Rio de Janeiro in December

Hot and humid; hotels and flights fill before New Year.

All twelve months in one grid — weather, crowds and prices, with gaps left as unknown.

December is rated mixed. These months rate higher:

• AprilGreatHeat eases; fewer crowds.
• MayGreatDry and mild; clearer views.
• JuneGreatMild, dry; sea is cool.
• JulyGreatDry, mild; school holidays fill hotels.

• Rio de JaneiroHighs around 29 °C (84 °F), lows around 23 °C (73 °F), rain on about 12 daysHighs around 84 °F (29 °C), lows around 73 °F (23 °C), rain on about 12 days
• Rio and the Southeast coast, Brazil · Rio de Janeiro, Paraty, Ilha Grande, São Paulorainy

  Hot, humid summers with heavy downpours and floods (December–March); dry, sunny, 20–26 °C (68–79 °F) winters are the sightseeing season. São Paulo is cooler and rainier.Hot, humid summers with heavy downpours and floods (December–March); dry, sunny, 68–79 °F (20–26 °C) winters are the sightseeing season. São Paulo is cooler and rainier.

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• New Year's Eve (Réveillon)

  31 December · Copacabana beachfront

  Huge beach party; hotels sell out and streets close.

• Réveillon on Copacabana

  31 Dec

  Very large beach party; the beachfront closes to cars and the metro runs late. Book the bed by summer.

• Christmas big impact

  25 Dec · Brazil

  Family holiday; summer travel peak starts.

Crowds · Brazil overall

High

Prices · Brazil overall

High

Brazil overall: Summer rains start; New Year's Eve on Copacabana fills Rio; book everything early.

High-price month: see what to book ahead.

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Rio de Janeiro, side by side.

• A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

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