Climate Insights for Rio de Janeiro
Região Metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Climate Overview
The climate in Rio de Janeiro is warm and mild. The average annual temperature is 24°C and approximately 1,128 mm of precipitation falls per year. Rio de Janeiro receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Rio de Janeiro is in the Southern Hemisphere. The seasons are reversed: summer runs from December to February, while winter falls between June and August. The summer months are: February, January, March. The coldest months are July, August, June, when temperatures can drop to 18°C.The climate in Rio de Janeiro is warm and mild. The average annual temperature is 75°F and approximately 44.4 in of precipitation falls per year. Rio de Janeiro receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Rio de Janeiro is in the Southern Hemisphere. The seasons are reversed: summer runs from December to February, while winter falls between June and August. The summer months are: February, January, March. The coldest months are July, August, June, when temperatures can drop to 65°F.
Temperature
Rio de Janeiro sees moderate temperature variation throughout the year, ranging from 18°C to 30°C. The warmest month is February, when average highs reach 30°C and the mean temperature sits around 27°C. July is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 18°C and an average of 21°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 6°C between highs and lows.Rio de Janeiro sees moderate temperature variation throughout the year, ranging from 65°F to 86°F. The warmest month is February, when average highs reach 86°F and the mean temperature sits around 80°F. July is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 65°F and an average of 70°F. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 11°F between highs and lows.
Precipitation
Rio de Janeiro is a moderately rainy area, receiving approximately 1,128 mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 94 mm per month. The wettest month is January, averaging 156 mm of rainfall. December and February also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is July, with just 34 mm. That's 122 mm less than January, the wettest month. Precipitation varies noticeably between seasons, with the first half (January to June) of the year generally seeing more rainfall.Rio de Janeiro is a moderately rainy area, receiving approximately 44.4 in of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 3.7 in per month. The wettest month is January, averaging 6.1 in of rainfall. December and February also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is July, with just 1.3 in. That's 4.8 in less than January, the wettest month. Precipitation varies noticeably between seasons, with the first half (January to June) of the year generally seeing more rainfall.
Wind
Rio de Janeiro is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 10km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is September, averaging 12km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in February, with average winds dropping to 9km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. Wind conditions are fairly consistent throughout the year, varying by only 3km/h between the calmest and windiest months.Rio de Janeiro is mildly breezy, with an average annual wind speed of 6mph. For context, sustained winds below 7mph are generally light, while anything above 16mph is considered strong. The windiest month is September, averaging 8mph, noticeable enough to affect lighter outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in February, with average winds dropping to 5mph, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. Wind conditions are fairly consistent throughout the year, varying by only 3mph between the calmest and windiest months.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Rio de Janeiro is during May, June, July, August and September, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 22°C with modest rainfall averaging 51 mm per month. By contrast, February can be uncomfortably hot with temperatures reaching 30°C. A light rain jacket is recommended, though showers are generally brief and shouldn't disrupt your plans.The best time to visit Rio de Janeiro is during May, June, July, August and September, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 72°F with modest rainfall averaging 2 in per month. By contrast, February can be uncomfortably hot with temperatures reaching 86°F. A light rain jacket is recommended, though showers are generally brief and shouldn't disrupt your plans.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Rio de Janeiro based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.The table below shows monthly climate averages for Rio de Janeiro based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Fahrenheit (°F). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in miles per hour (mph). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.