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Rio de Janeiro

© Mariusz Prusaczyk / Dollar Photo Club

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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!

38 things to do in Rio de Janeiro

Coffee Bean Harvesting

April–September Food

Tasting a cup of fragrant Arabica is a must in Brazil

ArtRio, or Feira de Arte do Rio de Janeiro

September 25–29, 2024 Event

An international Art Fair you should not miss while visiting Rio

Brazil's Independence Day

September 7 Event

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

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

Mango

October–March Food

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

Swallow-Tailed Hummingbird

October–March Nature

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

Christmas Celebrations in Rio

December 24–December 25 Event

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

Bacalhau

December 24–December 25 Food

A dish originally made by Vikings that became a traditional component of Brazilian Christmas celebrations

Futevôlei or Footvolley

December–March Activity

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

Blocos

November–February Activity

Carnival street parties are a must-see!

Cupuaçu

January–April Food

A delicious fruit with a creamy pulp

Rock Climbing

June–September Activity

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

Watching the Sunset

November–February Activity

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

Mango Trees in Bloom

July–October Nature

Huge mango trees are a truly beautiful sight while flowering

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

October 3-13, 2024 Event

One of the best film festivals in South America

Festa da Iemanjá

December 29–December 31 Event

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

Hang Gliding

December–March, July–August Activity

Enjoy a panoramic view of Rio while flying above it

Avocado

February–June Food

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

Rio Carnival

February 28-March 8, 2025 Event

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

Blue Manakin Mating Dance Watching

February–March Nature

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

Botanical Garden or Jardim Botânico

September–November Nature

A whole tropical ecosystem in one park

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

Caipirinha

November–March Food

A strong drink for a hot summer night

New Year's Eve

December 31 Event

A vibrant celebration with candles, fireworks, and samba

Three-Toed Sloth Mating Season

April–June Nature

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

Festa Junina

June 1–June 30 Event

Traditional Brazilian parties with local food, games, and dancing

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

all year round Activity

Samba lessons for free at a Lapa street party

Surfing

April–October Activity

Conquer the wild winter waves of the Atlantic ocean

Cycling

June–September Activity

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

Football at Maracanã Stadium

May–December Activity

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

Carnival Street Food

late 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

Jaboticaba

May | September Food

Wine can be made not only out of grapes!

Passionfruit or Maracujá

August–December | March–May Food

Try passionfruit and become as passionate as the Brazilians

Papaya

April–May | October–November Food

A great fruit rich in vitamin C

Dia de São Jorge

April 23 Event

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

St. Sebastian's Day

January 20 Event

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

Oi Rio Pro

June 22-30, 2024 Event

A great surfing gathering and a presigious competition

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