Let’s get one thing straight: Rio de Janeiro is a beauty all year round. But let’s be honest, some months have more charm than others.
Your travel dates can make a lot of difference in the weather you’ll bump into. The good news is that Jiu-Jitsu training is barely affected by cloudy or rainy weather. But if you’re hoping to make the most of your off-the-mat time in Rio, planning your visit around Rio’s finest weather wouldn’t hurt.
Remember that our dear South is upside-down. Summer shines from November to February, and winter lasts from June to August. Typically, summer is hot and rainy, whereas winter is slightly cooler and tends to be dry. But let’s remember Rio does have some weather surprises here and there.
Table of Contents
- Summer (November to February) – Parties, Heat, and Rain, Anyone?
- Autumn (March to May) – Cooler Weather and a Rain Check
- Winter (June to August) – A Cool and Dry Breath of Fresh Air
- Spring (September and October) – Getting Warmer, Getting Wetter
- Best Times of the Year to Train BJJ in Rio Explained
- If I Had to Choose…
Summer (November to February) – Parties, Heat, and Rain, Anyone?
When you think of a thriving Rio de Janeiro, the thrilling New Year vibes and the unbeatable Carnival hysteria are hard to ignore. Weather-wise, though, summer can be uncomfortable if you come from colder weather.
Summer, it’s when Rio gets both the hottest (expect a sizzling 30°C/86°F) and downright drenched. Summertime is about 2-3 times as wet as the more forgiving wintertime. Brace yourself for routine mudslides and floods outside Rio around this time, though quite absurdly, Rio City stays safe and sound.
Autumn (March to May) – Cooler Weather and a Rain Check
Autumn helps cool down the summer hotness, particularly after April. The average high temperature slowly falls about 2°C (35.5°F) each month from February’s sweltering 30°C (86°F).
Days become less sticky, and the nights start to chill, making those evening Jiu-Jitsu training sessions an absolute delight.
Winter (June to August) – A Cool and Dry Breath of Fresh Air
Enjoy a mild 25°C (77°F) during the coolest and driest season of the year—winter.
It rains about half as much as in summer, and even when it does, it’s significantly lighter. The only time of year you’d probably think of using a sweatshirt is after an evening training session to dodge a slight chill temperature.
Expect the coldest wave around a rare 14°C (57°F) at nighttime. And don’t forget—daytimes are still perfect for some top-notch tanning.
Spring (September and October) – Getting Warmer, Getting Wetter
As we wave goodbye to winter, the temps tease us again—a little bump each month—and rain starts to appear more frequently.
Although it’s still a pleasant time to visit Rio, especially in September and October before the rain takes over. For some reason, spring has fewer wild mood swings than autumn.
September and October are often the most reliable months for predictable weather.
Best Times of the Year to Train BJJ in Rio Explained
| Season | Duration | Weather | Avg Temp (°C) | Avg Temp (°F) | Rainfall | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Nov-Feb | Hot and Rainy | ~30 | ~86 | High | Height of celebrations: New Year’s Eve and Carnival |
| Autumn | Mar-May | Less Hot and Rainy | ~28 | ~82 | Moderate | Comfortable for evening training sessions |
| Winter | June-Aug | Cool and Dry | ~25 | ~77 | Low | You might need a sweatshirt after evening training sessions |
| Spring | Sept-Oct | Warmer and Wetter | ~27 | ~81 | Increasing | Most predictable weather months |
If I Had to Choose…
If I were to plan my training trip to Rio, I’d visit in August, September, or October—the tail end of winter and the start of spring. It’s slightly warmer than the coldest days of winter but definitely kinder than the summer downpours.
Now don’t get me wrong, Autumn (March to May) seems like a good move, but the weather’s a bit hit-or-miss.
If you’re playing the weather lottery for your Rio trip, it’s all about consistency. Set your sights on the dependably pleasant weather of August, September, and October—that’s when Rio’s at its best.
