Brazil in September: A Tropical Winter
September is one of the best times to visit Brazil. The weather is pleasant and the crowds are at their thinnest, allowing for more secluded tours of the country’s attractions. Humidity and rainfall are low, making September the best time to visit the Amazon Rainforest. While traveling the country, combine a journey to some of Brazil’s colorful and lively cities with mountain hiking adventures or a wildlife-spotting excursion to the vast Pantanal region.
Brazil weather in September
Brazil's weather in September brings cool temperatures ahead of the rainy season. In the north of this vast country, you’ll experience pleasant and sunny tropical weather—perfect for the beach— with a few rainy days and cool nights. In Rio, you can expect an average nighttime temperature of 19℃ and pleasant daytime highs of around 30℃. The Amazon Basin has cooler temperatures ranging from 23℃ to 33℃ and has a few rainy days in September, although it will still be humid. The south of Brazil experiences colder weather, with Atlantic storms bringing cold, rainy weather to the coastal regions and snow to the inland mountains.
For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Brazil.
Weather in Brazil in September - 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 September
Brazil in September is shoulder season. School holidays are over and people have returned to work, meaning, the beaches and resorts are quieter and tours are uncrowded. September is also an excellent time for experiencing Brazil’s unique wildlife as the undergrowth is at its lowest and animals are more active in the cooler weather.
- Lower prices: You can find excellent accommodation deals and cheap flights to Brazil in September. The lower costs of shoulder season let you stretch your budget out so you can stay longer and see more of the country.
- The Pantanal: This massive region of wetlands, lakes, and marshes, encompassing 195,000 km², is the world’s largest flooded grassland. During September, wildlife congregates at waterholes, and birdlife is plentiful. The sparse dry-season undergrowth makes wildlife spotting much easier.
- Mountain adventures: The city of Gramado, in the mountainous Rio Grande do Sol, is Brazil’s winter capital. September brings snow to the region and winter markets and feasts abound. Curitiba —known as “the Brazillian Vienna” —has a winter festival that includes an outdoor opera.
- Cool rainforest: Before the rainy season begins in October, the Amazon rainforests are cooler and much less humid. Big game such as jaguars can be spotted on the riverbanks and the colorful profusion of jungle birdlife is easy to spot amid the thinner dry-season foliage.
Where to go and what to do
Some of the best places to visit in Brazil in September are the smaller cities and lesser-known attractions. Cities such as Poço de Caldas — with its Japanese Gardens, cobbled streets, and trotting pony carriages —and the thermal spa town Caldas Novas, will introduce you to a different side of Brazilian life.
Take advantage of low season fares to visit the offshore archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and location of the world’s most beautiful beach.
For hikers, multi-day adventures such as the Mount Roraima Trek, which explores the triple borders between Guyana, Venezuela, and Brazil, or the lush Petrópolis-Teresópolis Crossing through the Sierra dos Órgãnos National Park, will test your fitness in some of South America’s most spectacular terrain.
With fewer festivals and events, September in Brazil is a month to join the locals in cozy restaurants. In the mountain town of Petrópolis, you can sip hot chocolate or micro-brewed beer in the cold air and dine on European dishes such as fondu.
If you like festivals (and potentially crowds!), Brazil’s Independence Day on September 7th sees a massive military parade down Rio de Janeiro’s main thoroughfare, the Av Presidente Vargos.
What to bring
Breathable, lightweight fabrics are best for day-to-day wear and you should pack a sweater to keep you warm in the evenings. Casual shoes or sandals are fine for the beach and evenings out, while sturdy shoes or boots are best for outdoor explorations. Bear in mind that some items (such as toiletries, sunblock, and insect repellent) can be expensive in Brazil so bring these from home.
Affordable travel, fewer tourists and pleasant, balmy weather make September the best time to travel to Brazil. Whether you are exploring the cities and culture, hanging out at the beach, or having adventures in the rainforests and mountains, visiting Brazil in September lets you experience the country in comfort before the advent of the hot, humid rainy season.
Browse our travel guide about how many days to spend in Brazil for additional insights about activities and destinations in Brazil in September. To create your perfect itinerary, reach out to our local travel experts in Brazil who can design a custom itinerary for your trip to Brazil. Alternatively, for instant inspiration, you can check out our tours to Brazil in September.
