Rio de Janeiro in December
In December, Rio de Janeiro averages 29°C (84°F) during the day and 23°C (73°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 14 days of the month see precipitation (130 mm total).
High seasonConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
December offers comfortable temperatures in Rio de Janeiro, with some rain to plan around.
How December compares to the rest of the year in Rio de Janeiro
December is in the middle of the year for warmth in Rio de Janeiro (4th of 12) and one of the wettest months (1st of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C above the annual average (27°C). December runs 1°C warmer than November (28°C) and warms a further 1°C into January (30°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Rio de Janeiro
Times shown for Rio de Janeiro local time (America/Sao_Paulo), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Rio de Janeiro — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Rio de Janeiro's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Rio de Janeiro in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (High season) and Rio de Janeiro's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Rio de Janeiro
This is a busy month in Rio de Janeiro — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.
Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Rio de Janeiro
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Sea temperature in Rio de Janeiro — December
Across the year Rio de Janeiro's sea swings from 22.5°C (August) to 27.4°C (February) — December sits at 24.6°C.
Rio de Janeiro in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C / 86°F | 24°C / 75°F | 138 mm | 13 | — |
| February | 30°C / 86°F | 24°C / 75°F | 130 mm | 11 | — |
| March | 29°C / 84°F | 23°C / 73°F | 128 mm | 13 | — |
| April | 28°C / 82°F | 22°C / 72°F | 88 mm | 11 | — |
| May | 26°C / 79°F | 20°C / 68°F | 70 mm | 9 | — |
| June | 25°C / 77°F | 19°C / 66°F | 56 mm | 7 | — |
| July | 25°C / 77°F | 18°C / 64°F | 41 mm | 7 | — |
| August | 26°C / 79°F | 19°C / 66°F | 51 mm | 8 | — |
| September | 26°C / 79°F | 19°C / 66°F | 87 mm | 11 | — |
| October | 26°C / 79°F | 20°C / 68°F | 86 mm | 13 | — |
| November | 28°C / 82°F | 21°C / 70°F | 108 mm | 13 | — |
| December | 29°C / 84°F | 23°C / 73°F | 130 mm | 14 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Rio de Janeiro in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Rio de Janeiro in December?
In December, Rio de Janeiro averages a high of 29°C (84°F) and a low of 23°C (73°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Rio de Janeiro in December?
December can be fairly wet in Rio de Janeiro, with about 14 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Rio de Janeiro?
December is warm but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Rio de Janeiro in December?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Rio de Janeiro for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.