Brazil is the largest country in South America and the fifth largest in the world by both land area and population. It occupies almost half of the South American continent and shares borders with every South American country except Chile and Ecuador. Brazil’s vast and varied geography includes the Amazon Rainforest in the north, the world’s largest tropical rainforest; the Pantanal, the largest tropical wetland; the cerrado, a vast tropical savanna; and extensive coastal regions along the Atlantic Ocean.
Due to its size and geographic diversity, Brazil experiences a wide range of climates, from tropical in the north to temperate in the south. The country can be divided into five climatic regions: equatorial, tropical, semiarid, highland tropical, and subtropical. Brazil has a complex weather pattern, influenced by factors like the equator, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Andes Mountains. These features contribute to Brazil’s seasonal variations, with regions experiencing distinct dry and wet seasons.
Brazil’s Weather by Month
January: Peak of Summer
Northern Brazil (Amazon Rainforest, Manaus)
- Average Temperature: 30°C (86°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
- Rainfall: Very high, around 250-300 mm
- Humidity: Very high, around 85-90%
- Winds: Light, with occasional thunderstorms
Central Brazil (Brasília, Mato Grosso)
- Average Temperature: 29°C (84°F) during the day, 20°C (68°F) at night
- Rainfall: Heavy, around 200-250 mm
- Humidity: High, around 80%
- Winds: Light breezes, with frequent rain showers
Southern Brazil (São Paulo, Porto Alegre)
- Average Temperature: 28°C (82°F) during the day, 20°C (68°F) at night
- Rainfall: High, around 150-200 mm
- Humidity: Moderate to high, around 75%
- Winds: Light to moderate, with occasional thunderstorms
Summary: January is the peak of summer in Brazil, marked by high temperatures and heavy rainfall in most regions. Northern Brazil, especially the Amazon Rainforest, experiences heavy rain and very high humidity. Central Brazil also receives significant rainfall, while southern Brazil is warm and humid with frequent thunderstorms. Coastal regions like Rio de Janeiro are hot and busy with tourists, while inland areas remain tropical and rainy.
February: Continued Heat and Rain
Northern Brazil
- Average Temperature: 30°C (86°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
- Rainfall: Very high, around 250-300 mm
- Humidity: Very high, around 85-90%
- Winds: Light to moderate, with frequent rain showers
Central Brazil
- Average Temperature: 29°C (84°F) during the day, 20°C (68°F) at night
- Rainfall: Heavy, around 200-250 mm
- Humidity: High, around 80%
- Winds: Light, with thunderstorms in the afternoons
Southern Brazil
- Average Temperature: 29°C (84°F) during the day, 20°C (68°F) at night
- Rainfall: High, around 150-200 mm
- Humidity: Moderate to high, around 75%
- Winds: Light to moderate, with frequent thunderstorms
Summary: February remains hot and rainy across Brazil, particularly in the north and central regions, where heavy downpours and high humidity continue. In the southern regions, summer weather is in full swing, with hot temperatures and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Carnival celebrations take place across the country in late February or early March, adding to the lively atmosphere, particularly in cities like Rio de Janeiro and Salvador.
March: Transition Toward Autumn
Northern Brazil
- Average Temperature: 29°C (84°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
- Rainfall: Very high, around 300-350 mm
- Humidity: Very high, around 85-90%
- Winds: Light, with afternoon thunderstorms
Central Brazil
- Average Temperature: 28°C (82°F) during the day, 19°C (66°F) at night
- Rainfall: Moderate to heavy, around 180-220 mm
- Humidity: High, around 80%
- Winds: Light, with scattered rain showers
Southern Brazil
- Average Temperature: 27°C (81°F) during the day, 18°C (64°F) at night
- Rainfall: Moderate to high, around 120-180 mm
- Humidity: Moderate, around 70-75%
- Winds: Light, with cooler breezes in the evenings
Summary: In March, Brazil transitions from summer to autumn. Northern Brazil continues to receive heavy rainfall, while central regions see a slight decrease in rain. Southern Brazil begins to cool down, with moderate temperatures and less frequent thunderstorms. This is a good time to visit southern cities like São Paulo or Curitiba, where temperatures become milder, and the humidity decreases.
April: Cooler and Less Rainy
Northern Brazil
- Average Temperature: 28°C (82°F) during the day, 23°C (73°F) at night
- Rainfall: High, around 250-300 mm
- Humidity: Very high, around 85%
- Winds: Light, with thunderstorms in the afternoons
Central Brazil
- Average Temperature: 27°C (81°F) during the day, 18°C (64°F) at night
- Rainfall: Moderate, around 150-200 mm
- Humidity: High, around 75-80%
- Winds: Light, with occasional rain showers
Southern Brazil
- Average Temperature: 24°C (75°F) during the day, 16°C (61°F) at night
- Rainfall: Light to moderate, around 80-120 mm
- Humidity: Moderate, around 65-70%
- Winds: Light to moderate, with cooler nights
Summary: April marks the beginning of cooler weather across Brazil, especially in the south. Northern Brazil remains hot and rainy, but rainfall starts to taper off in central and southern regions. This month is an ideal time to explore Brazil’s cultural cities, as the weather is milder, and tourist crowds thin out after the Carnival season. In southern Brazil, cooler nights make outdoor activities more pleasant.
May: Pleasant Autumn Weather
Northern Brazil
- Average Temperature: 28°C (82°F) during the day, 23°C (73°F) at night
- Rainfall: Moderate to high, around 200-250 mm
- Humidity: Very high, around 80-85%
- Winds: Light, with occasional thunderstorms
Central Brazil
- Average Temperature: 25°C (77°F) during the day, 17°C (63°F) at night
- Rainfall: Moderate, around 100-150 mm
- Humidity: Moderate, around 70-75%
- Winds: Light, with dry periods and some showers
Southern Brazil
- Average Temperature: 21°C (70°F) during the day, 14°C (57°F) at night
- Rainfall: Light, around 50-100 mm
- Humidity: Moderate, around 60-65%
- Winds: Moderate, with cooler nights and breezy days
Summary: May brings pleasant autumn weather across much of Brazil. In the north, rain is still frequent, but central and southern regions enjoy milder temperatures and drier conditions. Southern Brazil becomes cool, particularly at night, while central Brazil experiences comfortable temperatures during the day. This is a great time to visit inland regions like Brasília, where the weather is moderate and the rainy season is coming to an end.
June: Cooler and Drier
Northern Brazil
- Average Temperature: 27°C (81°F) during the day, 22°C (72°F) at night
- Rainfall: Moderate, around 150-200 mm
- Humidity: High, around 80%
- Winds: Light, with occasional showers
Central Brazil
- Average Temperature: 24°C (75°F) during the day, 15°C (59°F) at night
- Rainfall: Light, around 50-100 mm
- Humidity: Moderate, around 60-65%
- Winds: Light, with more frequent dry days
Southern Brazil
- Average Temperature: 18°C (64°F) during the day, 11°C (52°F) at night
- Rainfall: Light, around 40-80 mm
- Humidity: Low to moderate, around 50-60%
- Winds: Moderate, with cool breezes
Summary: June brings cool, dry weather to southern and central Brazil, with comfortable daytime temperatures and cooler nights. Rainfall decreases significantly, particularly in the central and southern regions. Northern Brazil continues to experience occasional rain but less than in the previous months. This is a perfect month for exploring southern Brazil’s cities and natural landscapes, as the weather is mild and tourist activity is lower.
July: Coolest Month of the Year
Northern Brazil
- Average Temperature: 27°C (81°F) during the day, 21°C (70°F) at night
- Rainfall: Moderate, around 100-150 mm
- Humidity: High, around 80%
- Winds: Light, with scattered showers
Central Brazil
- Average Temperature: 23°C (73°F) during the day, 14°C (57°F) at night
- Rainfall: Light, around 30-80 mm
- Humidity: Moderate, around 55-60%
- Winds: Light to moderate, with mostly dry conditions
Southern Brazil
- Average Temperature: 16°C (61°F) during the day, 9°C (48°F) at night
- Rainfall: Light, around 40-70 mm
- Humidity: Low, around 50%
- Winds: Moderate, with cold breezes
Summary: July is the coolest month of the year in Brazil, particularly in the southern and central regions, where temperatures drop significantly. The southern region experiences cool to cold temperatures, especially at night, with cities like Porto Alegre and Curitiba seeing lows below 10°C (50°F). Northern Brazil remains warm and humid but with less rain. This is an excellent month for outdoor activities in the cooler southern regions, including hiking and sightseeing.
August: Dry and Comfortable
Northern Brazil
- Average Temperature: 28°C (82°F) during the day, 21°C (70°F) at night
- Rainfall: Light to moderate, around 80-120 mm
- Humidity: High, around 75-80%
- Winds: Light, with occasional showers
Central Brazil
- Average Temperature: 24°C (75°F) during the day, 15°C (59°F) at night
- Rainfall: Minimal, around 30-50 mm
- Humidity: Moderate, around 55-60%
- Winds: Light, with dry, comfortable conditions
Southern Brazil
- Average Temperature: 18°C (64°F) during the day, 10°C (50°F) at night
- Rainfall: Light, around 30-60 mm
- Humidity: Low, around 50%
- Winds: Light to moderate, with cool evenings
Summary: August is a dry and comfortable month throughout most of Brazil. Southern and central regions enjoy mild temperatures, cool nights, and minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time for outdoor adventures. Northern Brazil remains warmer and more humid, though rain is lighter compared to earlier months. August is also a good time for visiting popular destinations, as the cooler temperatures make exploration enjoyable.
September: Spring Begins
Northern Brazil
- Average Temperature: 29°C (84°F) during the day, 22°C (72°F) at night
- Rainfall: Moderate, around 100-150 mm
- Humidity: High, around 75-80%
- Winds: Light, with occasional thunderstorms
Central Brazil
- Average Temperature: 26°C (79°F) during the day, 17°C (63°F) at night
- Rainfall: Light, around 40-70 mm
- Humidity: Moderate, around 60-65%
- Winds: Light to moderate, with a mix of dry and rainy days
Southern Brazil
- Average Temperature: 20°C (68°F) during the day, 12°C (54°F) at night
- Rainfall: Moderate, around 50-100 mm
- Humidity: Moderate, around 60-65%
- Winds: Light, with mild and pleasant conditions
Summary: September marks the beginning of spring in Brazil, with rising temperatures and increasing rainfall, particularly in the northern regions. Southern and central Brazil experience a pleasant mix of mild temperatures and light rainfall, making it a great time for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Northern Brazil remains warm and humid but with less intense rain than in the peak of the rainy season.
October: Warmer Days
Northern Brazil
- Average Temperature: 30°C (86°F) during the day, 23°C (73°F) at night
- Rainfall: Moderate to heavy, around 150-200 mm
- Humidity: Very high, around 80-85%
- Winds: Light, with frequent thunderstorms
Central Brazil
- Average Temperature: 28°C (82°F) during the day, 19°C (66°F) at night
- Rainfall: Moderate, around 100-150 mm
- Humidity: Moderate to high, around 70-75%
- Winds: Light, with occasional rain showers
Southern Brazil
- Average Temperature: 22°C (72°F) during the day, 15°C (59°F) at night
- Rainfall: Moderate, around 80-120 mm
- Humidity: Moderate, around 65-70%
- Winds: Light to moderate, with warm breezes
Summary: October brings warmer days across much of Brazil as spring continues. Northern regions see heavier rain, while central and southern regions experience moderate rainfall and mild temperatures. This month is ideal for beach vacations along the coast, as the weather warms up but is not yet as hot as the peak summer months. Southern Brazil becomes increasingly pleasant, with mild, comfortable temperatures.
November: Hot and Rainy
Northern Brazil
- Average Temperature: 30°C (86°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
- Rainfall: Heavy, around 200-250 mm
- Humidity: Very high, around 85-90%
- Winds: Light to moderate, with frequent thunderstorms
Central Brazil
- Average Temperature: 29°C (84°F) during the day, 20°C (68°F) at night
- Rainfall: Moderate to heavy, around 150-200 mm
- Humidity: High, around 75-80%
- Winds: Light, with frequent rain showers
Southern Brazil
- Average Temperature: 26°C (79°F) during the day, 18°C (64°F) at night
- Rainfall: Moderate to heavy, around 100-150 mm
- Humidity: High, around 70-75%
- Winds: Light, with occasional thunderstorms
Summary: November is a hot and rainy month in Brazil, with heavy rainfall across most regions. Northern and central Brazil experience high humidity and frequent thunderstorms, while southern Brazil begins to warm up with occasional rain showers. It is an excellent time to visit the coastal regions if you don’t mind the rain, as temperatures are warm, and the beaches are less crowded than during the peak summer months.
December: Start of the Brazilian Summer
Northern Brazil
- Average Temperature: 31°C (88°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
- Rainfall: Heavy, around 250-300 mm
- Humidity: Very high, around 85-90%
- Winds: Light to moderate, with frequent thunderstorms
Central Brazil
- Average Temperature: 30°C (86°F) during the day, 21°C (70°F) at night
- Rainfall: Heavy, around 200-250 mm
- Humidity: High, around 80-85%
- Winds: Light, with afternoon rain showers
Southern Brazil
- Average Temperature: 28°C (82°F) during the day, 20°C (68°F) at night
- Rainfall: Moderate to heavy, around 150-200 mm
- Humidity: High, around 75-80%
- Winds: Light to moderate, with occasional thunderstorms
Summary: December marks the beginning of summer in Brazil, with high temperatures and heavy rainfall across the country. Northern and central regions are particularly hot and rainy, with frequent thunderstorms and high humidity. Southern Brazil experiences warmer days and heavy rain, but the weather is ideal for beach vacations. The festive season brings a lively atmosphere to cities and coastal towns, making December an exciting time to explore Brazil’s cultural and natural beauty.