Rio de Janeiro Climate

Rio de Janeiro Climate Information and Advice

Rio de Janeiro, known as, “The Marvelous City”, is located in South America. The coastal city is easily recognizable to world travelers from pictures of the city featuring the gigantic statue of Jesus on the hillside above the city. The second largest city in Brazil, Rio’s climate is modified by sea breezes and vast urban areas where concrete locks in the heat and humidity. Air pollution would be a problem, exacerbating heat and humidity, if it were not for the coastal location and rain storms, two features visitors need to prepare for.

Which items should I pack for Rio’s climate?

• Rio’s location is close to the Tropic of Capricorn, technically a “Tropical Savanna Climate”, meaning hot and humid. The heat feels more intense because of the dampness. Visitors wearing natural fiber clothing may find they do not dry out and risk catching a cold when coming into air-conditioned areas like restaurants and hotel rooms. Synthetic or mixed fiber clothing may be more comfortable.
• Sea breezes can cool down the heat quite suddenly, especially around dusk in beach or sea front areas. Carrying a wrap or sweater will protect tourists from feeling the cold.
• From June to September, the winter months, rain storms begin fairly suddenly and can be as intense as monsoon rains, lasting for a day or more. If venturing far from accommodations or taking a day trip, foldable raincoats and umbrellas are recommended. If possible, the best solution is to hole up comfortably somewhere to watch the natural drama and then take to the clean, sweet smelling streets shortly after it ceases, for a cool and pleasant stroll back to the hotel. Warning signs of incoming storms are all the window shutters banging in the rising winds and street vendors shutting up shop to escape the downpour. The average rainfall per year is 46 inches.

Factors affecting the climate in Rio de Janeiro

• Because of its location in Brazil, South America, Rio’s climate is warm when Europe and the US are cold. Seasons are reversed, so annual average temperatures are between 20° C (68°F) and 30° C (86° F) with summer months, December to March reaching highs of 35° C (95° F).
• Global weather patterns, El Niño and La Niña effect Rio’s climate, are only really a problem in years were the cycles severe, 1978, for example. Always check international weather reports before traveling.
• Rio is blessed with “lungs” in the form of the world’s second largest urban forest, the Tijuca Forest, which cleans and sweetens much of what would otherwise pollute the city.

Generally warm and sunny, with plenty of good days for relaxing at the beach, Rio de Janeiro’s climate offers a haven from western winters and short days, especially during the famous carnival before Lent.

Read on the next page: Rio de Janeiro Language »

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