Rio de Janeiro weather
in December
“Mild and bright — an underrated time to visit.”
Roughly 16 rainy days across the month, on average.
In december, Rio de Janeiro settles into its warmer, more generous mood. The city keeps a different pulse than in summer or midwinter, and travellers who arrive with the right expectations are rewarded.
Days average around 29°C (84°F), cooling to 23°C after sunset. Expect meaningful rain — some 16 wet days across the month. Pack accordingly and let the weather choose your afternoons. Long days of sunshine reward early starts.
These figures are climatological averages, drawn from a decade of daily records via the Open-Meteo Archive — not a forecast. But they are honest, and they are the sort of thing a good travel guide ought to tell you before you book the flight.
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
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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.