When to go on holiday to Brazil
The best time to travel to Brazil depends on the area you want to visit. You can visit the country all year round, but it is entirely up to your personal wishes when we can best plan your trip to Brazil.
What is the time to visit Brazil for you?
- For example, would you like to be in Rio during Carnival, or would you like to avoid it?
- Are you looking for guaranteed beach weather or are you just looking for a slightly cooler period, so you could be active?
- Would you like to spot certain animals such as the whales off the coast in the north or in the south?
- Would you like to optimally view certain natural phenomena such as the Iguaçu Falls or the springs between the sand dunes at Lençois Maranhenses?
The answer to these kind of questions will eventually determine which period is most suitable for you to make your dream trip to Brazil and below we will give you more explanations.
Best time to travel by region
Have you thought about what you'd like to see in Brazil? Then take a look below to find out the best time to travel around Brazil.
Rio de Janeiro
In general
This vibrant metropolis is located quite south of the country. This means that you can speak of four seasons here. However, you have to imagine that in the 'winter months' of June to August, it can still be a 25°C temperature. There is slightly more chance of rainfall, especially in June, but in Rio rain falls all year round, so you can't really speak of a dry and a wet period.
Strolling through the city or relaxing on the beach?
If you like to be active in Rio, without being overwhelmed by a scorching heat, then we recommend to visit this city between July and October. If you want to be guaranteed to visit the beach, this period may be a little less suitable, as it can sometimes be a bit chilly.
December to March are the summer months in Rio de Janeiro. Temperatures can then rise well above 30°C. Additionally, it is the most crowded period of the year.
São Paulo
In general
For São Paulo the same applies as for Rio de Janeiro, but São Paulo is situated at about 1000 meters above sea level. Because of this it is cooler and because São Paulo is a bit more inland, there is a bit more difference between the drier and wetter periods.
From June to September temperatures are around 20°C and it drops to 10°C during the nights, but there is almost no rainfall. From December to February, temperatures rise to 30°C during the day, but there is a high risk of rainfall during these months. March through May and October through November are in between in terms of temperatures and rainfall.
Iguaçu Falls
This spectacular natural spectacle is located in the south on the border with Argentina. You can visit the waterfalls all year round. What you have to keep in mind is the dry and rainy season.
Cool temperatures, low water level
Because of its southern location, it can still be quite cool here in the winter months of June to September and the amount of water is also at its lowest.
High temperatures, high water level
From December to March it can be warm and humid. Temperatures are around 30°C, humidity is high and there is a high risk of rainfall. The amount of water is at its highest. The amount of water in this period is impressive, but there is also a good chance that certain parts of the trails, especially on the Argentinian side, are closed because of the large amount of water.
Best time to visit?
You could say that the months of October, November and April, May are the best months to visit the waterfalls. Temperatures are then very pleasant and the amount of water at the waterfalls is perfect.
Amazon and Pantanal
The Amazon rainforest and the Pantanal (the largest wetland in the world), are considered to be the most important natural areas of Brazil. The rainy season in these areas runs from November to June. The dry season is from July to November. The dry season is generally recognized as the best travel season because animals are easier to spot in this period. During the season the water level is higher and that has the advantage that everything is even greener and that boats can go even deeper into nature.
Northeast Brazil
This area is good to visit all year round. The temperature is always around 30°C. From April to June the humidity is very high and this period has the most rainfall.
South Brazil
Of the most southern Brazilian states Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul, where the cities of Florianópolis and Porto Alegre are located, you could really say that they have four seasons, which are opposite to the seasons we have in Europe. It is a beautiful green and mountainous area, where the best Brazilian wines come from and where you can drive very nice car routes.
The best time to visit this region is between October and May, when everything is blossoming in the months October and November. April is the harvest season for wine grapes.
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Sea turtles hatching season
Between December and March the sea turtles hatch and hatchlings are released on the beach of Praia do Forte, just above the city of Salvador.
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Humpback whales manifest themselves off the coast
Between July and October humpback whales manifest themselves off the same coast of Praia do Forte.
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Lençois Maranhenses
This place is located in the northeast of Brazil and should be visited from May to August. This is after the rainy season and therefore there are crystalclear blue lagunes between the white sand dunes. From September these springs dry up slowly.
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Southern Right Whales in the south
Off the coast at the beaches in the southern state of Santa Catarina, you can spot Southern Right Whales from July to November.
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Grand Prix in São Paulo
In November the annual Formula 1 Grand Prix takes place in São Paulo.
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New Year's Eve in Rio
A great fireworks spectacle during New Year's Eve at the Copacabana. Very special to experience! Please note, also this time the prices of the accommodations rise enormously and a minimum stay is regularly applied.
The best time to travel to Brazil when travelling with children
During our summer holidays the temperatures in Brazil are pleasant. This also applies to spring and autumn. Springbreak and the summer holidays are therefore an excellent travel period when you would like to go to Brazil with children. The Christmas holiday is in terms of climate also a good travel period, but then it is high season. The Brazilians then have their main holiday period and they travel a lot in their own country as well. Would you like to travel during the Christmas holidays? We recomend to start planning your trip in time. We are happy to advise you!
Would you like to travel to Brazil?
Would you like to make a trip through Brazil yourself and are you curious about the possibilities? Then take a look at the travel itineraries we have put together for inspiration. You can book these trips directly, but we are also happy to create a personal travel itinerary based on your wishes and ideas.
Do you have a question? Feel free to contact us. Call +31 73 610 62 04 or send an e-mail to info@sapapanatravel.nl. We are happy to help you.