Rio de Janeiro weather in December
“Mild and bright — an underrated time to visit.”
Roughly 16 rainy days across the month, on average.
December in Rio de Janeiro is summer, hot and humid with average highs of 28.9°C (84°F) and lows of 22.7°C (73°F). Expect roughly 137mm of rainfall spread across 16 rainy days, though you'll still enjoy around 10 hours of sunshine daily. The heat is intense, and afternoon thunderstorms are common but usually brief.
This is peak summer season in Rio, coinciding with the festive holiday period leading into New Year's celebrations. Beaches are packed, and the city buzzes with energy as locals and tourists prepare for Carnival season. Crowds are at their highest, especially near Copacabana and Ipanema. The atmosphere is lively and celebratory, though accommodation and activities command premium prices.
December 2026 is ideal if you love heat, beach culture, and vibrant crowds. However, if you prefer fewer tourists and lower costs, consider visiting October or November instead. Pack light clothing and waterproof gear, stay hydrated, and book accommodations well in advance.
What to pack for Rio de Janeiro in December
- •Breathable cotton or linen, and a broad-brimmed hat
- •A compact travel umbrella — one you'll actually carry
- •Reef-safe sunscreen and polarised sunglasses
- •Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes
- •A small daypack that won't look like a tourist beacon
What to pack for Rio de Janeiro in December
- →Quick-dry travel shirtAmazon · shop this
- →UPF sun hatAmazon · shop this
- →Packable rain jacketAmazon · shop this
- →Compact travel umbrellaAmazon · shop this
- →Waterproof dry bagAmazon · shop this
- →Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50Amazon · shop this
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Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro
We don't review individual hotels — plenty of people do that well. What we do is send you to compare rooms in Rio de Janeiro across trusted platforms.
Compare hotels on Booking.com→Things worth doing
Swimming and sunbathing at Copacabana or Ipanema beaches, hiking Sugarloaf Mountain for panoramic views, visiting Christ the Redeemer statue, exploring Lapa's street art and nightlife.
December vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in Rio de Janeiro. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit Rio de Janeiro
While December has its own character in Rio de Janeiro, the data-backed best months to visit Rio de Janeiro are April, May, September, October. These months combine the most favourable temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine across a ten-year climate record.
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for Rio de JaneiroOther places with a similar climate right now
Rio de Janeiro in December — FAQ
Q01Is December a good time to visit Rio de Janeiro?
Is December a good time to visit Rio de Janeiro?
It is a fair time to visit — expect variable conditions and plan flexibility. In December, Rio de Janeiro averages a high of 29°C (84°F) and a low of 23°C (73°F), with 137mm of rainfall across roughly 16 rainy days.
Q02What is the average temperature in Rio de Janeiro in December?
What is the average temperature in Rio de Janeiro in December?
The average high temperature in Rio de Janeiro during December is 29°C (84°F), with an average low of 23°C (73°F). These figures are averaged from ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03How many rainy days does Rio de Janeiro have in December?
How many rainy days does Rio de Janeiro have in December?
Rio de Janeiro averages approximately 16 rainy days in December, with a total monthly rainfall of about 137mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What should I pack for Rio de Janeiro in December?
What should I pack for Rio de Janeiro in December?
For Rio de Janeiro in December, pack light, breathable clothing (cotton or linen), a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket, sunscreen and sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on the ten-year weather averages for this specific month.
Q05How crowded is Rio de Janeiro in December?
How crowded is Rio de Janeiro in December?
Tourist crowds in Rio de Janeiro during December are typically moderate — winter is high season for tropical destinations. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely.