It's Christmas, the weather is warm, and Brazil comes alive in December like no other month. Visit Gramado—the Chrismas Capital of Brazil—to see the great Christmas Parade, a spectacular light show, ice skaters, and acrobats. Head to the Lapa district in Rio de Janeiro, where Christmas markets fill the streets, then celebrate New Year's Eve on Copacabana beach with the spectacular Reveillon Carnival. Keep reading to find out why December is a magical month to visit Brazil.
February in Brazil means one thing: Carnival season. Colorful parades and street parties are held across the country, while cities like Rio de Janeiro put on spectacular city-wide shows. Don't miss the Galo da Madrugada in Recife—an epic parade and the biggest street party in the world. In the north, warm weather makes February an ideal time for sightseeing in São Luis and Fortaleza. In the south, conditions are perfect for surfing, sunbathing, and relaxing on white-sand beaches.
June is an exciting month in Brazil. The famous June festivals take place across the country, and you can join celebrations in São Luís, Salvador, and Recife. Attend the world's largest Pride Festival in beautiful São Paolo and experience amazing parades, colors, and joyful spirit. Go climbing in the Serra dos Órgãos National Park and visit Brazil's most intriguing sand dune region in the Lencóis Maranhenses National Park, and celebrate Brazilian Valentine's Day—Dia Dos Namorados.
Each season in Brazil offers distinct adventures, whether you are looking for grand celebrations with parades and dancing, or relaxing time on some of the world's most beautiful beaches. Visit beautiful islands, go on an exploration tour through the Amazon, and watch the majestic jaguars in the world's largest wetland area -Pantanal. Even if you don't travel to Rio's world-famous Carnaval, you can still join the celebrations that happen almost every month, from the Christmas Light Show in Gramado to the International Art Festival in São Paulo.
November in Brazil is still low season, but as the weather warms you can enjoy hiking, beach time, and sightseeing without worrying about getting lost in the crowds. Head to Salvador de Bahia and stroll around All Saints Bay, take a day trip to Chapada Diamantina National Park, and enjoy whale watching in Florianopolis. Get adventurous and try windsurfing or kiteboarding in Natal and Fortaleza, or visit the Botanical Garden in Rio to admire 6,000 species of plants, including 900 different species of palms.
Wondering how to get the most out of your trip to Brazil? First, it's essential to determine how many days you want to travel. If you're passing through, you can take short trips up to three days—think Rio, a mini hiking trek, or a quick beach escape. However, with added time, you can visit two or more completely different regions that combine the best city sights, beaches, rainforests, waterfalls, and hiking Brazil has on offer.
May in Brazil opens the doorway to the mighty Amazon and wildlife in Pantanal. Warm weather brings excellent hiking opportunities and city exploration time. Go on a boat cruise on the Amazon River, watch squirrel monkeys hanging in the trees, and spot a jaguar or two on a safari tour. Visit the Shell Open Air theatre in Rio de Janeiro and watch a movie on the world's biggest open-air cinema screen. Read on for travel tips for traveling to Brazil in May.
September in Brazil is shoulder season, and one of the best months to visit. It's winter in the southern hemisphere, with some cities (like Curitiba) seeing snowfall. Visit the winter capital of Brazil—Gramado—and hike through the mountainous city of Petrópolis. It's dry this month in the rainforest, so consider a trip to the Amazon to see wildlife. You might link together a visit to several cities with a trip to the Pantanal to make the most of the off-season prices. Read on to learn why September is one of the best months to visit Brazil.
August is the dry season in Brazil, which means sightseeing, beach time, and jungle exploration. Head to Salvador da Bahia to see its 17th- and 18th-century living museum, hike through white dunes and turquoise lagoons in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, or visit Santa Catarina to see right whales migrating. August brings big festivals (like Bumba Meu Boi in São Luís), ideal conditions for wildlife viewing in the Pantanal, and sunshine to the coastal cities. Read on for more travel tips if you're visiting Brazil in August.
July in Brazil brings wildlife watching and adventures in the Amazon, with jaguars making frequent appearances in the open wildlife area of Pantanal. Hikers will especially enjoy mountain areas like the Serra Gaúcha, Rio Grande do Sul, and Gramado. Rio de Janeiro is warm and sunny, and prime national parks and recreation areas this month include Tijuca and Campos do Jordão. Read on for more travel tips and advice for visiting Brazil in July.