Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide: Rio de Janeiro Geography & Climate
Rio de Janeiro faces southward and lies in an east-west direction on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. The city was founded on Guanabara Bay and the center of Rio lies on its plains. The larger part of the city, known as the Zona Norte, extends north across hills and mountains, while the Zona Sul is the beach area that stretches along the coast. The Zona Oeste to the west is separated by a barrier of mountains of the Serra do Mar, but is accessible by roads and tunnels.
“The Marvelous City” boasts a pleasant, tropical climate year-round thanks to its location on the Tropic of Capricorn. Average temperatures range from 20°C (68°F) to 26°C (79°F). The tropical monsoon climate of Rio de Janeiro occasionally experiences extremely warm temperatures of 40°C (104°F) during the summer season (December to March), while the lowest temperature ever recorded was 10°C (50°F) and has never dropped below that.
Summers in this city also feature rain showers that may last an afternoon or a week, but that is to be expected of a rainforest city. Winter months are still warm, but possibly a bit too chilly to head to Rio de Janeiro’s famous beaches. Ironically, winter in Rio de Janeiro receives the least amount of rainfall, with a typical winter day usually being sunny and enjoyable. Still, whether it is winter or summer, temperatures near the main beachside tourist regions are moderated by the chilly sea-breezes coming in from the Atlantic Ocean and therefore always remain a bit cooler and comfortable no matter the season. The best time of year to travel to Rio de Janeiro is from February to June or September to December, as the sun is nowhere near as harsh as it is during the summer peak.
| Weather averages for Rio de Janeiro | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Average high °C (°F) | Daily Mean °C (°F) | Average low °C (°F) | Precipitation mm (inches)5 Star |
| Jan | 29.4 (84.9) |
26.4 (79.5) |
23.3 (73.9) |
114.1 (4.492) |
| Feb | 30.2 (86.4) |
26.7 (80.1) |
23.5 (74.3) |
105.3 (4.146) |
| Mar | 29.4 (84.9) |
26.4 (79.5) |
23.3 (73.9) |
103.3 (4.067) |
| Apr | 27.8 (82.0) |
24.9 (76.8) |
21.9 (71.4) |
137.4 (5.409) |
| May | 26.4 (79.5) |
23.4 (74.1) |
20.4 (68.7) |
85.6 (3.37) |
| Jun | 25.2 (77.4) |
22.0 (71.6) |
18.7 (65.7) |
80.4 (3.165) |
| Jul | 25.3 (77.5) |
21.9 (71.4) |
18.4 (65.1) |
56.4 (2.22) |
| Aug | 25.6 (78.1) |
22.3 (72.1) |
18.9 (66.0) |
50.5 (1.988) |
| Sep | 25.0 (77.0) |
22.1 (71.8) |
19.2 (66.6) |
87.1 (3.429) |
| Oct | 26.0 (78.8) |
23.1 (73.6) |
20.2 (68.4) |
88.2 (3.472) |
| Nov | 27.4 (81.3) |
24.4 (75.9) |
21.4 (70.5) |
95.6 (3.764) |
| Dec | 28.6 (83.5) |
25.5 (77.9) |
22.4 (72.3) |
169.0 (6.654) |
| Year | 27.2 (81.0) |
24.1 (75.4) |
21.0 (69.8) |
1,172.9 (46.177) |
| Source: World Meteorological Organization (obtained from Wikipedia) | ||||
Rio Janeiro Pictures | Rio Janeiro Hotels | Brazil Tour Packages
We do have the lowest prices. We will meet or beat any internet published rates from companies outside Brazil
for all package tours. All HOTELS and TOURS are based on US standards. No late booking fees.
We have the best testimonials. Our professional and expert staff is at your service and will reply to any request
within 24 hours. While traveling in Brazil you will have access to our local 24/7 emergency number.