Best time to visit Brazil

Visiting Brazil in February

As the wet season continues, the Pantanal remains the primary wildlife-watching destination. Enjoy fantastic birding, and spot caiman, anaconda, piranha and even giant river otter. Iguazu Falls is at its most powerful during this period, though some walking routes may be closed.

During February, it’s Carnival throughout the country, with the biggest parties and parades in Rio de Janeiro.

Yemanja is an exciting cultural celebration in the state of Bahia, where offerings are given to the "Brazilian Aphrodite", a goddess who decides the fate of those who enter the sea.

Visiting Brazil in March

A wet-season month with a warm climate, March spells autumn for Brazil and fewer tourists throughout the country. Head to the central east coast for more reliable sun or enjoy improved weather at the Iguazu Falls, while wildlife-watching opportunities continue in the Pantanal.

Following Carnival, Praia 24 Horas (or 24-Hour Beach) can be held in March or at the end of February. This is a great festival for lovers of sun, sea and sand.

Chocofest is a huge annual festival held in Gramado, full of parades and family-friendly activities.

Visiting Brazil in April

To get the best weather out of April, relax on the southern beaches. April is also a good time to visit Iguazu Falls outside of the rainy season, when you can explore more of the surrounding area.  

Visit three April festivals devoted to Amazonian foods: Festa do Açaí, Festa da Castanha and Festa do Cupuaçu. These are held in Codajas, Tefe and Presidente Figueiredo, Amazonas.

Easter is celebrated widely in Brazil, and wherever you go, you’ll be welcomed with good cheer.

Visiting Brazil in May

May is the last month of the wet season in the Amazon, and a great month for exploring the waterways and spotting its many river-dwelling creatures. Temperatures in Rio de Janeiro and Iguazu Falls are likely to be high, and you will also experience a warm and dry climate in Sao Paulo, a city packed with attractions. This is also a great month for diving trips to spot marine life in the waters off Bahia.

Visiting Brazil in June

In June, dry weather reaches the Amazon and Pantanal, Brazil’s landmark wildlife-watching destinations. During these months, wildlife congregates around any constant water sources, making them much easier to locate. Head into the jungle with an experienced guide to tick off as many as you can, or enjoy horse-riding or 4x4 excursions through the Pantanal. 

Festivals in June include the huge Gay Parade San Paulo, as well as Tomorrowland – an electronic-music festival – and Festa Junina, a religious festival celebrated throughout the country.

Visiting Brazil in July

Brazil’s dry season brings cooler weathers to the south of the country, while the Amazon Rainforest is warm and ideal for searching out wildlife. Track jaguar on the hunt, and look out for sloth and tamarin overhead. The beaches of North Brazil are ideal for exploring at this time of year.

Held in July, the Paraty International Literary Festival offers a range of presentations, debates, workshops and events for children.

You can also visit Joinville Dance Festival in Santa Catarina, a famous ballet festival.

Visiting Brazil in August

Throughout August, the water levers are at their lowest in the Pantanal, making its wildlife easier to find. Low waters also make it easier to catch more than a glimpse of the marine creatures here. This is also a very dry month for exploring the Amazon.

In the colonial city of Paraty, the Festival de Cachaça is a huge celebration dedicated to the Brazilian liquor made from sugar cane. Watch a variety of music and dance performances, browse local foods and traditional handicrafts, and sample plenty of cachaça.

Visiting Brazil in September

As the dry season continues in the wildlife hotspots, you can continue to enjoy a great variety of experiences in the Amazon and Pantanal. Meanwhile, temperatures soar in Rio de Janeiro as well as the beach destination of Bahia, where the summer crowds have yet to arrive and you can easily access museums and other attractions. Whether seeking out the most elusive creatures or the remotest pristine beaches, September is a month to get off the beaten track.

Visiting Brazil in October

October is considered spring in Brazil, and in this month you can expect warm and dry weather throughout the country. Wildlife excursions in the Amazon and the Pantanal are likely to yield many sightings, and October can be a particularly great month for locating jaguar. Within beach and waterside destinations, you can experience excellent diving, fishing and water sports.

A history of German migration has brought October Fest to the city of Blumenau, where you can enjoy German costumes, beer and cuisine, often with a Brazilian twist.

Visiting Brazil in November

November is generally a very hot period, before the rains set in. In this month, you’ll experience plenty of sun and fewer showers than at other times. Iguazu Falls can be incredibly picturesque; although the falls won’t be so strong, the surrounding area of natural beauty is filled with wildlife and lush flora, and the trails are all open. It remains a great month to visit Brazil’s top wildlife-watching destinations.

Visiting Brazil in December

December spells summer and the beginning of the rainy season, though much of the country will remain dry for some weeks. Beach destinations like Florianopolis are well and truly open for business, while cultural centres like Salvador in Bahia are ideal for exploring.

Rio de Janeiro is a great destination for Christmas and New Year’s Eve, with plenty of bustle and excitement followed by fireworks and fiestas.