Belo Horizonte Weather in January

January weather

January is warm, humid and often cloudy in Belo Horizonte. Expect highs around 27°C and lows near 18°C, with rain on many days. Showers can disrupt outdoor plans, so keep your day flexible.

The Pampulha lakefront and its modernist sights work well when the skies are clear. Save Mercado Central for a rainy spell, and try pão de queijo, the local cheese bread. Long hikes are less appealing when trails are wet and muddy.

Holidays and crowds

January is Brazil's summer school-holiday period, and New Year's Day is a national holiday. Families are travelling, but Belo Horizonte usually feels less like a beach-season hotspot than coastal cities. Shops and services may close on New Year's Day.

If you hate crowds, you may find the city calmer than during major events, though popular sights can still draw holiday visitors. Hotel prices can be higher than in the quieter May-to-August period, but rates vary. January isn't a major festival month in Belo Horizonte; the big Carnival celebrations come later, depending on the year.

Make rainy days work

Rainfall is heavy in January, though it's lower than December's. February is drier, and May to August generally bring the best visiting weather. January can still suit a food-focused city break, especially if you're happy to swap outdoor plans for cafés and indoor sights.

Travelling with kids? Keep the Pampulha complex for a clear spell, then head to Mercado Central if rain rolls in. There, you can sample local snacks under cover and browse stalls without relying on a long outdoor walk.