When is the best time to visit Brazil?

The best time to visit Brazil tends to be either between June and August, when most regions are in their dry season and conditions are ideal for exploring outdoors, or December to March – Brazil’s summer season and a great time to experience Carnival. 

Having said that, Brazil is the biggest country in South America and sits across two hemispheres – so conditions can vary quite significantly depending on where you’re staying during the year. 

For that reason, it’s worth researching Brazil weather conditions and special events happening in your specific travel location before you book a trip. You may also find our guide to the best time to visit South America handy when you’re planning. 

In this month-by-month guide we’ve covered everything from average weather to top sights in Brazil across the year, so you can find the best time to go based on your travel plans. And when you’re ready, you can buy Brazilian real – ready to spend on your trip.

Brazil in January

January is peak summer in Brazil, with temperatures that range from around 24°C to 35°C across the country. You can expect hot, humid conditions, plenty of sunshine and regular rain showers, particularly in tropical regions. This is a popular month for beach holidays, and the Iguacu Falls are great to see at this time of year thanks to heavy rainfall that helps to maintain their dramatic flow.

Brazil in February

February in Brazil means Carnival – one of the world’s most famous festivals and a big draw for travellers from all over the world. Prices for things like flights and accommodation can be high this month, and the streets of places like Rio de Janeiro fill with millions of people keen to catch the samba parades and street parties. Temperatures this month range from around 24°C to 35°C, and rainfall can be high in some areas – particularly in the Amazon.

Brazil in March

March is the last month of summer in Brazil, and Carnival can sometimes tip over into this month depending on when Easter falls – so always check the dates before you travel. Temperatures in March can vary as summer gradually transitions into autumn, and popular coastal areas like the Costa Verde – a stretch of shoreline between Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo – can start to quieten down towards the end of the month.

Brazil in April

April – the start of autumn – is one of the best months to explore Brazil’s southeast, with milder conditions and fewer visitors than during the summer peak. Brazil’s Easter celebrations are a highlight in April, with cities like Ouro Preto and Belem hosting street processions and performances. Don’t forget to bring some cash if you’re visiting more remote areas, where street market vendors might not accept card payments. 

Brazil in May

Brazil’s autumn shoulder season continues in May, bringing comfortable weather and fewer crowds in popular areas. Temperatures in the southeast generally sit around 18°C to 25°C, making it a pleasant month for sightseeing and outdoor activities without the intense heat of summer. And in western Brazil, wildlife spotting in areas like the Pantanal wetlands is popular in May as the region moves into its drier season – meaning you’re less likely to find yourself caught in a downpour. 

Brazil in June

June marks the start of Brazil’s cooler season, although much of the country is still warm and pleasant for travellers. Southeastern spots like Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, for example, have temperatures that range from 12°C to 25°C, with warm days and cooler nights. Further south, early winter temperatures are more like 5°C to 18°C, with frost in some mountain locations. If you’re visiting in June, you may also catch Brazil’s Festas Juninas – lively saint day celebrations that happen all over the country, but especially in Northeastern locations.

Brazil in July

July is winter in Brazil, and as usual temperatures vary hugely by region. South and southeast are cool to cold, whereas northeastern locations like Salvador are warm and sunny, and the north is hot – with far less rain than other months. That makes July a great month for rainforest excursions and wildlife spotting. Just bear in mind that July is high season in Brazil due to the school holidays, so you may find prices are higher than average and accommodation books up early.

Brazil in August

Much of Brazil experiences dry, mild winter conditions in August, with temperatures that range from around 16°C to 27°C depending on the region. This is a good month to visit if you want to explore Brazil’s natural landscapes without the heat and humidity of summer, or go sightseeing without the crowds. The Pantanal wetlands are particularly popular this month – the dry season makes it easier to spot wildlife – and the Amazon rainforest is at its most accessible due to low water conditions. 

Brazil in September

September is a relatively quiet month in Brazil, and you might find some of the best deals on hotels and flights as it’s shoulder season. The mild weather also makes it possible to explore places like Rio de Janeiro before things heat up considerably in summer, but it’s still hot enough to enjoy long days relaxing at places like Copacabana beach. Head south to a city like Curitiba, meanwhile, and you’ll experience cooler spring temperatures than much of the rest of Brazil. Bring some cash to shop for souvenirs at Feira do Largo da Ordem – a quirky market in the heart of the old town.

Brazil in October

October in Brazil brings warmer spring weather, with temperatures increasing across many regions. It’s still considered off-season, so you may find lower prices on flights and accommodation compared to other months. October is one of the best times to visit the forested island of Ilha Grande, for example, thanks to a combination of relatively stable weather, fewer crowds and lower prices than peak summer. Just bear in mind rain is common this month, so pack with this in mind.

Brazil in November

November can be a good time to visit southern Brazil, as the weather is warm and comfortable but hasn’t hit peak summer temperatures. Having said that, November is one of the rainiest months in Brazil so it’s worth checking average rainfall for the area you’re planning to visit. Heavy rainfall can make wildlife spotting more challenging in the Pantanal and parts of the Amazon, for example. But if you’re planning a city break you may find prices this month are cheaper than December, when summer officially kicks in and prices are at their peak.

Brazil in December

December marks the beginning of Brazil’s summer, with temperatures generally ranging from around 24°C to 35°C. Hot weather and lots of festivals make this one of the country’s most popular travel periods – especially for beach holidays. The Fernando de Noronha archipelago off Brazil’s northeast coast is a popular choice in December, as the seas are warm and clear for exploring marine life. Likewise, the summer season is in full swing along the Costa Verde coastline between Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. As for festivals, Carnatal in Natal and Natal de Curitiba are two of many events to add to your itinerary.

Don’t forget about taking spending money for activities in Brazil

According to Exiap, the average daily cost for visiting attractions in Brazil is BRL 402 – just over £64* at the time of writing. Exactly how much money you’ll need will depend on your plans though, so it’s always worth checking prices ahead of your trip. 

Take a look at our guide to Brazil’s currency to find out how much spending money you might need, and bear in mind that you can sell foreign notes back at an M&S travel money bureau if you’ve got leftover currency after your trip.

Buying Brazilian real with Marks & Spencer Travel Money

Ready to go? Buy Brazilian real (BRL) online for free collection from 580+ participating M&S stores*. 

*T&Cs apply. Subject to availability. Sell-back only available at bureau locations.

Prices quoted in this article correct at the time of writing in August 2026.