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Planning a visit to Brazil soon? The time of year you choose to go can make or break your Brazilian adventure. See the best time to visit Brazil for the best weather, cheapest prices, and fewest crowds below.
Be aware of the worst time to visit – typically between November and December – and take our travel tips into consideration for an easy-breezy trip.
It’s all here in our quick travel guide on the best time to go! We’ll start with a few of the reasons Brazil is an amazing place to visit and why it belongs on your travel bucket list.
The Best Time to Visit Brazil in 2023
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- December-March is the best time to visit Brazil
- Summer’s warm temps, little rain, and sunny days
- Best all around for weather, outdoor activities, and events
Summertime in the southern hemisphere — December through March — is the best time to visit Brazil overall.
This time of year, the greenery is lush and dense, the skies are sunny with little rainfall, and warm temperatures are perfect for spending time in/on the water and exploring outdoors.
Brazil is in full swing during the summer months, with Christmas, Reveillon (New Year’s Day), the famous Carnaval celebration, and Easter holiday festivities taking place this time of year.
Smaller festivals and events occur in all of Brazil’s regions during the summer months, so there’s always something to do and ways to experience the culture up-close at this time of year.
Many travelers come to Brazil with the plan on spending lots of time on the pristine beaches here. With summer’s heat rising at this time of year, beach days are a must! In Northeast Brazil, it’s pretty warm and mild year-round with temperatures in the low 80s to mid-90s (Fahrenheit).
In the Amazon rainforest, things are a little more hot and humid (as you’d expect) with temperatures closer to 100F.
Down in Rio de Janeiro, summer temperatures swell to 100F+ with high humidity – just another reason to take a dip in the ocean – and it’s noticeably cooler in higher-elevation São Paulo and further south.
While the temperatures can rise beyond warm and into the hot and muggy zone in parts of Brazil during the summer, it’s undeniably the best time of year to go.
Note that others have gotten the memo, too and you’ll deal with larger crowds as tourists come pouring in at the start of summer. Prices can increase on flights and hotels as travelers arrive in droves, so book early for the best availability and deals.
Cheapest Time to Visit Brazil
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- June-August is the cheapest time to visit
- Winter months with mild temps in the 50s-60s
- Rock bottom pricing on flights + hotels
The best time to visit Brazil on a budget is from June to August, which is winter in Brazil. While it’s wintertime, the temperatures are very mild thanks to the tropical and subtropical climates here.
This is when you’ll find the lowest prices on flights into Brazil and hotel rooms as fewer events are going on and tourism takes a serious dip. You won’t deal with the typical winter weather while in Brazil.
Instead of frigid temps with snow and ice, you’ll find that much of Brazil hovers around a comfortable range between the mid-50s and mid-60s at this time of year. That’s perfect for spending time outdoors, exploring the Amazon, or making your way through Brazil’s famous cities.
There’s an increase in rainfall in parts of Brazil at this time of year, which makes keeping up with the daily weather forecast essential if you plan to spend time outdoors.
Rains tend to occur in the afternoon and are typically short-lived. The rain keeps things cool without being too chilly, though it’s wise to bring light jackets and layers to bundle up in on colder days or on chilly nights.
It’s the start of dry season in the Amazon and Pantanal wetlands, so this is the perfect time of year to score cheap deals if you’re out for a true Brazilian adventure!
Least Busy Time to Visit Brazil
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- August-October is the least busy time to visit
- Off-season with fewer tourists and lower pricing
- Dry, warm weather in most of the country
The best time to visit Brazil without large crowds is from August to October, which is the main off-season for tourism here.
Winter is giving way to spring and the mild temperatures in the mid-60s to low 80s make things comfortable for outdoor activities. This makes it an ideal time to go without the hassle of huge crowds, long lines, and increased wait times for restaurants and activities.
It’s mostly dry with little rainfall and you’ll see sunny skies at this time of year. This is the period of calm before tourists begin to descend on Brazil in the summer months from December to March, so you’ll be one of few tourists arriving during this time.
This is the perfect time of year to go for a relaxing vacation and spending time on nearly-empty beaches! With fewer tourists in the country during Brazilian spring, you’ll have your pick of hotels and lots of availability for flights.
You’ll be able to uncover excellent deals on hotels and vacation packages during the spring, especially if you book early.
Last-minute booking is possible during the off-season because hotels and flights are trying to book up empty seats and rooms. Airlines and hotels will often offer special deals for last-minute travelers!
Worst Time to Visit Brazil
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- November-December may be the worst time to visit
- Rainiest and most expensive months to go
- Highest humidity, making conditions muggy
There’s really no bad time to visit Brazil, but if we had to point out the worst months to go, it would be November and December.
November is typically the rainiest month of the year in most parts of Brazil. December is the most expensive time to go as the summer season officially kicks off. There are pros and cons to going during November and December – it’s not all bad.
There are lots of events and festivities going on at this time of year, mostly in December. November is a good time to visit southern Brazil, where the weather is warm and comfortable without breaching into the hot zone.
It’s not a good time to visit the Amazon or the Pantanal wetlands as this is a very rainy period. Once December arrives, the number of tourists increases drastically and prices jump on flights and hotels in the most popular tourist areas.
Temperatures rise throughout the country into the 80s and 90s (as high as 100F) during December, so it’s great for going to the beach, but not so much for spending long periods of time outdoors on dry land.
Brazil by Month: Climate & Activities
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Still unsure about the best time to visit Brazil? Take a look at our summary of the weather and climate by month below:
January
Summer temperatures in the southern hemisphere range from 73-91°F. It’s an ideal time for beachgoers to explore iconic destinations like Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro and attend vibrant Carnival celebrations.
February
Similar to January, February maintains warm temperatures between 73-91°F. It’s an excellent month for exploring the Amazon Rainforest, experiencing local culture, and enjoying outdoor festivals.
March
As summer continues, temperatures range from 72-90°F. March is perfect for exploring the historic streets of Salvador, attending the Garden Music Festival, and enjoying the coastal regions.
April
Fall temperatures range from 68-86°F. April is ideal for hiking in Chapada Diamantina National Park, exploring the Pantanal wetlands, and experiencing the unique Brazilian cuisine.
May
May sees temperatures ranging from 63-82°F. It’s a great month for wildlife enthusiasts to visit the Amazon and experience the diverse ecosystems of Brazil.
June
In June, winter arrives in Brazil in the southern hemisphere, with temperatures between 58-78°F. June is an ideal time for exploring the Iguazu Falls, hiking in the Serra dos Órgãos National Park, and enjoying cultural events.
July
July maintains cool temperatures from 57-77°F. It’s a popular month for ecotourism in the Amazon, exploring the historic towns of Minas Gerais, and enjoying winter sports in the southern regions.
August
Temperatures in August range from 58-78°F. It’s an excellent time for exploring the colonial architecture of Ouro Preto, attending the Parintins Folklore Festival in the Amazon, and enjoying Brazilian music.
September
Spring temperatures range from 62-82°F. September offers a pleasant transition to warmer weather, making it a great time for beach activities and exploring the vibrant street art scene in São Paulo.
October
October sees temperatures ranging from 65-85°F. It’s a fantastic month for nature lovers to explore the diverse landscapes of Brazil, from the beaches to the rainforests.
November
Spring continues with temperatures between 68-88°F. November is perfect for enjoying the beaches of Florianópolis, attending cultural festivals, and exploring the vibrant nightlife.
December
Summer returns with temperatures ranging from 70-89°F. December brings festive holiday celebrations, lively beach parties, and a chance to experience the unique blend of cultures that make Brazil a captivating destination.
Things to Consider
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You know the best time to visit Brazil, but what else should you consider before you plan your stay? Here are the most helpful travel tips to keep in mind for your upcoming Brazilian adventure:
- Portuguese is the official language. Since Portuguese is Brazil’s official language, you won’t find many locals that speak English around the country. Many Brazilians are bi- or multilingual, but the more common languages are Italian, German, and Japanese. Learn key Portuguese phrases and words before visiting and make use of translation apps to communicate easily with hotel and restaurant staff and locals while you’re visiting.
- Choose the right region to visit. Brazil is a large country, so you’ll need to narrow down the best region to visit for your specific trip goals. Are you looking to explore the dense Amazon rainforest and Pantanal wetlands? Are you looking for the classic Carnaval experience in Rio de Janeiro? Maybe you’re looking forward to spending uninterrupted time on the tropical beaches in the north. Think about your goals for the trip to decide which Brazilian region is best to visit.
- Pack according to the season. Brazil is in the southern hemisphere, so the seasons are exactly the opposite of the northern hemisphere. Summer is mid-December-March, fall is April-June, winter is July-September, and spring is October-mid-December. Keep this in mind as you pack for your trip, ensuring you’ve got plenty of sunscreen, bug spray, and lightweight, breathable clothing for spring and summer months. Lightweight rain gear is a good idea from October-April, when most of the country’s rainfall occurs. Pack light layers and a jacket for winter and fall months, especially down south where it gets a little cooler at night.
- U.S. citizens need a passport, but not a visa. If you’re visiting Brazil as a U.S. citizen, you won’t need a visa – just a valid passport. Other countries may require a visa for entry to Brazil, so make sure to check the requirements before you plan your visit.
- Don’t explore the Amazon without a guide. The Amazon rainforest is an incredible sight and draws millions of visitors to Brazil each year, but it can also be very dangerous. Don’t explore without a knowledgeable guide! There are tons of options for guided tours, from Amazon River cruises and tours to rainforest tours through the dense greenery. Choose from cheaper half-day or one-day tours, or make it the centerpiece of your trip by opting for longer guided tours into the more remote parts of the forest.
So, When’s the Best Time to Visit Brazil?
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Overall, the best time to visit Brazil is during the summer, from December through March. This is when the weather is warmest, the festivities reach their peak, and fun activities are around every corner.
From touring the Amazon to lying serenely on one of Brazil’s pristine beaches, the summer months are ideal for your Brazilian trip.
The best time to visit Brazil on a budget is during the winter, from June to August. Temperatures are cooler in the 50s-60s, but far from frigid. You’ll get the lowest prices on flights and hotels by visiting during the winter months, when Brazil’s tourism dips and there’s less demand overall.
The best time to visit Brazil without big crowds is during the spring, generally from August to October. There are fun festivities (like Oktoberfest) happening at this time of year, and the weather is mild and warm.
Expect temperatures from the mid-60s to the low 80s at this time of year with little rainfall – perfect for outdoor adventures! If there’s one period we don’t recommend visiting Brazil, it’s from November to December.
November is the wettest month for most of the country and December is when summertime prices surge, making flights and hotels the most expensive of the year.
There are lots of events and festivals taking place in December, from Christmas celebrations to Reveillon (New Year’s Eve/Day), but you’ll pay more to visit at this time of year and it’s quite muggy and hot.
Brazil is one of our favorite places to visit in South America, but it’s not the only option if you’re looking for a fun vacation in the southern hemisphere. Check out The Best Time to Visit Argentina in 2022 next to see if rugged, beautiful Argentina is more your speed!