Warm drizzles of rain, a little heat to spice up the air, thick clouds and lush greenery – this is Brazil, a tropical paradise. Everything is rich here, even the weather – served in abundant doses every season. However, if you think that Brazil is just a tropical surprise, prepare to be surprised. This is, after all, the 5th largest country in the world. What works in one side of Brazil, doesn’t in another. 

So, as you can see, the question of the best time to visit Brazil, is a little more complicated than that. Luckily, we’re going to help you break down this year-long carnival of climatic conditions. What you experience depends on where you go and when you go to Brazil – we’re going to break down both for you, to make an informed decision. 

Ready to experience this whirlwind of weather? Let’s go!

Before we begin, let us state that Brazil’s vastness means its weather can’t be caged into boxes – the North and South experience different weather. The seasons below are based on general conditions of weather. There may be variations depending on the specific area of Brazil that you decide to visit.  

Peak Season: November to March

Summers in Brazil are considered peak season – the beaches are open and spectacular, Christmas and the Rio Carnival burst to life, however the Amazon and Southern Brazil will receive rainfall during this time.  

Off-Season: April to July

Every time the rain reaches Brazil, tourists stay away. While the Amazon and Southern Brazil experience rain at a different time, the rest of Brazil is splattered with thick, humid showers.

Shoulder Season: September-October

Transition months in Brazil mark the shoulder season. Temperatures slide between 20° and 30° C. 

Best time to visit Brazil with travel seasons & weather are given below

Regions of Brazil

The weather gods play a bit of mischief in Brazil. Consider, though, the breadth of the land they have to work with. While the rain falls into the deep green corners of the Amazon, the sun shines on the beaches of Brazil. So, to help clarify the situation, we are going to break this down region-wise.

The North and the East Brazil weather

These parts of Brazil play host to warm weather all year. The weather in this part of the country is neatly bifurcated into two options – dry and rainy. During August to February, this part of the country remains dry, bringing tourists in. Rainfall is from March to July; sea breeze is aplenty, and the coasts are crowded with tourists. 

Patanal and Amazon weather

Could anything match the majesty and diversity of the Amazon rainforest or the Patanal region? The answer is no. These regions are beautiful throughout the year; however, the delight is in the surprises you unearth in each season. June to September are the drier months in this region. Patanal sees rain from December to March. Temperatures are steady here, rarely dropping below 20°C.

Southern Brazil

November to March is your gateway to view the stunning beauty on display in Southern Brazil. Peak season in the rest of the country, usually sees Southern Brazil bear the brunt of the rainclouds. Winter in Rio is a sight to see, so make a trip between July and September. Clouds are a constant companion during the year and as you move into the interiors, Southern Brazil gets cooler. 

Summer in Brazil (December – March)

Temperature: The air temperature during the season of summer generally fluctuates between 21°C and 29°C.

Weather: The North of Brazil heats up during this season - not just in terms of weather but also in terms of tourists and celebrations. People take trips to the beach enjoying average temperatures of 25-30°C. Towards the end of March, the rain has reached this region. Southern Brazil on the other hand does experience a lush amount of rainfall during this period.

Significance: Brazil’s biggest and most beautiful events happen at this time of the year. Christmas and New Year kickstart the celebrations, but the volume is really turned up during the Carnival in Rio. This season also marks the Yamaneja festival in Salvador, where locals thank the Goddess of the Sea. 

Why you should visit now: Three words – The Rio Carnival. Floats, dancers, samba songs, great food, street parties… if you think you’ve seen a celebration, well, you haven’t partied with the Brazilians yet.

Things to know before the visit: The Carnival is a globally famous event. As such, the accommodations, flights and other trip costs will skyrocket closer to this time period. Be safe, book your trip well in advance.

Tips: Depending on where you are, your suitcase should reflect that. Rainwear, windcheaters, gumboots are all perfect for the Amazon, Patanal and Southern Brazil. For the beaches in the North and East, pack those swimsuits, flip flops and sunscreen. 

Autumn in Brazil (April - June)

Temperature: The air temperature during the season of autumn generally fluctuates between 20°C and 29°C.

Weather: If you’ve got your eye on the Patanal region, this is the time to visit. The world’s largest wetlands are gorgeous during this time of year, as opposed to the December-March stretch where the rains flood the region. The weather starts to get rainy in the Northeast, however, South Brazil is a delightful mix of cool and sunny making Autumn a great time to visit this region. June sees a slump in the tourist season, as Brazil is slicked over with a constant thrum of rain.  

Significance: This time of year, is significant as the Festa Junina is celebrated across the country. A celebration of rural life, this festival sees costumes, dances and great food like canjica, pe-de-moleque and cake. June is also the month of the Parintins Folklore Festival, which is spread over 3 days and celebrates the resurrection of the legendary Amazonian ox. If you’re in Amazonas, then you must make it a point to visit during this festival. This season also marks the festival of Semana Santa, or Easter – a major religious festival in Brazil.

Why you should visit now: Mild weather makes the coastline even more beautiful during autumn. This is also when the crowds thin out, so you have more room to sightsee in the major cities. 

Things to know before the visit: This season is actually a dry season in the Amazon and Patanal regions, which means your chances of spotting the incredible wildlife in these areas are higher. South Brazil is also cooler this time of year. 

Tips: Don’t miss out on the 4-day music fiesta that is Lollapalooza, Brasil, where some of the biggest artists in the world will be performing. Book your tickets in advance!

Winter in Brazil (July-August)

Temperature: The air temperature during the season of autumn generally fluctuates between 18°C and 30°C.

Weather: The weather stretches as it transforms – winter slowly turns into summer over these months. The Patanal region remains dry. The weather in the coastal regions goes from pleasantly cool to soupy and warm towards the end of the season. Rio and other North Eastern parts of the country stay warm, with temperatures settling comfortably in the 20°C range. Southern Brazil experiences its coldest weather, with temperatures dropping to 5°C at night.

Significance: In August, you can witness the Festa do Peao – a cowboy festival in Sao Paulo that started in 1955. The Festival de Cachaca – dedicated to the national liquor made from sugarcane – is held during August as well. Samba, forro and reggae music warm the atmosphere with their melodies and beats. Buy delicious snacks from food trucks, handicrafts from Paraty and sample your first sip of Caracha. It’s fun, it’s festive, it’s fabulous. 

Why you should visit now: Due to the dry season in Amazon and Patanal, you can enjoy great hikes and treks across the region. A chance to explore the greatest and incredibly mysterious parts of the world in good weather? Where can we sign up?

Things to know before the visit: This part of the year is considered the shoulder season, which means you may see some crowds, but not enough to make you feel claustrophobic. This makes it a great time to visit the country.

Tips: The further up South you go, the chillier it gets. Some resorts in this region close for the winter, so make sure to check out the dates available before making a booking.

Spring in Brazil (September – November)

Temperature: The air temperature during the season of autumn generally fluctuates between 20°C and 31°C.

Weather: Mid-October sees another wash of rain flood the Amazon region, and December brings similar weather to Central Brazil. Patanal continues to stay dry during this season. The Northeast temperatures slide lazily between 24 to 27 degrees Celsius, making it comfortable weather to spend your vacation in. 

Significance: German citizens in Brazil brought the grand Oktoberfest to the country’s shores. Today, it is one of the country’s most popular beer festivals. It is mainly celebrated in the Blumenau region in Santa Catarina. Singing, dance parties and street parties ensue. The festival’s highlight is the beauty pageant, which looks for the next Queen of Oktoberfest. September is also a great time to visit the majestic Iguazu falls – the largest waterfall system in the world. 

Why you should visit now: Patanal, with its dry weather, allows you glimpses into the lives of the exotic animals that live there. If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, do stop by Patanal during this season.

Things to know before the visit: November ushers in the rainclouds, which stretch across the country. Be prepared for Brazil’s rainy weather, by carrying a raincoat, umbrella and gumboots. Keep your valuables safe, secure and dry during this weather. 

Tips: The northeast is a sunny stretch of land during these months, so pack your swimsuit! It’s time to head to the beach. From July to November, you can also expect the best diving conditions in the country, so come prepared for Brazil’s underwater kingdom. 

So, there you have it. Brazil is a feast of weather, waves and wonderful festivals. Do a little extra research to know about the weather of the cities you are visiting, and make sure you pack accordingly. For everything else, we, at Thomas Cook, have got you covered. Visit our Brazil holiday packages and choose the from the vacations that we have curated for your delight.