Rio's summer runs December to February, and it's hot, humid and wet, with 17 rain days in January. People pack for a beach holiday and forget the city part: steep hills, sudden storms, and phones that go missing if you're careless with them. Pack light, pack for rain, and carry less of value.
Rio de Janeiro weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 30°C86°F | 31°C88°F | 29°C84°F | 27°C81°F | 27°C81°F | 26°C79°F | 24°C75°F | 25°C77°F | 28°C82°F | 27°C81°F | 28°C82°F | 30°C86°F |
| Low | 24°C75°F | 24°C75°F | 24°C75°F | 22°C72°F | 20°C68°F | 19°C66°F | 18°C64°F | 18°C64°F | 20°C68°F | 20°C68°F | 21°C70°F | 23°C73°F |
| Rain days | 17 | 11 | 10 | 12 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 14 | 12 | 14 |
Season by season
Summer
December–FebruaryHighs of 30–31°C (86–88°F), nights at 23–24°C (73–75°F), and heavy humidity. January is the wettest month with 17 rain days, often short, heavy storms. Swimwear, light clothes, a rain shell and plenty of sunscreen.
Autumn
March–MayStill warm, with highs easing from 29°C (84°F) to 27°C (81°F) and lows from 24°C (75°F) to 20°C (68°F). April has 12 rain days, then May drops to just 5, which makes it one of the best months to go. Beach clothes plus a light layer for the evenings.
Winter
June–AugustMild and drier. Highs of 24–26°C (75–79°F), lows of 18–19°C (64–66°F) and 7 rain days a month. Still beach weather on sunny days, but bring a light sweater for nights and for the cooler air up on Sugarloaf and Corcovado.
Spring
September–NovemberHighs of 27–28°C (81–82°F) and lows of 20–21°C (68–70°F). The rain comes back: October has 14 rain days and November 12. Pack for the beach with a rain shell on standby.
What to bring to Rio de Janeiro
0 of 22 packed- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
A wet swimsuit after Ipanema shouldn't soak your bag, and this waterproof cube seals it away from your clean clothes.
- Crocs Classic ClogFootwear & Shoe Care
A light foam clog that doesn't care about wet sand, a soaked pavement or a sudden January downpour.
- Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, 4 ozHealth & Safety
Humid summer evenings bring mosquitoes, and 20% picaridin rated for up to 12 hours is gentle on your sunglasses and gear.
Rio's summer storms hit fast, and a jacket that packs into its own pocket means you keep walking instead of hiding under an awning.
- Pacsafe GO Anti-Theft Tech CrossbodyDocuments & Security
Phones go missing on busy beaches and streets, and a crossbody with a steel-wire strap and lockable zips keeps yours on you.
- Allbirds Men's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
Santa Teresa's steep, cobbled hills need real grip, and this breathable sneaker with a traction outsole is made for warm-weather walking.
- Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
At 30°C (86°F) and humid, you want cold water for the whole day, and this bottle keeps it cold for 24 hours.
Clothing
- Swimwear · 2
- Light breathable clothes · 4Summer highs of 30–31°C
- Light layer · 1Winter nights drop to 18°C
Footwear
- Flip-flops · 1Standard on the beach
- Grippy walking shoes · 1Steep hills and trails
Gear
- Sun hat · 1
- Sunglasses · 1
- Compact umbrella · 1January has 17 rain days
- Waterproof phone pouch · 1
Health and toiletries
- Sunscreen
- After-sun lotion
Documents and money
- Passport
- Small amount of cashCarry less of value
Tech
- Plug adapter · 1Type C and N sockets
- Phone power bank · 1
What shoes should you pack for Rio de Janeiro?
One pair of good walking sneakers and one pair of flip-flops. Santa Teresa's hills are steep and cobbled, and trails like Pedra Bonita need grip. On the sand at Ipanema and Copacabana, everyone's in flip-flops.
What do people wear in Rio de Janeiro?
Casual and light. Cariocas wear swimwear on the beach and shorts, T-shirts and sandals almost everywhere else. Skip flashy jewelry and nice watches, and keep your phone out of sight on busy streets and the beach.
What plugs does Rio de Janeiro use?
Brazil uses type C and N sockets. Rio is mostly 127V, but some outlets are 220V, so check before plugging anything in. A universal adapter's EU plug fits type C, and most type N sockets take a slim two-pin EU plug too. It doesn't convert voltage, so check that your devices list 100-240V.
Tours and things to do in Rio de Janeiro
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Rio de Janeiro.
What should you leave at home for Rio de Janeiro?
Expensive jewelry, designer bags and anything you'd hate to lose. Petty theft on the beach and in crowded areas is the main risk for visitors. Bring a cheap beach bag and carry only what you need for the day.
Packing for Rio de Janeiro: questions people ask
What should I wear in Rio de Janeiro?
Light, casual clothes, swimwear and flip-flops for the beach, plus walking shoes for the hills. Leave flashy jewelry and watches at home.
What is the best month to visit Rio?
May is a sweet spot, at 27°C (81°F) with only 5 rain days. June to August is milder and drier, with highs of 24–26°C (75–79°F).
Does it rain a lot in Rio?
In summer, yes. January has 17 rain days and December 14, usually as short, heavy storms rather than all-day rain.
What should I wear in Rio in July?
Shorts and T-shirts by day and a light sweater at night. July highs are around 24°C (75°F) with lows of 18°C (64°F).
What voltage does Rio de Janeiro use?
Mostly 127V, but some outlets are 220V, so check before plugging anything in. Sockets are type C and N.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.