Middle of the wetter season · Weather & things to do
Rio de Janeiro in December
The year's rain peaks now, with about 9.1 in (232 mm) falling in Rio de Janeiro, alongside highs near 82°F (28°C) and lows of 73°F (23°C).
With a comfort score of 50/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by rain.
- Avg high
- 82°F (28°C)
- Avg low
- 73°F (23°C)
- Rain
- 9.1 in (232 mm)
- Humidity
- 84%
- Cloud cover
- 75%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 24 min
- Comfort score
- 50/100 · Fair
What December feels like
Days are warm, averaging 82°F (28°C).
Even at night it stays warm, around 73°F (23°C).
Humidity averages 84%, so the air feels sticky and the heat feels stronger than the thermometer says.
Expect regular rain: about 9.1 in (232 mm) falls in the month.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 75%.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are June – August.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, November – January.
- Longest days of the year, about 13 h 24 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 53/100 in November to 50/100.
- Our Rio, Ilha Grande & Paraty route recommends Apr – Jun, Sep – Nov, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Light, breathable clothes82°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- Quick-dry fabrics84% average humidity
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoesfrequent rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Rio de Janeiro in December
With 9.1 in of rain, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Christ the Redeemer
Art Deco statue atop Corcovado, reached by a cog train through Tijuca forest.
Confeitaria Colombo
Belle Époque tea room from 1894 with mirrored walls, pastries and lunch.
Why now A sit-down stop to wait out showers in a month with 9.1 in of rain.
Aprazível
Treehouse-like terrace restaurant in Santa Teresa serving Brazilian dishes with bay views.
Jardim Botânico
Botanical garden founded in 1808, known for its avenue of imperial palms.
Sugarloaf Mountain
Two-stage cable car up Pão de Açúcar for views across Guanabara Bay.
Nearby in December
- Ilha Grande in December~65 mi · highs 85°F, 8.4 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, drier
- Paraty in December~100 mi · highs 89°F, 8.0 in rain · 4°C (7°F) warmer by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Rio de Janeiro in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Rio de Janeiro?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 50/100, held back mainly by rain. The best months are June – August. Expect highs of 82°F (28°C) and 9.1 in (232 mm) of rain. Our Rio, Ilha Grande & Paraty route recommends Apr – Jun, Sep – Nov, so December is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Rio de Janeiro in December?
Average highs are 82°F (28°C) and average lows 73°F (23°C), making it the 4th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Rio de Janeiro in December?
Yes: about 9.1 in (232 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 57.9 in (1470 mm).
What should I pack for Rio de Janeiro in December?
Bring light, breathable clothes (82°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), quick-dry fabrics (84% average humidity), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (frequent rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Rio de Janeiro
Planning Rio de Janeiro in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.