Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil? If you're planning to go to Rio de Janeiro, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Rio de Janeiro
- Important essentials for Rio de Janeiro
- Activities for Rio de Janeiro
- Rio de Janeiro in January: weather and what to pack
- Rio de Janeiro in February: weather and what to pack
- Rio de Janeiro in March: weather and what to pack
- Rio de Janeiro in April: weather and what to pack
- Rio de Janeiro in May: weather and what to pack
- Rio de Janeiro in June: weather and what to pack
- Rio de Janeiro in July: weather and what to pack
- Rio de Janeiro in August: weather and what to pack
- Rio de Janeiro in September: weather and what to pack
- Rio de Janeiro in October: weather and what to pack
- Rio de Janeiro in November: weather and what to pack
- Rio de Janeiro in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Based on the climate and weather in Rio de Janeiro, the best time to go is June. See below for details.
Important essentials for Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Rio de Janeiro, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection possible.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often wear out. An unreadable vaccination card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly option.
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's useful to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great value.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
For families with young children
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Rio de Janeiro. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
-
Money/passport pouch
Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and N. This one works in most countries, but you should check with your hotel.
What to wear/what to pack for Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you visit Rio de Janeiro during January, you will probably find that it can be sweltering and somewhat stormy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
If you visit the Museu Villa-Lobos, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
February
February in this region can be sweltering. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from the sun:
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
If you visit the Museu Villa-Lobos, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
March
If you visit Rio de Janeiro during March, you may notice that it can be very hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also filters dangerous contaminants:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
If you visit the Museu Villa-Lobos, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
April
If you visit Rio de Janeiro during April, you are likely to see that it is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
If you visit the Museu Villa-Lobos, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
May
May in this region is hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
If you visit the Museu Villa-Lobos, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
June
June in Rio de Janeiro is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) to low 70s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
If you visit the Museu Villa-Lobos, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
July
July in Rio de Janeiro is warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We like:
If you visit the Museu Villa-Lobos, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
August
August here is hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
If you visit the Museu Villa-Lobos, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
September
September in Rio de Janeiro is extremely warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Sandals
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
If you visit the Museu Villa-Lobos, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
October
If you are traveling to Rio de Janeiro in October, you will notice that it is hot. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
If you visit the Museu Villa-Lobos, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
November
In November, Rio de Janeiro is hot. Temperatures routinely are in the 80s F (high 20s C) and regularly jump into the low 90s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 60s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Rio de Janeiro, with several of the days of the month having rain. In November, humidity reaches as high as 60%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also cleans dangerous contaminants:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
If you visit the Museu Villa-Lobos, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
December
If you vacation in Rio de Janeiro during December, you will probably find that it is consistently hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also cleans harmful contaminants:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
If you visit the Museu Villa-Lobos, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Activities for Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Rio de Janeiro.
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