Rio de Janeiro isn't called Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City) for nothing. For a mega-metropolis, it boasts some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world. Whether you prefer to stay in the city or venture out, there are plenty of ways to spend a day: visit Petrópolis, lounge on the beaches of Buzios, or hike to instagram-worthy viewpoints within the city limits.
It's the shoulder season in Brazil, and one of the best times to visit. October is the tail end of winter in Brazil, with warming weather and dry, sunny days throughout the country. It's a good time to head to the Green Coast beautiful Ilha Grande and visit some of the most famous beaches in Brazil, hike through forest trails, or embark on a riverboat cruise on the Manaus river. Enjoy October celebrations such as the Oktober Fest in Blemau, and watch films across the city of Rio de Janeiro at the Rio International Film Festival.
Easter brings parades and energy to Brazil from the beginning to the middle of the month. Mild weather makes this period excellent for hiking and city adventures, and it is the perfect time to enjoy sightseeing, culture, and art in cities such as São Paulo. Check out the International Art Festival of São Paulo and head to Ouro Preto to attend one of the best Easter celebrations in Brazil. Continue to the world's largest wetland and wildlife haven—Pantanal, which begins its best season in April.
The weather is at its warmest in January, and it's a great time to visit if you want to spend time enjoying the country's many beaches. Visit the famous Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, try windsurfing in São Miguel do Gostoso, and look for jaguars in the Amazon as you canoe through the flooded rainforest. Stroll around the streets of the charming old town in Salvador and experience the city's African-Brazilian culture or learn how to surf in Fortaleza — Brazil's fifth-biggest city.
March brings big crowds and a dynamic, joyful vibe to Brazil with Carnival season and Holy Week, along with quieter beach time and sightseeing. No matter if the festivities take place during the month or not, it is a great month to visit and enjoy culture, hiking, and sun. It's a great time to visit the Iguaçu Falls, which are swollen with water after the summer rains, go on a hiking tour in Fernando de Noronha, or visit São Paulo to enjoy warm weather, culture, and nightlife. Keep reading to find out why March is a great month to visit Brazil.