Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro has a tropical wet-and-dry climate, marked by year-round warmth split between a rainy season and a pronounced dry season. Average daytime highs range from about 77°F (25°C) in July to around 87°F (30°C) in January, and the city records roughly 148 days of measurable precipitation a year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: January - highs near 87°F (30°C)
- Coldest month: July - highs near 77°F (25°C)
- Record high: 104°F (40°C) · Record low: 53°F (12°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: January (15 rainy days) · Sunniest: January (10.5 h sun/day)
- Climate type: tropical wet-and-dry - year-round warmth split between a rainy season and a pronounced dry season
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on January. Highs average 87°F (30°C) and overnight lows stay near 75°F (24°C). The coolest month is July, with typical highs of 77°F (25°C) and lows around 65°F (18°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 104°F (40°C) and dropped as low as 53°F (12°C).
Rain, sun and snow
January is usually the wettest month. It brings about 6.3 inches (161 mm) of rain over 15 days, while July is the driest. January brings the most sunshine, averaging 10.5 hours of sun a day.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 87° | 75° | 15 | 6.3 in | 10.5 h/day | 79% |
| February | 86° | 75° | 15 | 5.9 in | 10.1 h/day | 81% |
| March | 85° | 74° | 14 | 6.0 in | 10.4 h/day | 82% |
| April | 81° | 71° | 12 | 3.2 in | 10.1 h/day | 81% |
| May | 78° | 68° | 10 | 2.5 in | 9.2 h/day | 81% |
| June | 77° | 66° | 9 | 1.6 in | 9.0 h/day | 80% |
| July | 77° | 65° | 7 | 1.6 in | 9.0 h/day | 79% |
| August | 78° | 64° | 10 | 2.5 in | 9.0 h/day | 78% |
| September | 80° | 67° | 9 | 2.8 in | 9.6 h/day | 79% |
| October | 80° | 69° | 15 | 3.5 in | 9.1 h/day | 81% |
| November | 81° | 70° | 16 | 5.8 in | 9.6 h/day | 82% |
| December | 84° | 73° | 16 | 5.4 in | 10.4 h/day | 82% |
Rio de Janeiro month by month
Rio de Janeiro weather in January
January brings highs around 87°F (30°C), lows near 75°F (24°C), about 15 wet days - typically the hottest month and the wettest month and the sunniest month of the year in Rio de Janeiro.
Rio de Janeiro weather in February
February brings highs around 86°F (30°C), lows near 75°F (24°C), about 15 wet days.
Rio de Janeiro weather in March
March brings highs around 85°F (29°C), lows near 74°F (23°C), about 14 wet days.
Rio de Janeiro weather in April
April brings highs around 81°F (27°C), lows near 71°F (22°C), about 12 wet days.
Rio de Janeiro weather in May
May brings highs around 78°F (26°C), lows near 68°F (20°C), about 10 wet days.
Rio de Janeiro weather in June
June brings highs around 77°F (25°C), lows near 66°F (19°C), about 9 wet days.
Rio de Janeiro weather in July
July brings highs around 77°F (25°C), lows near 65°F (18°C), about 7 wet days - typically the coldest month and the driest month of the year in Rio de Janeiro.
Rio de Janeiro weather in August
August brings highs around 78°F (25°C), lows near 64°F (18°C), about 10 wet days.
Rio de Janeiro weather in September
September brings highs around 80°F (27°C), lows near 67°F (20°C), about 9 wet days.
Rio de Janeiro weather in October
October brings highs around 80°F (27°C), lows near 69°F (21°C), about 15 wet days.
Rio de Janeiro weather in November
November brings highs around 81°F (27°C), lows near 70°F (21°C), about 16 wet days.
Rio de Janeiro weather in December
December brings highs around 84°F (29°C), lows near 73°F (23°C), about 16 wet days.
Seasons in Rio de Janeiro
September through November
September through November in Rio de Janeiro brings comfortable warmth, with daytime highs averaging 80°F (27°C) and nights around 69°F (20°C); expect showers on roughly 40 days across the season.
December through February
December through February in Rio de Janeiro runs hot, with daytime highs averaging 86°F (30°C) and nights around 74°F (24°C); expect showers on roughly 46 days across the season. With the humidity factored in, afternoons often feel hotter than the thermometer reads - run the numbers through the humidity and dew point converter to see why.
March through May
March through May in Rio de Janeiro is hot, with daytime highs averaging 81°F (27°C) and nights around 71°F (22°C); expect showers on roughly 37 days across the season.
June through August
June through August in Rio de Janeiro brings comfortable warmth, with daytime highs averaging 77°F (25°C) and nights around 65°F (18°C); expect showers on roughly 25 days across the season.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Rio de Janeiro?
Is Rio de Janeiro hot in summer?
Is Rio de Janeiro cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Rio de Janeiro get in a year?
Best time to visit Rio de Janeiro
The best time to visit Rio de Janeiro is generally May to September, when these months combine the driest skies with the most comfortable heat. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 78°F (26°C).
Pack for Rio de Janeiro with lightweight, breathable clothing and strong sun protection for the hot months; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature; moisture-wicking fabrics to cope with the humidity. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - January nights average 75°F (24°C).
Rio de Janeiro temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.