| August | 26° / 18° | 44 mm | 7 | Good |
| September | 25° / 19° | 64 mm | 9 | Good |
| October | 26° / 20° | 89 mm | 11 | Good |
| November | 28° / 21° | 104 mm | 11 | Fair |
| December | 29° / 22° | 137 mm | 13 | Fair |
July is the best month and also falls in the high season in Rio de Janeiro: the top-rated hotels fill up and rates rise close to the date. Book your room as soon as you have settled on your dates.
Rates change with the dates: confirm the price on Booking.com.
The May to September window brings together the most comfortable months in Rio de Janeiro: less rain and pleasant temperatures. July is usually the best month, with highs of 25 °C (77 °F), lows of 18 °C (64 °F) and only about 7 days of rain in the month: good conditions for enjoying outdoor attractions with less risk of downpours.
Summer. In summer (December to February), Rio de Janeiro has highs of around 30 °C (86 °F) and lows of 23 °C (73 °F), and it is the wetter season, with about 135 mm of rain spread over about 12 days a month. The days are hot and call for beach time and shade.
Fall. In fall (March to May), Rio de Janeiro has highs of around 28 °C (82 °F) and lows of 22 °C (72 °F), and it is the wetter season, with about 99 mm of rain spread over about 10 days a month. The days are hot and call for beach time and shade.
Winter. In winter (June to August), Rio de Janeiro has highs of around 26 °C (79 °F) and lows of 18 °C (64 °F), and it is the driest time of year, with about 45 mm of rain a month. Temperatures are pleasant for sightseeing all day.
Spring. In spring (September to November), Rio de Janeiro has highs of around 26 °C (79 °F) and lows of 20 °C (68 °F), and it is the wetter season, with about 86 mm of rain spread over about 10 days a month. Temperatures are pleasant for sightseeing all day.
There are two periods to think twice about before booking. January is usually the rainiest month, so anyone who prioritizes sun should avoid it. The other is high season (New Year's Eve, Carnival and the July school break), when attractions fill up and prices rise; if you want peace and savings, choose weeks without public holidays. None of this rules out the trip, but it changes the experience and the cost quite a bit.
