From soaking up the sun on Rio’s iconic beaches to dancing the night away at Carnaval, Brazil’s summer season is an invitation to experience unparalleled adventures. It’s also a good time to explore national parks and see the country’s incredible wildlife, particularly in the Amazon rainforest and Pantanal wetlands.
While winters are warm throughout the country, there are exceptions to this rule. For instance, in the highlands of Central Brazil, frost is common between November and March. Additionally, the region is one of the most tornado-prone areas in the world. This is caused by a unique weather pattern in which cold winds called “pamperos” from the south combine with tropical storms from the north, producing torrential rain and lightning.
The rest of Brazil is typically sunny and warm during the summer months. You can visit pristine beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro, or soak up the sun in Salvador and Bahia. Wildlife watching in the Amazon rainforest or Pantanal is a year-round activity, but summer is the best time to spot animals because it’s dry and less rainy.
Brazil’s festivals and events are in full swing during the summer, including Christmas, Reveillon, Carnaval, and many smaller celebrations. If you’re planning to attend a festival or take part in a parade, book your trip far in advance. Otherwise, you’ll find many hotels are available and prices are much lower than during the high season.