Brazil in January: An Escape from Winter

Considering the large landmass of Brazil, visitors should expect varying weather conditions across the country. Nonetheless, Brazil is the perfect destination if you want to escape the freezing winter temperatures of Europe and the US. The country is in the Southern Hemisphere and, for this reason, its seasons are reversed. Brazil sees a fair amount of rainfall in January, although this month is comparatively drier than other months.

The northern part of Brazil is the wettest. Cities such as Belém and Manaus experience 21 days of rain in January. Here, temperatures are hot and hover between 31℃ and 24℃. Things are hardly different in the central part of the country. If you are traveling to Brasilia, you should expect highs of 27℃ and lows of 18℃ along with about 14 days of rain.

Temperatures in central and southern coastal areas are similar to those in the rest of the country, albeit drier. Salvador sees five days of rain throughout the month and Porto Alegre has seven.

For a complete seasonal overview, check our article on the best time to visit Brazil.

With warm temperatures throughout the country and an abundance of activities to choose from, there are plenty of reasons why you should visit Brazil in January. We have listed a few of them below.

• Local celebrations: On January 5, the city of Salvador celebrates Lapinha. This festival honors the Three Wise Men that visited Jesus Christ after his birth on Christmas Day. On this day, the locals host a procession through the streets of Salvador to the shores of Lake Igreja da Lapinha to commemorate the occasion.
• Stunning nature: Brazil also has an abundance of national parks and nature reserves that are perfect for hikers and trekkers. The proximity of Itatiaia National Park and Serra dos Órgãos from Rio de Janeiro makes these nature reserves the most famous among visitors. Similarly, those heading to the country’s south can explore Serra Geral National Park, famous for its breathtaking canyons, or visit the Iguazu National Park to see its iconic waterfalls.
• Beaches aplenty: January is an ideal month to enjoy the Atlantic Ocean. In addition to the famous Copacabana and Ipanema, Brazil has plenty of locations to enjoy beach activities. Praia do Espelho and Praia do Sancho allow visitors to laze around on the sand without having to contend with crowds.

You can relax on the beach, go for an adventure in the Brazilian wilderness, or experience the local lifestyle during your trip to Brazil in January. Outdoor lovers can try rock climbing in Salinas Tres Picos, close to Rio de Janeiro, or opt for the famous Teresópolis Crossing. This trek, located near Rio de Janeiro, takes approximately three days.

If you are looking for more isolated experiences, make sure that you include some of the hidden gems across the country in your itinerary. Head for the little-known Boipeba island and enjoy stunning beaches known only to the locals. Else, spend a few days in the tiny village of Petrópolis, which is located in the heart of the mountains and features stunning architecture and gorgeous churches. Plus, this destination is easily accessible if you’re traveling from Rio de Janeiro.

January is one of the best times to visit Brazil. With warm temperatures throughout the country, you are guaranteed to have fun and relaxing opportunities no matter what your preferences. Spend a day exploring the stunning landscapes of Itatiaia National Park, partake in festivities and let Brazil charm you with its unique culture!

If you need help planning a customized trip to Brazil in January, you can always reach out to our local travel experts in Brazil who can devise a tailor-made itinerary just for you. For instant inspiration, you can check out our tours to Brazil in January.

Brazil in December
Brazil in February
Summer in Brazil