Brazil is a huge country and has different climates, although it can be divided into three main climatic regions: equatorial, with year-round rains (the Amazon Basin plus a small coastal area), tropical with a dry season, (the vast central area, plus a small northern portion), and finally almost Mediterranean, with temperate winters and hot summers (the extreme south). Northern Brazil is crossed by the Equator, so that south of the Equator, that is, in much of the country, the seasons are reversed in comparison with Europe or North America. In the tropical zone, the rainy season is almost always the austral summer.

Index

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• Equatorial climate - Amazonia, Manaus, Belém, Salvador de Bahia
• Tropical climate - Fortaleza, Natal, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia
• The south - São Paulo, Florianópolis, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande
• Cyclones
• When to go
• What to pack

Equatorial climate

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Amazon rainforest

In a large area of northern Brazil, covered by the Amazon rainforest, the climate is equatorial, hot and humid throughout the year, with constant rainfall. The rains come in the form of heavy showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening. The total annual rainfall is considerable, from 2,000 to 3,000 millimetres (80 to 120 inches). The rains are more abundant from December to May, when they easily exceed 200 mm (8 in) per month, but often even 300 mm (12 in). Within the forest, the temperature remains below 30 °C (86 °F) even during the day, but moisture is consistently close to 100%. The cities built in the area, after removing a part of the forest, are a bit warmer, because the sun's rays are obviously able to reach the ground.

Manaus

For example, in Manaus, in the middle of the forest, daytime temperatures are around 30/32 °C (86/90 °F) all year round, but they can reach 35/37 °C (95/99 °F) in the hottest days; the air is almost always moist. Rainfall amounts to 2,300 mm (90 in) per year, of which more than 200 mm (8 in) per month from December to May, while from July to September there's a drier period, with less than 100 mm (4 in) per month.
Here is the average precipitation in Manaus.

Belém

In Belém too, it's hot and humid all year round, but at least the city is located near the coast, so it receives a bit of a breeze from the sea.
Here are the average temperatures of Belém.

Here the rains are more abundant than in Manaus, but the trend is similar, although the least rainy period occurs later, reaching a low in October and November. Here is the average precipitation in Belém.

The least rainy period runs from August to November in the northern part of the Amazon, and from June to September in the south-central part, but as mentioned there's not a really dry season, because heavy rains in the afternoon are always possible, although this happens more rarely in the least rainy season. As a result, in this season the hours of sunshine increase a bit, even though their percentage is never too high within the forest (in Manaus there is a maximum of 7 hours of sunshine per day from July to September), while on the coast the sunshine amount in the least rainy season becomes good, as can be seen from the data of Belém.

Salvador de Bahia

The city of Salvador de Bahia is located in a relatively small area along the eastern coast (see the small circle in the map), where a hot and humid climate, with year-round rains, can also be found. Here, 1,900 mm (75 in) of rain per year fall, and the rains are frequent and abundant especially from April to early August.
Here is the average precipitation.

In Salvador the temperatures drop slightly during the winter months, from June to August, when highs are around 26/27 °C (79/81 °F). Here are the average temperatures.

The reason why in this stretch of coast it rains throughout the year, is to be found in the trade winds, which pick up moisture over the sea, however, downpour and thunderstorm don't last long, so that the sunshine amount remains high, especially from September to March, when there are about 7/8 hours of sunshine per day on average. Here are the average daily sunshine hours.

In Salvador, the sea is warm all year round, as you can see in the following table.

In addition, along the coast the sea breeze tempers the heat even in the warmest months. Therefore, the climate of Salvador de Bahia is better than that of the Amazon forest. To explore this fascinating city and hang out at the beaches, you may prefer the period from October to February.

Tropical climate

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In this vast area including most of the central and southern Brazil, the climate is tropical, with a dry season (usually from May to August) and a rainy season (typically from October to March, with the peak in mid-summer, between December and February). In the areas where the dry season is shortest, the forest can grow like in the equatorial zone, otherwise the vegetation is less dense and savanna-type, with more or less pronounced aridity (presence of shrubs, cacti, etc.). For example, in the interior of the states of Bahia and Pernambuco, precipitation decreases to 400/500 mm (15/20 in) per year, and there are many days with intense heat, especially between August and November. However, the rainfall in inland areas of the Nordeste are very irregular, therefore, even though the average is not very high, in the period from November to March, in some years there may be even torrential rains.
Anyway, in many areas, the altitude, between 500 and 1,000 metres (1,600 and 3,300 feet) in many eastern areas, tempers the heat a little.

In the far north of Brazil, where the Massif of Guyana is located (see the circled area in the top of the map), we find another area covered by savannah, north of the vast Amazon rainforest. Here we are, albeit slightly, north of the Equator, so the driest period is reversed, and usually corresponds to the Northern Hemisphere winter. In the nort of the state of Roraima, on the border with Venezuela and Guyana, the least rainy period goes from October to March.
Here is the average precipitation in Boa Vista, capital of the state of Roraima.

In Boa Vista, the heat is felt throughout the year; in the dry season the temperatures are higher, but relative humidity is lower.
Here are the average temperatures.

Further east, in the northern part of the state of Amapá, the least rainy period is shorter and runs from September to November.

Let's now move down to the greater tropical area; we will follow the rainfall pattern along the coast, which in comparison with the interior is more variable, and determines the best time to visit the different areas.
In the Northeast, east of Belém (which is still part of the equatorial zone), we find cities such as Sao Luis, where the dry season runs from August to November, but after all in December it doesn't exceed 90 mm (3.5 in), and Fortaleza, where it goes from August to December, while in both cases from February to April the rainfall exceeds 200 millimetres (8 inches) per month.

Fortaleza

In Fortaleza, in the state of Ceará, the year is curiously divided into two, with the first part dry and the second rainy.
Here is the average precipitation in Fortaleza.

The temperature in Fortaleza is high throughout the year, but the heat is tempered by sea breezes. The humidity is higher in the rainy period. Here are the average temperatures.

The sun in Fortaleza shines very often in the dry season, while in the rainiest months, March and April, it shines for a few hours a day.

In Fortaleza, the sea is warm all year round as well.

Further to the south-east, in Natal, the dry season goes from October to December, but also in September and January the amount of rainfall is usually acceptable. On the contrary, from February to July, more than 300 millimetres (12 inches) of rain per month fall. Similar trend is found in Recife: here the least rainy period runs from October to January, while in Maceió and Aracaju, it goes from October to February. Further south, the coast of the state of Bahia, where Salvador and Ilheus are found, should be excluded because it's part of the equatorial climate zone, of which we have already spoken.

Rio de Janeiro

Further south, we find the area of Rio de Janeiro, where the dry season runs from June to August, that is in winter, as happens also in many inland areas of this tropical climate area. Here is the average precipitation.

Here, however, we are quite to the south, that is, away enough from the Equator, to experience a drop in the winter temperature: in Rio, highs from May to October go down to around 25/26 °C (77/79 °F). This can be considered as the best time to visit the carioca city, because it's warm but not hot, the amount of sunshine is good, and the rains quite rare, even though they are still possible. However, the sea at this time is a bit cool (see below), so for swimming it's better the summer, from January to March, when the heat is intense, with possible heat waves (the temperatures can touch 37/38 °C or 99/100 °F), heavy rains in the afternoon can occur, but the amount of sunshine is still fairly good and the sea is warm. Not by chance, the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro takes place in summer, reflecting the fact that the climate is not so bad even in this period, as a matter of fact the heat enhances the vitality of the Brazilians.

In Rio de Janeiro after all you can swim all year round, even though the sea becomes a little cool from July to October, when the water temperature drops to 22 °C (72 °F).



Continuing along the coast, to the south-west of Rio de Janeiro, the climate begins to be rainy all year round (see Santos), but here we enter the area with a sub-tropical climate, where winter becomes progressively cooler (see below).

Brasilia

As regards the interior, nearly 900 km (550 mi) away from the sea, we find the capital Brasilia, which has a pleasantly warm climate all year round, due to the altitude, in fact the city is located at about 1,000 metres (3,300 feet) above sea level. The daytime temperatures range between 25 and 28 °C (77 and 82 °F) throughout the year; night minima are more variable, and they are higher from October to March, while they become cooler in winter. At times, from May to August, short outbreaks of cold air coming from the south can lower the night temperature to around 5 °C (41 °F) or even below.

The rainy season runs from October to April, and in particular the period from November to February is very rainy. The best period is the winter, from May to August, which is dry and sunny.
Here is the average precipitation.

In Brasilia, the sunniest period is clearly the winter, while in the summer rainy season, the sun shines on average for a few hours a day.

In Goiania, we find a similar climate, being located at 750 metres (2,450 ft) above sea level, and at no great distance from the capital; here, however, the temperature is slightly higher, and from September to April it can be a little hot.
Belo Horizonte has also a similar climate, since it is located at 850 metres (2,800 ft) above sea level, but its southern location makes it a bit cooler in winter, averaging around 20 °C (68 °F) in June and July.
At lower elevations, the heat is felt in inland areas: for example, in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, the temperatures can reach 40 °C (104 °F) from August to October, ie in spring, before the rainy season.
South of Cuiabá we find the Pantanal, a vast wetland area, with a large biodiversity.
About 350 kilometres (215 miles) away from the coast, north-east of Natal, lies the Fernando de Noronha archipelago: here it's hot and muggy throughout the year, with a rainy season from February to July, and a dry season from August to January.

The south

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The southernmost part of Brazil (known as "South Region", composed by the states of Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul) has a subtropical climate, with winter temperatures that remind of the Mediterranean climate. Rainfall is well distributed throughout the year: in winter it's more common and abundant than in regions having a tropical climate, though typically not too heavy, but it rains also in summer, so we cannot properly speak of Mediterranean climate.

São Paulo

The megalopolis of São Paulo, which is located a bit to the north of this area, at 800 metres (2,600 feet) above sea level, is in the boundary between the tropical and the subtropical climate: its average temperature ranges from 23 °C (73 °F) in January and February, to 17 °C (63 °F) in June and July. The rainy season runs from October to March, so the best time to visit this city goes from April to September. The period from June to August, as well as being the coolest, it's the least rainy of all. Here is the average precipitation.

From May to September, sometimes at night the temperature can approach freezing (0 °C or 32 °F), while from September to March it can sometimes be hot, around 33/35 °C (91/95 °F). São Paulo has generally pleasant temperatures, but it is a polluted city, and it's often surrounded by a pall of smog that can veil or obscure the sun.

In Sao Paulo the sun shines on average for a few hours a day all year long, but there is no very sunny period.

Further south, in Curitiba, in the state of Paraná, 900 metres (3,000 feet) above sea level, winter is cooler, so that the average in June and July is 13 °C (55.5 °F). Sometimes at night the temperature can drop to the freezing point, from May to September.

Florianópolis

In Florianópolis, in the state of Santa Catarina, further south (at a latitude of 27° S) but on the coast, the average temperature goes from 16.5 °C (61.5 °F) from June to August, to 24.5 °C (76 °F) in February. Here are the average temperatures.

As mentioned, precipitation in the south is quite common even in winter. In Florianópolis, 1,500 mm (60 in) of rain per year fall, with a maximum in summer and autumn, from September to March, but with 8 days of rain and no less than 90 mm (3.5 in) per month even in winter. Here is the average precipitation.

In Florianópolis the amount of sunshine is not great all year round, as there is no dry season.

In Florianópolis, the sea is a bit cold in winter, while it becomes warm enough for swimming from November to April, and particularly warm from January to March.

At the Iguaçu Falls, on the border with Argentina and Paraguay, the average in July is 15 °C (59 °F), and the rains are frequent throughout the year, with a relative minimum in July and August. Summer, from December to March, is hot and muggy, with sunshine, but also thunderstorms.

Porto Alegre

Further south, at the thirtieth parallel, we find Porto Alegre, the capital of the Rio Grande do Sul, where the daily average temperature goes from 14.5 °C (58.5 °F) in June and July, to 24.5 °C (78 °F) in February: therefore, summer is still hot (actually, it is a bit warmer than in Florianópolis, given the distance from the sea), but winter is a bit cooler. Here are the average temperatures.

At this latitude, where thunderstorms in summer are a bit less frequent, while the winter disturbances pass more often, winter becomes even the wettest season, though not by much, as you can see from the average rainfall in Porto Alegre.

In Porto Alegre it is warm enough for swimming (but not hot) from December to April, while in winter it becomes quite cold.

Rio Grande

In Rio Grande, at a latitude of 32° S, the average July temperature drops to 13.5 °C (56.5 °F). However, summer is still quite hot.

In the far south of Brazil, in Porto Alegre but even more in Rio Grande, in summer the sunshine amount becomes good.

In Rio Grande, the temperature of the sea is also similar to that of the Mediterranean, and becomes warm enough for swimming only in summer, while in winter it is cold.

In the southernmost part of Brazil (see Porto Alegre, Rio Grande), in winter the nighttime temperature can reach 0 °C (32 °F) even in the plains.
In the southern tip of the Rio Grande do Sul, the winter averages reach 11/12 °C (52/54 °F).
In the interior, in cities located at higher altitudes, such as Lages (950 metres or 3,115 feet) or Sao Joaquim (1,300 metres or 4,250 feet), at times even snowfall can occur from June to August.

Hurricanes

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Typically, Brazil is not affected by tropical cyclones. In fact, Northern Brazil is not affected by the hurricanes of the North Atlantic (which pass much further to the north), while normally in the South Atlantic hurricanes do not form, because the sea is not warm enough. However, from November to March occasionally tropical storms may form, usually not intense, in the coastal area around the Tropic of Capricorn (see Vitória, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Santos, Curitiba, Florianópolis, Porto Alegre); in the last few decades, only once a true tropical cyclone has formed, that is Hurricane Catarina, which affected the area of Porto Alegre in late March 2004.

When to go

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Wanting to find a single period to visit Brazil, you can choose the austral winter, ie from June to August, being usually the coolest, the least rainy and the sunniest. In the far south, however, winter is rainy, and sometimes it can get cold; as regards the rain, as we have seen there are exceptions even in the north-central, mainly in the coastal areas, so for the individual zones you can refer to the foregoing sections.
As we have seen, the sea is warm enough for swimming all year round in north-central Brazil, while it becomes relatively cool from June to October at Rio de Janeiro, and even cold along the coast of Rio Grande do Sul, where it drops to 14 °C (57 °F) in August. Here the sea temperature becomes acceptable, around 23/24 °C (73/75 °F) from January to March.

What to pack

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In winter (June to August): in the Amazon, tropics-friendly, loose fitting clothing, maybe with long sleeves for mosquitoes; a sweatshirt for the evening. In the north-east, from Natal to the south, light clothing, a sweatshirt for the evening, a light scarf for the sea breeze, a light sweatshirt and a light raincoat for thunderstorms; a light scarf and a light sweatshirt for the evening also in Sao Luis and Fortaleza, on windy evenings. In Rio de Janeiro, light clothes for the day, a sweatshirt or sweater and a jacket for the evening, raincoat and umbrella. In Brasilia, Sao Paulo, Florianopolis and the extreme south: clothes for spring and autumn, sweater, jacket, raincoat or umbrella.
In summer (December to February): In the forest and the tropical region, down to Rio de Janeiro: tropics-friendly, lightweight clothing, possibly a light sweatshirt and a light raincoat for thunderstorms, sun hat, possibly sweater and scarf for air-conditioned places. In Brasilia, Sao Paulo and the south: light clothes, a sweatshirt and a light jacket for the evening, raincoat or umbrella.