Rio de Janeiro Weather in December

December: hot and sticky

Rio is heading into summer, and December feels warm from morning to night. Highs reach 28°C, with humid air that can make a walk uphill feel tiring. Rain falls on many days, often in heavy bursts, so keep beach time flexible. November is a little cooler and drier; January is hotter but slightly less rainy.

You can still enjoy Ipanema or Copacabana between showers, or take in the views from Sugarloaf when the sky is clear. Long outdoor walks and exposed viewpoints are less pleasant in the midday heat. For hikers, the forested paths in Tijuca National Park offer shade, but wet trails can be slippery.

Christmas and New Year

Christmas brings decorations and family gatherings, while Réveillon, Rio's New Year's Eve celebration, draws huge crowds to Copacabana Beach. Many people wear white and watch fireworks over the water. Expect packed beachfront streets and busy transport around the celebration.

Families visiting over the school break should expect more people at the beach and popular sights. December is high season, so rooms and flights usually cost more than in the quieter months from May to September. The city feels especially crowded around Christmas and New Year.

Make room for showers

December gets 232 mm of rain across 20 days, and cloud can limit those famous views. A clear morning can turn grey by afternoon, so keep indoor options handy. The Museu do Amanhã in Praça Mauá works well when rain interrupts a day outside.

For couples who love long beach days, the heat and passing showers may test your patience. At Copacabana, check local transport arrangements before heading to Réveillon; road closures and crowds can make the usual route difficult.