Rio de Janeiro travel can be enjoyed year round, though there are some things to consider when trying to decide when to go. The best time to go to Rio may just be when the world-famous Carnival is going on. The main four days for this event fall in either late February or early March depending on the year, though there are festivities of various kinds held around town in the weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday. In fact, if you visit Rio between September and Carnival, you can consider visiting one of the city's many samba halls to watch pre-Carnival rehearsals. Rio de Janeiro tourism revolves largely around Carnival, though this lively event isn't the only thing worth keeping in mind when planning your visit.

Many travelers take the weather into account when making Rio de Janeiro travel plans. December through March is when the hot summer temperatures set in, and it's not uncommon for Rio to have temperatures in the low 100s with heavy humidity. Thankfully, the city is blessed with many fine beaches where locals and visitors alike can seek relief from the heat. It's also possible to head to the mountain village of Petropolis if you want relief from the summer heat. Since the hot temperatures of summer are very conducive to spending time on the beach, this is considered to be the peak Rio de Janeiro travel season.

If you are trying to travel on the cheap, then fall or winter is arguably the best time to go to Rio. This is when rates for things such as flights and Rio hotel rooms tend to go down, and since the winters are relatively mild, you can still enjoy the city's many charms without freezing. In fact, it's common for daytime winter temperatures in Rio de Janeiro to climb up into the mid-80s. That being said, temperatures can dip down into the 60s and even 50s on occasion, especially at night. Both spring and fall are known for their warm temperatures and relatively low humidity, and as such, some will tell you that these seasons are the best time to go to Rio. These seasons certainly lend themselves well to hiking pursuits and other outdoor activities.

Rio de Janeiro Map

Some colorful events add extra spice to Rio de Janeiro tourism, with the two biggest being Carnival and New Year's. Another relatively busy time of year on the Rio de Janeiro travel front is Easter week, and you can expect to encounter an influx of travelers from both Europe and North America in July and August. When avoiding the crowds is the aim, mid-March through May is essentially the low season. This is when prices are at their lowest, especially when it comes to the hotels and vacation rentals.

The best time to go to Rio is any time when it comes down to it. There are plenty of things to do in and around town regardless of the season. The city's excellent museums are open year round, for example, and the mild temperatures mean that spending time at the beach can be rewarding even in mid-winter. In fact, you might keep rain in mind more than you do the temperatures when making your Rio de Janeiro travel plans. Summer in Brazil, which coincides with winter up in the northern hemisphere, is the rainy season, while winter sees drier conditions on average. Thankfully, most showers, regardless of when they sweep through, only last an hour or two. Once they pass, the sun comes back out and blue skies reign supreme.