Brazil in December: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for December
Average temperature across Brazil in December.
City Weather in December
| City | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| São Paulo | 25° | 17° | 202 mm | extreme | Mild |
| Rio de Janeiro | 30° | 20° | 133 mm | extreme | Warm |
| Belo Horizonte | 28° | 17° | 325 mm | extreme | Mild |
| Salvador | 29° | 23° | 106 mm | extreme | Warm |
| Fortaleza | 31° | 24° | 50 mm | extreme | Hot |
| Manaus | 31° | 23° | 214 mm | very high | Hot |
| Brasília | 26° | 16° | 245 mm | extreme | Mild |
High / low are average daily temperatures (°C). “Feels” reflects how hot or cold it feels, allowing for humidity.
Amazon & The North (Manaus, Belém, Alter do Chão)
By December the basin returns toward peak wet-season behavior: heavy tropical downpours interspersed with very hot, muggy spells, and rising rivers transforming lowland forest back into flooded habitat. Festive season travel to Manaus and northern cities brings a bustle to riverfront promenades but also longer transfer times because of water-level changes. Plan for flexible itineraries, waterproof luggage, and late-afternoon storms that can cancel small-air services.
Northeast Coast (Salvador, Recife, Fortaleza, Jericoacoara)
December spikes back toward peak beach season with warm, humid days and frequent afternoon storms in the south of the region, while the far north remains windier and more stable. Festive travel surges mean busy airports and full resorts from Natal down to Porto Seguro; coastal highways are busier and prices higher. If traveling for water sports, northern beach towns remain favorable, but book well ahead and expect crowded waterfronts.
Northeast Interior - The Sertão & Chapadas (Petrolina, Juazeiro, Chapada Diamantina)
December rounds into the rainy season with warm, humid days and regular thunderstorms, particularly across the plateaus; the sertão softens into greener shrubland where ephemeral pools appear. Chapada waterfalls are at or approaching their peak flows, drawing photographers and naturalists despite the mud. If you prefer lower risks of trail closures, limit long overland transfer days and prioritize lodges that can help with wet-season logistics.
Central-West (Brasília, Pantanal, Cuiabá, Bonito)
December is the classic start of the rainy season with hot, humid days and frequent storms across Cuiabá and the lowlands; by month’s end the Pantanal is clearly wetting up. Some remote tracks become unusable and flights to small airports can be delayed by storms, but river-centered wildlife viewing begins to pick up from the boat perspective. Travelers should expect more flexible itineraries and pack for heat, humidity and sudden downpours.
Southeast (Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Ouro Preto, Paraty)
December is warm and humid, with high-season crowds increasing around Rio and coastal towns. Expect busy beaches, elevated hotel rates, and potential short but intense storms in the afternoon and evening; many travelers time sunrise hikes to avoid the heat. Festivals and holiday markets make for festive evenings, but allow extra time for transfers in holiday traffic and pack both swimwear and a light waterproof layer.
The South (Florianópolis, Curitiba, Gramado, Foz do Iguaçu)
December returns to hot, humid summer settings with busy beaches and strong waterfall displays at Iguaçu; holiday travel peaks and road and airport congestion are common on weekends. Nightlife and cultural events in towns like Florianópolis swell, and forested trails are lush but potentially muddy after storms. Pack summer clothing, insect repellent, and plan transfers early in the day to avoid storm-related delays.