Brazil in July: Mild Winter Adventures
July in Brazil is the coolest month of the year—the Brazilian version of winter—but many parts of the country are still relatively mild and perfect for exploring. It’s warm enough to sunbake on the Copacabana, cold enough to find snow in the highlands of Santa Catarina, and the lower humidity makes traveling in Brazil comfortable. Moreover, Brazil’s unique blend of cultures produces an array of winter festivities in July, such as food and music festivals across the country.
Brazil weather in July
Covering a vast area of South America, Brazil’s climate varies widely from place to place. In Rio de Janeiro, the July temperature is a balmy 27℃ with an average of only four rainy days. The southern part of the country experiences more rain and cooler temperatures, around 20℃, with average temperatures between 10°C to 15°C in Porto Alegre, the southernmost state capital. July is one of Brazil’s driest months and sea temperatures reach their coolest, but at 22℃ the water is still potentially warm enough for swimming. July is also a great time to visit the rainforests of the Amazon Basin as humidity and rainfall will be at their lowest.
For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Brazil.
Weather in Brazil in July - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 30 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 29 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 23 | 24 | 23 | 22 | 20 | 19 | 18 | 19 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 86 | 86 | 84.2 | 82.4 | 78.8 | 77 | 77 | 78.8 | 77 | 78.8 | 80.6 | 84.2 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 73.4 | 75.2 | 73.4 | 71.6 | 68 | 66.2 | 64.4 | 66.2 | 66.2 | 68 | 69.8 | 71.6 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 114 | 105 | 103 | 137 | 86 | 80 | 56 | 51 | 87 | 88 | 96 | 169 |
Why visit Brazil in July
Brazil in July is the low season. The beaches and resorts are generally quieter and tours are less crowded. July is an excellent time to visit Rio de Janeiro and other big cities as it is the school holiday season and many people leave the cities for their vacations.
- Lower prices: Cheap flights to Brazil encourage a steady flow of visitors. Nonetheless, the footfall is sparse compared to the peak season. With fewer tourists, tour prices are discounted and hotels offer reduced rates.
- Local festivities: Brazilians love a good festival! Winter brings several prestigious music and literary festivals including the Festa Literária Internacional de Paraty in Rio and the celebration of Italian food at the Festitália and SC Gourmet festival in Blumenau.
- Explore the interior: With 73 national parks, Brazil has hiking options ranging from city rambles to extended multi-day adventures such as the 3-day Monte Roraima circuit. Mountain destinations, such as the Rio Grande do Sol, can be busy in July with local holidaymakers so booking ahead is advisable.
- Retreat to the rainforest: Sixty percent of the Amazon rainforest is located in Brazil. You can take a riverboat upriver to Manaus (a city of 2 million only accessible by plane or boat) to see the “Meeting of the Waters” where the Amazon River’s two main tributaries combine
Where to go and what to do
From the beaches of Ipanema and the Copacabana to the scenery and biodiversity of the Amazon jungle, Brazil spans a huge variety of landscapes and cultures.
In Rio, you can climb to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, join the energetic crowds at a football match (or maybe a rock concert), strut your stuff on the sand, or hike in the hills encircling this Cidade Marvalihosa, the marvelous city. The Iguazu Falls, on the border between Brazil and Argentina, rival Africa’s Victoria Falls, and the Amazon River—the world’s largest—invites all manner of eco-tourism adventures.
The twin cities of Recife and Olinda on the northeast coast combine high-tech skyscrapers with colonial architecture against a backdrop of glittering beaches that a perfect for a July getaway. The pure white dunes and freshwater lakes of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park are regarded as one of Brazil’s most beautiful landscapes. For coffee aficionados, the mountains and valleys of Petrópolis, inland from Rio, are home to the world’s best coffee plantations.
What to bring
Brazil can be expensive so it’s wise to bring most of the things you’ll need, even toiletries and insect repellent, from home. Brazilians generally dress casually, so layers of lightweight, breathable fabrics are best. Pack a raincoat and a sunhat for the outdoors and something warmer for the evenings and when you are in air-conditioned buildings or transportation. Sturdy boots are essential if you’re planning to hike. Comfortable walking shoes are best for city explorations and sandals will be fine for the beach.
Lower temperatures and humidity, along with fewer tourists, make July the best time to travel to Brazil. Although winter storms may bring occasional rain, the Brazil weather in July makes exploring far more pleasant than the hot, sticky Brazil summers. With so many different landscapes to choose from, a visit to Brazil in July can combine adventures stretching from the sun-drenched ocean to the depths of the Amazon rainforest.
Browse our travel guide on how many days to spend in Brazil for further insights on destinations and activities in Brazil in July. To create your perfect itinerary, reach out to our local travel experts who can design a customized trip to Brazil. Or, for instant inspiration, you can check out our tours to Brazil in July.
