Best time to visit Rio de Janeiro

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Rio de Janeiro

Best time of year to visit Rio de Janeiro

Despite all the madding crowds and high prices during the carnival period, go hit adorable Brazilian beaches from December to March as it is considered the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro. Summer is perfect for swimming and tanning as days are hot. However, due to numerous celebrations from Christmas to Carnival, try to book in advance. Pack an umbrella with you as downpours are frequent. The period of April and May is generous with cheaper accommodation and famous for exotic fruits like cupuaçu, avocado, and jaboticaba. Even though room rates from June to November are significantly higher, winter and spring in Rio are mild and adorable for surfing and sightseeing. And what a terrible mistake not to visit an unforgettable Jardim Botânico in the midst of spring!

20 THINGS TO DO IN RIO DE JANEIRO (OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 09)

Beach Season

Beach Season

November–March • activity

The beaches of Rio are among the most famous in the world and there's a good reason for this

Lapa

Lapa

all year round • activity

Samba lessons for free at a Lapa street party

Capybara Watching (Breeding Season)

Capybara Watching (Breeding Season)

October–November • nature

In Rio, capybaras live in parks so you'll have an opportunity to watch baby capybaras play and socialize right in the middle of the city

Watching the Sunset

Watching the Sunset

November–February • activity

The atmosphere and the magnificent landscape of the city make​ Rio a perfect place to enjoy the sunset

Surfing

Surfing

April–October • activity

Conquer the wild winter waves of the Atlantic ocean

Tijuca Forest

Tijuca Forest

all year round • nature

Discover the wildlife inside the city

Blocos

Blocos

November–February • activity

Carnival street parties are a must-see!

Caipirinha

Caipirinha

November–March • food

A strong drink for a hot summer night

Football at Maracanã Stadium

Football at Maracanã Stadium

May–December • activity

If football is a religion for Brazilians and Pele is a god, then Maracanã is a temple

Açaí Berry

Açaí Berry

July–December • food

A local favorite in Rio tastes like chocolate and wild berries

Feijoada

Feijoada

May–November • food

Taste Rio with the traditional nourishing stew of beans with beef or pork

Botanical Garden or Jardim Botânico

Botanical Garden or Jardim Botânico

September–November • nature

A whole tropical ecosystem in one park

Kayaking

Kayaking

October–December • activity

Get a different perspective of the city on a kayaking tour

Swallow-Tailed Hummingbird

Swallow-Tailed Hummingbird

October–March • nature

Watching colourful Hummingbirds play and try to attract each other will make your day

Mango Trees in Bloom

Mango Trees in Bloom

July–October • nature

Huge mango trees are a truly beautiful sight while flowering

Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Stand Up Paddle Boarding

October–April • activity

The best way of traversing calm waters

Passionfruit or Maracujá

Passionfruit or Maracujá

August–December | March–May • food

Try passionfruit and become as passionate as the Brazilians

Mango

Mango

October–March • food

There are so many ways to eat the delicious apple of the tropics

Papaya

Papaya

April–May | October–November • food

A great fruit rich in vitamin C

Guava or Goiaba

Guava or Goiaba

late-October–early March • food

The dessert called "Romeo and Juliette" made of guava will help you understand what a perfect combination really means

25 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Rio Carnival

Rio Carnival

out of rangeFebruary 9–13, 2024 • event

Carnival is an essential part of life and a deep-rooted tradition in Rio

Festa Junina

Festa Junina

out of rangeJune 13 | June 24 | June 29 • event

Traditional Brazilian parties with local food, games, and dancing

ArtRio

ArtRio

out of rangeSeptember 25-29, 2024 • event

An international Art Fair you should not miss while visiting Rio

Hiking

Hiking

out of rangeJune–September • activity

Rio with its hills and urban forests is a hiking paradise

Festa da Iemanjá

Festa da Iemanjá

out of rangeDecember 29–December 31 • event

The festival of the Goddess of the Sea is a holiday for the Brazilian religion—Umbanda

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve

out of rangeDecember 31 • event

A vibrant celebration with candles, fireworks, and samba

Festival do Rio (Rio de Janeiro Int'l Film Festival)

Festival do Rio (Rio de Janeiro Int'l Film Festival)

out of rangeOctober 5–15, 2023 • event

One of the best film festivals in South America

Blue Manakin Mating Dance Watching

Blue Manakin Mating Dance Watching

out of rangeFebruary–March • nature

Watching one of worlds showiest birds trying to impress females is a lot of fun

Hang Gliding

Hang Gliding

out of rangeDecember–March, July–August • activity

Enjoy a panoramic view of Rio while flying above it

Oi Rio Pro

Oi Rio Pro

unconfirmedJune 22-30, 2024 • event

A great surfing gathering and a presigious competition

Christmas Celebrations in Rio

Christmas Celebrations in Rio

out of rangeDecember 24–December 25 • event

Years of colonization and thousands of immigrants from around the world make the Christmas traditions in Rio so special

Jaboticaba

Jaboticaba

out of rangeMay | September • food

Wine can be made not only out of grapes!

Futevôlei or Footvolley

Futevôlei or Footvolley

out of rangeDecember–March • activity

A typical Brazilian game that will keep you having fun on the beach

Cycling

Cycling

out of rangeJune–September • activity

A fast and economical way to explore Cidade Maravilhosa—the Marvellous City

St. Sebastian's Day

St. Sebastian's Day

out of rangeJanuary 20 • event

Rio has its holiday not on the day of foundation, but on the day of the patron—St. Sebastian

Coffee Bean Harvesting

Coffee Bean Harvesting

out of rangeApril–September • food

Tasting a cup of fragrant Arabica is a must in Brazil

Carnival Street Food

Carnival Street Food

out of rangelate February–early March • food

Brazil is famous for its cuisine just as much as for its football. Carnival street snacks are a great way to get a quick taste

Dia de São Jorge

Dia de São Jorge

out of rangeApril 23 • event

Saint George is the second most important saint for Cariocas and his holiday is celebrated with a lot of excitement

Bacalhau

Bacalhau

out of rangeDecember 24–December 25 • food

A dish originally made by Vikings that became a traditional component of Brazilian Christmas celebrations

Cupuaçu

Cupuaçu

out of rangeJanuary–April • food

A delicious fruit with a creamy pulp

Brazil's Independence Day

Brazil's Independence Day

out of rangeSeptember 7 • event

Freedom means a lot to Rio natives and they know how to celebrate it

Rock Climbing

Rock Climbing

out of rangeJune–September • activity

The hills that surround the city offer a wide range of rock climbing routes of varying difficulties

Rabanada

Rabanada

out of rangeDecember 24–December 25 • food

French toast with a Brazilian flair, a 'must have' on any Christmas table

Avocado

Avocado

out of rangeFebruary–June • food

The super nutritious avocado will not only upgrade any sandwich or salad but is great in desserts too

Three-Toed Sloth Mating Season

Three-Toed Sloth Mating Season

out of rangeApril–June • nature

The usually solitary sloths gather only for mating and this is when they're most active

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