What is the best time of year to travel to Brazil? Month by month travel calendar

Brazil is a vast and diverse country with a dynamic climate, a rich cultural calendar, and distinct travel seasons that can greatly influence your experience. From the lively summer months of December to March, when the beaches are at their best and Carnival takes over the streets, to the cooler winter months of June to August, which are ideal for wildlife spotting in the Pantanal and exploring the Amazon Rainforest, each time of year offers something unique.

The Northeast, including cities like Salvador, Recife, and Fortaleza, is a fantastic destination year-round, particularly appealing from May to October when the South experiences cooler temperatures. Major festivals such as Carnival, Festa Junina, Rock in Rio, and Lollapalooza bring mass tourism and booked-out accommodations so it's important to understand what's going on during your trip.

Ready to plan your trip? > Check out my detailed packing check-list for Brazil > Book cheap accommodation in Brazil > Book cheap bus tickets around Brazil

The Ultimate Brazil Travel Calendar: What is the best time to travel to Brazil?

The truth is, it's always a great time to travel to Brazil! The best time to travel to Brazil is right now. There real question is where should you go to get the most out of your trip, based on when you want to come.

January – Peak Summer & High Season

☀️ High Season (Nov – April)

• Hottest month with temps soaring (especially in Rio de Janeiro & the Northeast)

• Beaches are packed, New Year's Eve parties, and vibrant summer events. Pre-Carnival is already starting.

• Heavy tourist crowds, higher prices - book early

• Lavagem do Bonfim in Salvador – A major religious festival in Bahia with Afro-Brazilian traditions, accommodation will sell out

February – Carnival Fever!

🎭 Carnival Month (Late Feb or early March)

• The world-famous Carnival takes over cities like Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Recife & Olinda

• The entire month leading up to Carnival you will find pre-Carnival celebrations. Samba parades, street parties (blocos), and non-stop energy

• Book your accommodation for Carnival months in advance!

March – End of High Season

🌅 Transition from Summer

• Still warm, and still quite crowded and expensive post-Carnival

• Great time to visit beaches in the South of Brazil before the weather cools, like Florianopolis and Ilhabela

• Lollapalooza Brasil (São Paulo) – A massive international music festival, accommodation will be expensive on these dates

April – Shoulder Season Begins

🌤️ Mix of Sun & Rain

• Rains get heavier in the Amazon & Pantanal but there are still decent travel conditions

• A quieter and more budget-friendly time to visit the South of Brazil before winter starts

• Semana Santa (Holy Week) – Traditional Easter processions in Ouro Preto & other colonial towns, A major holiday in Brazil, accommodation will be more expensive this week

May – Ideal for Exploring Cities

🏙️ Pleasant Weather & Fewer Crowds

• Cooler, drier weather in São Paulo, Brasília, & Belo Horizonte

• Good for sightseeing & cultural trips

• The beginning of high season in Lencois Maranhenses, when the lagoons are fullest

• Festa do Divino in Paraty & São Luís – A religious festival with parades and folk dances

June – Festa Junina & Wildlife Spotting

🎉 Festa Junina (Traditional June Festival)

• Festa Junina (São João Festival) takes over the country for the entire month. Huge countrywide celebration with bonfires, square dancing, forro, and traditional food (especially in the Northeast).

• São João celebrations held in Campina Grande & Caruaru – Here you can see the biggest Festa Junina celebrations in Brazil.

• Dry season begins in the Pantanal – this is the best time for jaguar spotting

July – Dry Season in the Amazon & Pantanal

🌿 Great for Nature & Wildlife

• Rainforest water levels drop, making trails & jungle lodges more accessible

• Peak tourist time due to Brazilian school holidays

• Winter in the south of Brazil, not ideal for a Southern Brazil beach trip. The northeast of Brazil remains warm, but a little rainy.

• Parintins Folklore Festival in Amazonas – A huge festival dedicated to traditional indigenous and Amazonian folklore

August – Ideal Weather Nationwide

🌞 Dry & Cool in the South, the end of rainy season in the Northeast

• Great month for trekking in the national parks, like Chapada Diamantina in Bahia. Chapada dos Veadeiros is warm and breezy.

• Dry season in the Amazon makes the Amazon River Beaches visible in Alter do Chao.

• Festival de Gramado (Rio Grande do Sul) – Brazil’s top international film festival

September – Spring Awakens

🌸 Blooming Landscapes & a Dryer Northeast Coast

• Start of spring; flora in full bloom.

• A good time to visit the Pantanal before the wet season starts.

• Southern Brazil is still cool, but the Northeast (Salvador, Fortaleza, Natal) has perfect beach weather as it warms up.

• Rock in Rio (Biennial, Rio de Janeiro) – One of the biggest music festivals in the world (on odd-numbered years). Accommodation will be expensive during this week.

October – Warmer & Less Crowded

🌤️ Pre-Summer Vibes & Best for the Northeast

• Beat the rush: Mild temperatures make it a great time for beach trips and for exploring Iguazu Falls before the high season rush. A great time for Ilha Grande and Paraty.

• The Pantanal starts to get wetter, but wildlife is still visible

• Círio de Nazaré (Belém) – One of Brazil’s biggest religious festivals, with millions attending processions.

November – Start of High Season

🏝️ Beach Weather Returns to the South

• Warmer weather kicks in, and summer vibes return. Prices start rising as tourists flock back for end-of-year holidays.

• Check out the beaches in the Northeast as the south starts to get busy - try Salvador, Itacare, or Boipeba

• Dry weather in Jericoacoara and ideal conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing

December – Holiday Festivities & Peak Tourism

🎄 Christmas, NYE & Summer Heat

• Christmas markets & decorations in major cities

• The legendary Copacabana NYE (Reveillon) party is held in Rio de Janeiro with massive fireworks & beach celebrations. Book accommodation months in advance.

• Gramado’s Natal Luz – A European-style Christmas festival in Southern Brazil.

• Peak season pricing—book early!

More resources for planning your trip

• Find cheap bus, ferry, and private transfer tickets on Bookaway, where you can make reservations ahead of time from abroad. For more information on traveling by bus, read my full guide to taking long-distance busses in Brazil.

• Book your accommodation on Booking.com, with thousands of options ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly backpacker hostels, there's something for everyone

• Don't forget to read my packing check-list for Brazil

• Finally, read this post to find out 10 things you should do before you travel to Brazil!

What's your favourite month to visit Brazil? Let me know in the comments below!