Brazil in March: Weather and Travel Tips
Brazil has a tropical climate and is warm year-round and March is one of the best times to visit this vibrant and energetic country. Carnival season and Holy Week take place in March and the cities are filled with bustling crowds enjoying colorful samba parades and street parties. It’s also a great time for hiking and sightseeing around the vibrant Rio de Janeiro as the temperatures are slightly cooler than in summer and you can enjoy long, lazy days on the beach, spectacular hikes, and visiting some of the country’s beautiful cities.
- Jackie Quirk
Brazil Weather in March
March in Brazil sees the hot and humid days of summer begin to cool down slightly but remain humid and muggy. The beginning of March enjoys late summer weather with warm, sunny days with temperatures around 26–29°C along the coast and 20–23°C inland. The north and north-eastern parts of the country see a fair amount of rain in March as the Amazon and Pantanal are still in the midst of the rainy season, while the south sees less rain with the odd summer storm.
The average rainfall in March in Brazil is around 189mm and the number of rainy days during March can vary greatly from between eight and 28 days, so it’s a good idea to plan accordingly and choose your destinations carefully. If you want to avoid the rain, you can visit Foz do Iguaçu or Porto Alegre.
For a seasonal overview of the weather in Brazil, visit our guide on the best time to visit Brazil.
Weather in Brazil in March - 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 | 85 | 83 | 79 | 77 | 77 | 79 | 77 | 79 | 81 | 85 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 74 | 76 | 74 | 72 | 68 | 67 | 65 | 67 | 67 | 68 | 70 | 72 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 114 | 105 | 103 | 137 | 86 | 80 | 56 | 51 | 87 | 88 | 96 | 169 |
| Feb | Mar | Apr | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 30 | 29 | 28 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 24 | 23 | 22 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 86 | 85 | 83 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 76 | 74 | 72 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 105 | 103 | 137 |
Why Visit Brazil in March
Brazil conjures images of spectacular white sandy beaches, steamy tropical jungles, and hip-shaking samba in sequins, but there is so much more to this captivating country. From the vast Amazon jungle which is home to the greatest collection of fauna and flora found anywhere on Earth to buzzing, vibrant cities and old-world colonial towns, coral-fringed tropical islands, and red-rock canyons, Brazil has something for everyone.
Here's a list of the top things to see and do on a visit to Brazil in March:
- Carnaval: One of the biggest celebrations in Brazil, the world-renowned Carnaval is hosted in Rio de Janeiro, and there is nothing quite like it! This pre-Lenten festival is celebrated across the country and features vibrant parades and lively street parties filled with samba music and dancing crowds. Depending on the year, Carnaval can take place in February or early March.
- Holy Week: Held in the week leading up to Easter, which is known as Semana Santa in Brazil, Holy Week is one of the country’s most revered holidays. Vivid processions make their way through the streets of every city and town in the country and culturally contextual rituals similar to those of other Catholic countries are held.
- Iguazu Falls Trip: March is one of the best times to visit these famous falls as they are still swollen with water from the heavy rains during the rainy season and are nothing less than a breathtaking sight to behold.
- Turtle Nesting on Fernando de Noronha: This volcanic archipelago off the coast of Brazil is home to pristine white sandy beaches such as Praia do Leão that draw turtles to nest in March.
- Florianopolis: The spectacular sunsets and pastel-tinted dusks of this beautiful coastal region are one of the top places to visit in March. The long shorelines of Catarina Island are ideal for hiking, boating, and windsurfing.
Where To Go and What to Do
A Brazil holiday in March offers an array of things to see and do from relaxing on one of the many beautiful beaches along the coast to excellent hiking and sightseeing. It’s festival time around the country with Carnaval and Holy Week taking place, as well as the Passion Play in Brejo da Madre de Deus.
It is one of the best times to visit Foz do Iguazu and the Iguazu Falls as they are at their fullest, as well as explore Pantanal to witness the unique fauna and flora of the region, the world's largest tropical wetland which is home to the three biomes of the Amazon, Cerrado, and Atlantic Forests. While, warm and sunny days in the south are ideal for water-based activities such as swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and boat tours. The cooler temperatures in the north make for perfect hiking and exploration conditions.
A trip to Brazil in March offers you the chance to experience an eclectic mix of culture, history, tradition, and fun. Hike in the dense Amazon rainforests of the north or snorkel the warm waters along the coastlines in the south. Dance the night away at Carnaval or observe a torchlit procession during Holy Week.
Design your tailor-made itinerary with the expert guidance of our travel expert in Brazil who can customize your trip to Brazil by including everything you want to see and do. For some inspiration for the adventure of a lifetime, check out Brazil tours in March.
