Best time to go for good weather

Summer in Brazil is the opposite of the Northern Hemisphere and lasts from October to April. Between November and March, the temperatures in Rio de Janeiro soar and can hover around 40°C (104°F) with some days feeling a lot hotter, more like 50°C (122°F). It is also the time with the most rain though the rain falls hard and so rarely lasts long. In the north of Brazil, including the Amazon, the rainy season starts from December with the heaviest rainfall between March and May.

Summer brings tropical weather all across Brazil with the temperature increasing from south to north. It is humid throughout Brazil as well so be sure to stay hydrated and remember the sunscreen.

Winter lasts from May to September. The north of Brazil, stays the hottest with days averaging between mid 20s to low 30°C (68 to 86°F) . In Rio de Janeiro, the winter is like summer in the north of Europe, with temperatures varying between 14°C and mid 20s (58 to 77°F). Due to the humidity, the evenings there can feel surprisingly chilly so make sure to bring an extra layer of clothing. Some days are overcast with rainy days to be expected as well as clear sunny days too. It's the best time for hiking with clear views across clear skies.

In São Paulo, the winter has cooler temperatures compared to Rio. The south of Brazil is cold in the winter, with some areas reaching minus temperatures. On higher ground some regions even receive some snow or ice.

Best time to go for nature and wildlife

For visiting the Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetlands, the best time to go is the dry season between May and September. For Jaguar spotting your best chance is between June and August. As a bird-watcher, the best time to visit is between July and September when the water has subsided and the grass becomes visible across the marsh.

The wet season is between November and April where the rain comes hard and relentlessly and the wetlands live up to their name. However, between the vast stretches of water are clusters of islands that provide shelters for wildlife which can offer a unique perspective for nature spotting. The Pantanal sees the heaviest rains between February and March where travel becomes a soggy, gruelling challenge, and the roads become almost impossible to use.

Go in the hottest season between December and February and you will be plagued by mosquitoes and the temperature can reach around 40°C (104°F). Hotels often close during this period .

For a trip to the Amazon, try heading there in May or June, the period of time that sits between the rainy season (February to April) and the hot, dry season (September to November). During these two months, the water levels in the Amazon are at their highest allowing great opportunities to take a boat trip on the swollen rivers through the rainforest. The dry season is a great option too for pleasant weather and hiking opportunities.

For whale watching, head down south to Santa Catarina between July and November when large whales, such as the humpback, migrate to mate and give birth, providing ample opportunities of spotting whales with their young calves. One of the best spots to see them is at Praia do Rosa in Florianopolis.

Best time to go for Carnaval

Every year for a week in February, Brazil is taken over by the wild, exuberant and pulsing display that is Carnival. The festival marks the start of Catholic Lent, known as Mardi Gras, which is done throughout the world, but nowhere better than Brazil. It's an incredible world-class parade of samba dancing, live music in the streets, s, colorful costumes, and vibrant celebration. Carnival in Brazil is the most popular time to visit the country, and is an experience that captures the essence of the lively Brazilian culture unlike any other. Be sure to book accommodation well in advance and be prepared to pay up to triple the usual prices. The best cities to experience the carnaval are Rio de Janeiro, Recife, Olinda, or Salvador.