Brazil (Rio de Janeiro) · December
Best travel monthTravel seasonBrazil · South America
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 32° (90°)24– (75–)38 (100) | 33° (91°)26– (79–)37 (99) | 32° (90°)25– (77–)37 (99) | 30° (86°)23– (73–)35 (95) | 28° (82°)21– (70–)33 (91) | 27° (81°)21– (70–)32 (90) | 27° (81°)19– (66–)33 (91) | 27° (81°)20– (68–)35 (95) | 28° (82°)21– (70–)36 (97) | 29° (84°)22– (72–)36 (97) | 29° (84°)22– (72–)37 (99) | 31° (88°)24– (75–)37 (99) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 24° (75°)20– (68–)26 (79) | 24° (75°)21– (70–)26 (79) | 24° (75°)21– (70–)25 (77) | 22° (72°)18– (64–)24 (75) | 20° (68°)15– (59–)22 (72) | 18° (64°)14– (57–)21 (70) | 18° (64°)14– (57–)21 (70) | 18° (64°)13– (55–)21 (70) | 20° (68°)16– (61–)23 (73) | 21° (70°)16– (61–)24 (75) | 22° (72°)17– (63–)25 (77) | 23° (73°)20– (68–)26 (79) |
☀️Sunshine | 7h | 7h | 7h | 6h | 6h | 6h | 7h | 7h | 7h | 5h | 5h | 6h |
🌊Water Temp | 24° (75°) | 24° (75°) | 24° (75°) | 24° (75°) | 24° (75°) | 23° (73°) | 22° (72°) | 22° (72°) | 21° (70°) | 22° (72°) | 21° (70°) | 23° (73°) |
🌧Rain Days | 6d101mm (4.0") | 7d93mm (3.7") | 5d70mm (2.7") | 4d49mm (1.9") | 3d29mm (1.1") | 3d23mm (0.9") | 2d14mm (0.6") | 3d25mm (1.0") | 4d39mm (1.5") | 6d51mm (2.0") | 6d79mm (3.1") | 7d89mm (3.5") |
Best travel time current monthØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel season — mid-range prices, good availability.
December is one of the best travel months for Brazil (Rio de Janeiro) — conditions are stable, temperatures reach 31°C (88°F), and outdoor activities are excellent.
Daytime highs average 31°C (88°F), cooling to 23°C (73°F) at night (daily average: 27°C (81°F)). Peaks reach around 37°C (99°F), the coldest nights around 20°C (68°F). With 6 sunshine hours per day and 7 rain days (89 mm (3.5 in)), this is one of the cloudier months. Sea temperature is 23°C (73°F) — pleasantly warm for long swim sessions.
Pack light summer clothing, sunscreen, and swimwear — beach and water conditions in December are ideal.
Rio at the height of summer: Carnival (late January / February) is the biggest party in the world — samba schools in the Sambódromo, blocos in the lanes of Santa Teresa and Lapa. On New Year's Eve, millions dressed in white gather on Copacabana beach beneath the fireworks.
Events & Festivals
- Réveillon na Praia de Copacabana31 December
Millions of people dressed in white gather on Copacabana beach. At midnight one of the biggest fireworks displays in the world begins right over the Atlantic — a spectacle visible from the entire waterfront.
Packing list for Brazil (Rio de Janeiro) in December
- Light summer clothes
- Swimwear (the water is still a little fresh)
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Light umbrella or rain poncho
- Insect repellent
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is December a good time to visit Brazil (Rio de Janeiro)?
- Yes — December is one of the best months to visit Brazil (Rio de Janeiro) (Climate Score: 73/100). Pleasant temperatures (31°C (88°F)), good sunshine (6 h/day), and few rain days (7) make it one of the most recommended months.
- How warm is it in Brazil (Rio de Janeiro) in December?
- In December, Brazil (Rio de Janeiro) sees daily highs of 31°C (88°F). Nights cool to 23°C (73°F), with a daily average of 27°C (81°F). Peaks reach around 37°C (99°F), the coldest nights around 20°C (68°F).
- How much rain falls in Brazil (Rio de Janeiro) in December?
- In December, Brazil (Rio de Janeiro) receives an average of 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain over 7 rain days. An umbrella may occasionally be needed.
- How many sunshine hours does Brazil (Rio de Janeiro) get in December?
- Brazil (Rio de Janeiro) averages 6 sunshine hours per day in December — close to the annual average.
- How warm is the water in Brazil (Rio de Janeiro) in December?
- Water temperature in Brazil (Rio de Janeiro) in December averages 23°C (73°F) — pleasantly warm for swim sessions.
