Middle of the drier season · Weather & things to do
Rio de Janeiro in May
Rio de Janeiro edges cooler than April, with highs of 77°F (25°C), lows of 68°F (20°C) and about 2.8 in (71 mm) of rain.
It scores 80/100 for comfort, 5th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 77°F (25°C)
- Avg low
- 68°F (20°C)
- Rain
- 2.8 in (71 mm)
- Humidity
- 80%
- Cloud cover
- 56%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 54 min
- Comfort score
- 80/100 · Great
What May feels like
Highs settle around 77°F (25°C), warm enough for short sleeves.
Lows average 68°F (20°C).
With 80% average humidity, it feels muggy.
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 2.8 in (71 mm).
Plan around May
May is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (June – August).
- Comfort improves from 75/100 in April to 80/100.
- May sits inside the Apr – Jun, Sep – Nov window our Rio, Ilha Grande & Paraty route recommends.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 77°F
- Quick-dry fabrics80% average humidity
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 2.8 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Rio de Janeiro in May
May is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Tijuca National Park
One of the world's largest urban forests, with waterfalls and trails to Pico da Tijuca.
Why now May scores 80/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Selarón Steps
Staircase covered in tiles from around the world by artist Jorge Selarón.
Ipanema Beach
Famous beach divided by lifeguard posts, with Dois Irmãos peaks at the far end.
Why now Highs near 77°F and 2.8 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Sugarloaf Mountain
Two-stage cable car up Pão de Açúcar for views across Guanabara Bay.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Confeitaria Colombo
Belle Époque tea room from 1894 with mirrored walls, pastries and lunch.
Nearby in May
- Ilha Grande in May~65 mi · highs 79°F, 2.5 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Paraty in May~100 mi · highs 81°F, 2.4 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, about as wet
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 May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Rio de Janeiro?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 80/100 against a best of 90 in June – August. Expect highs of 77°F (25°C) and 2.8 in (71 mm) of rain. May is inside the Apr – Jun, Sep – Nov window our Rio, Ilha Grande & Paraty route recommends.
How hot is Rio de Janeiro in May?
Average highs are 77°F (25°C) and average lows 68°F (20°C), making it the 4th-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Rio de Janeiro in May?
Some: about 2.8 in (71 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 5th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 57.9 in (1470 mm).
What should I pack for Rio de Janeiro in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 77°F), quick-dry fabrics (80% average humidity), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 2.8 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Rio de Janeiro
Routes in season in May
- Rio, Ilha Grande & Paraty Apr – Jun, Sep – Nov
Planning Rio de Janeiro in May?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.