Rio de Janeiro weather in short
The long-term averages below stay warm in every month. The average daily high runs from 25.0 degrees Celsius in September to 30.2 in February. The average low is lowest in July, at 18.4. Rain is the bigger difference between months. August is the driest month in the table, with 50.5 mm. December is the wettest, with 169.0 mm.
Weather matters most for the Corcovado, because clouds can hide the statue and the view. No month, no first departure and no ticket guarantees a clear sky. Look at the forecast the evening before, keep your day flexible and read the Corcovado page for the viewpoint.
Monthly averages
Official long-term values for the state of Rio de Janeiro, 1961 to 1990.
| Month | Average high (°C) | Average low (°C) | Rain (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29.4 | 23.3 | 114.1 |
| February | 30.2 | 23.5 | 105.3 |
| March | 29.4 | 23.3 | 103.3 |
| April | 27.8 | 21.9 | 137.4 |
| May | 26.4 | 20.4 | 85.6 |
| June | 25.2 | 18.7 | 80.4 |
| July | 25.3 | 18.4 | 56.4 |
| August | 25.6 | 18.9 | 50.5 |
| September | 25.0 | 19.2 | 87.1 |
| October | 26.0 | 20.2 | 88.2 |
| November | 27.4 | 21.4 | 95.6 |
| December | 28.6 | 22.4 | 169.0 |
These are old averages from the 1961 to 1990 reference period, not a forecast for 2026 or 2027. They are not summit readings for the Corcovado either. Use them for the general pattern: less rain in July and August than in December, and warm days all year.
Rio de Janeiro tours and day trips
City tours and Corcovado trips for any month, with live prices and availability.
Which month suits what
Based on the table, not a promise.
July and August
The two lowest rainfall figures of the year are in this stretch, 56.4 and 50.5 mm. The nights are the coolest, with a low of 18.4 to 18.9 degrees. Dry on average does not mean dry on your day.
September to November
Rainfall moves between 87.1 and 95.6 mm, and highs rise from 25.0 to 27.4 degrees. A middle stretch between the cooler and the hotter months.
December to March
These are the warmest months, with highs of 28.6 to 30.2 degrees. December has the most rain of any month in the table. Allow for a wet day when you plan the statue and the beach.
April to June
April is the second wettest month in the table, with 137.4 mm. Rain then eases to 85.6 mm in May and 80.4 mm in June.
Carnival 2027
Dates published for the parades.
Grupo Especial
The league LIESA lists the competition parades for 7, 8 and 9 February 2027, and the winners' parade for 13 February 2027. Carnival Tuesday is therefore 9 February 2027.
Série Ouro
Riotur lists the Série Ouro parades for 5 and 6 February 2027.
Street parties
The street carnival has its own dates, so do not treat the parade days as the whole festival. Book a stay early and check the current calendar for street events and any traffic changes.
Read tickets and where to stay before you pick your dates.
Clouds, wind and the time of day
What helps your chances.
Change the plan, not the weather
The operator of the vans notes that conditions change and affect visibility. Check the sky in the morning and book a time you can move if you can.
Afternoon for fewer visitors
The van operator recommends the afternoon from 2 p.m. because fewer people are there. That is a crowd tip, not a promise of a better view.
Strong wind can stop transport
Strong wind can lead the park to close attractions and halt the train and vans. Check the park's current notices on the day.
Rio de Janeiro weather: frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro?
It depends on what you want. In the table, July and August have the least rain and the coolest nights. December to March are the warmest, and December is the wettest. For Carnival, the 2027 parades run from 5 to 13 February.
Which month is the wettest?
December, with an average of 169.0 mm in the 1961 to 1990 table. April comes second with 137.4 mm.
How hot does Rio get?
The warmest average daily high in the table is 30.2 degrees Celsius in February. The lowest average high is 25.0 in September.
Will I see the statue clearly?
No month guarantees it. Clouds can hide the statue and the view at any time. Check the forecast, keep a flexible day and look at the park's notices before you leave.
When is Carnival 2027?
The Grupo Especial parades are on 7, 8 and 9 February 2027, with the winners' parade on 13 February 2027. The Série Ouro parades are on 5 and 6 February 2027.
What time of day is best for the Corcovado?
The van operator recommends the afternoon from 2 p.m. for fewer visitors. It does not promise the best view at that time.