Rio de Janeiro in January
In January, Rio de Janeiro averages 30°C (86°F) during the day and 24°C (75°F) at night, with around 13 days of rain (138 mm total).
High seasonConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
January offers comfortable temperatures in Rio de Janeiro, with some rain to plan around.
How January compares to the rest of the year in Rio de Janeiro
January is one of the warmest months in Rio de Janeiro (1st of 12) and one of the wettest months (2nd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C above the annual average (27°C). January runs 1°C warmer than December (29°C) and stays flat into February.
January sunrise & sunset in Rio de Janeiro
Times shown for Rio de Janeiro local time (America/Sao_Paulo), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Rio de Janeiro — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, 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 January
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 January's tier (High season) and Rio de Janeiro's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — January 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: Southern Hemisphere summer holidays
Sun & mosquito risk — January 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 — January
Across the year Rio de Janeiro's sea swings from 22.5°C (August) to 27.4°C (February) — January sits at 25.8°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 January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Rio de Janeiro in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Rio de Janeiro in January?
In January, Rio de Janeiro averages a high of 30°C (86°F) and a low of 24°C (75°F) — generally hot.
Does it rain a lot in Rio de Janeiro in January?
January can be fairly wet in Rio de Janeiro, with about 13 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit Rio de Janeiro?
January is hot. It suits travelers who are comfortable with hot 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 January?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full January packing list for Rio de Janeiro for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.