Porto Alegre Weather in January

January feels like summer

January is hot, humid and often showery in Porto Alegre. Afternoons can feel sticky, and rain falls on many days, sometimes interrupting plans. You'll get long daylight hours, but the weather is only fair for sightseeing.

The high reaches 30°C, matching February and just above December. The rain is heavier than in either neighbouring month. Walk the historic centre or visit the MARGS art museum when skies are clear, then take shelter in the Mercado Público during a shower. Save long outdoor outings for cooler parts of the day.

What to do and what to skip

For families, a shaded visit to the Jardim Botânico can work better than a long midday walk along the Guaíba waterfront. The lakefront is lovely near sunset, but sudden rain can cut a stroll short. Skip strenuous hikes or packed sightseeing schedules in the hottest part of the afternoon.

January brings New Year's Day, while many locals are on summer holiday. There isn't a major city festival to plan around this month; the well-known Festa de Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes takes place in February.

Crowds and practical tips

Summer holidays can make popular spots busier than in quieter months, and accommodation may cost more than during the cooler April-to-August stretch. January isn't the only busy time, though: November is also among Porto Alegre's better months for a visit.

If you're visiting the Mercado Público, check its hours before going, especially around New Year's Day. It's a useful place to sample local food, including a pastel, a fried pastry often filled with meat or cheese. After a hot day, you can take your snack to the nearby Praça da Alfândega when the weather clears.