Month by month
| Month | Afternoon | Sea | Rain | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30.4 °C | 25.5 °C | 15 days | Possible, with trade-offs |
| February | 30.1 °C | 25.8 °C | 15 days | Possible, with trade-offs |
| March | 29.2 °C | 25.7 °C | 14 days | Possible, with trade-offs |
| April | 27.5 °C | 24.8 °C | 12 days | Ideal — one of the best times of year |
| May | 25.7 °C | 23.5 °C | 10 days | Ideal — one of the best times of year |
| June | 25.2 °C | 22.7 °C | 9 days | Ideal — one of the best times of year |
| July | 25 °C | 21.9 °C | 7 days | Ideal — one of the best times of year |
| August | 25.3 °C | 21.3 °C | 10 days | Ideal — one of the best times of year |
| September | 26.6 °C | 21.8 °C | 9 days | Ideal — one of the best times of year |
| October | 27 °C | 22.5 °C | 15 days | Possible, with trade-offs |
| November | 27.1 °C | 22.7 °C | 16 days | Possible, with trade-offs |
| December | 28.9 °C | 24.1 °C | 16 days | Possible, with trade-offs |
Before you go
Three things to check once you have picked your dates.
Entry
Entry rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check them before booking.
Safety
Some areas advised against
The country is open, but parts should be avoided.
Official advice updated 11 May 2026
Health
Recommended vaccinations, water quality, mosquitoes: advice depends on the country and the season. Some vaccines need time before departure.
Beau Fixe is not a safety or health authority. These notes summarise public advisories and link to their source; only the competent authorities are authoritative. Alert levels: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (gov.uk), Open Government Licence v3.0.
FAQ
Can you swim in Rio de Janeiro in May?
The sea averages 23.5°C in May — swimming is possible but brisk.
How hot is Rio de Janeiro in May?
Expect 25.7°C in the afternoon and 19.8°C at night, averaged over the last 10 years.
Does it rain a lot in Rio de Janeiro in May?
Around 10 days with rain (≥ 1 mm) in the month — 32% of days.