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What's Brazil Like In December? Weather, Tourism, & More

Searching for what is it like to visit Brazil in December? Discover everything you need to know about the weather, demand, pricing, and the best things to do.

Wondering what it’s like visiting Brazil in December? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about traveling to Brazil in December—from the weather and prices to how busy it gets and the best things to do.

Brazil’s Weather In December

December marks the start of Brazil’s summer, bringing hot, humid conditions across most regions. The wet season is in full swing in the Amazon and Pantanal, while the northeast enjoys sunny, dry days. The southeast and south see warm temperatures with frequent showers, making December ideal for beach trips and festive celebrations with some rain preparedness.

Rio de Janeiro & Southeast: Hot and humid, with highs of 27–33°C (81–91°F). Afternoon showers are common but often brief, with sunny days ideal for outdoor activities.
Northeast Coast (Recife, Porto de Galinhas): Hot and dry, with highs around 29–32°C (84–90°F). Minimal rainfall ensures excellent beach weather.
Amazon & Pantanal: Peak wet season, with temperatures of 27–33°C (81–91°F) and high humidity. Heavy showers create lush landscapes but may limit trail access.
South (Florianópolis, Curitiba): Warm, with highs of 24–29°C (75–84°F). Frequent showers occur, but sunny intervals support outdoor exploration.

Clothing Needed For Brazil In December

December’s summer heat calls for lightweight, breathable clothing. Pack t-shirts, shorts, and swimwear for hot days, especially in the northeast. A light jacket or sweater is useful for cooler evenings in the south, like Curitiba, or air-conditioned indoor spaces. Sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen are essential for sunny days. A lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella is necessary for frequent showers, particularly in the Amazon, southeast, and south. For Amazon or Pantanal trips, include long sleeves, lightweight pants, and waterproof hiking shoes for muddy trails and mosquito protection. Be prepared for hot days, humid nights, and regular rain!

Brazil’s Sunrise & Sunset In December

December’s daylight hours are among the longest as summer begins, offering ample time for activities:

Average Daylight Hours: Around 13–13.5 hours per day.
Rio de Janeiro: Sunrise around 5:20–5:35 AM, sunset about 6:35–6:50 PM.
Recife: Sunrise near 5:15–5:30 AM, sunset around 6:05–6:20 PM.
Curitiba: Sunrise about 5:30–5:45 AM, sunset near 6:50–7:05 PM.

These long hours provide plenty of daylight for beach trips, festive events, and outdoor adventures.

December is Shoulder Season in Brazil

December is a shoulder season, with tourism demand rising due to summer weather and holiday festivities like Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Crowds grow in popular areas, especially toward the end of the month, but early December remains relatively quiet.

Tourism Demand: Moderate, increasing significantly in late December due to holiday travel. Coastal cities like Recife and Rio see growing crowds, especially for New Year’s Eve.
Pricing: Flights and accommodations are affordable early in the month but rise sharply for Christmas and New Year’s. Book early for deals, especially in popular destinations.
Atmosphere: Festive and lively, with warm summer weather and holiday celebrations creating an energetic vibe.

Who Should Visit Brazil In December?
December is great for travelers seeking warm weather, festive events, and a vibrant atmosphere, with early planning key to managing costs.

Best Things To Do In Brazil In December

December’s hot summer weather, dry northeast conditions, and festive holiday spirit make it ideal for beach relaxation, cultural celebrations, and nature adventures. Indoor options are included for rainy days in the Amazon, southeast, and south.

Relax on Northeast Beaches: Soak up the sun at Recife’s Porto de Galinhas Beach or Porto de Galinhas’ Maracaípe Beach, where hot, dry weather is perfect for swimming and surfing.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Rio: Join the iconic New Year’s Eve celebration on Copacabana Beach, with fireworks, live music, and festive crowds.
Explore the Pantanal: December’s wet season in the Pantanal creates lush wetlands, ideal for boat tours to spot caimans, capybaras, and migratory birds.
Visit Salvador’s Festivals: Experience Salvador’s Festa de Santa Bárbara early in December, with vibrant processions, music, and street food in the Pelourinho district.
Discover São Paulo’s Holiday Markets: Explore São Paulo’s Praça da República for Christmas markets, offering crafts and treats, perfect for rainy days.
Hike in Iguazu Falls: Trek in Iguaçu National Park, where December’s high water flow makes the falls spectacular, with boat tours thriving despite showers.
Experience Florianópolis’ Nightlife: Enjoy Florianópolis’ Jurerê Internacional for lively beachfront bars, with indoor venues like the P12 club for rainy evenings.
Safety Tip: Stay cautious in urban areas like Rio and São Paulo during festive crowds due to petty theft risks. Avoid displaying valuables and stick to tourist-friendly areas, especially at night.

Why Visit Brazil In December?

December offers hot summer weather, festive holiday celebrations, and prime beach conditions in the northeast. With vibrant events like New Year’s Eve in Rio and manageable showers through indoor attractions, it’s a fantastic time for a lively, diverse Brazilian adventure, especially with early planning.

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