Rio de Janeiro in May
In May, Rio de Janeiro averages 26°C (79°F) during the day and 20°C (68°F) at night, with around 9 days of rain (70 mm total).
High seasonConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.
May is a great month to visit Rio de Janeiro: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Rio de Janeiro
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Rio de Janeiro (7th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (9th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C below the annual average (27°C). May runs 2°C cooler than April (28°C) and cools 1°C in June (25°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Rio de Janeiro
Times shown for Rio de Janeiro local time (America/Sao_Paulo), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Rio de Janeiro — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, 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 May
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 May's tier (High season) and Rio de Janeiro's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May 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: excellent tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — May 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 — May
Across the year Rio de Janeiro's sea swings from 22.5°C (August) to 27.4°C (February) — May sits at 24.5°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 May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Rio de Janeiro in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Rio de Janeiro in May?
In May, Rio de Janeiro averages a high of 26°C (79°F) and a low of 20°C (68°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Rio de Janeiro in May?
May sees occasional rain in Rio de Janeiro, with about 9 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Rio de Janeiro?
May is warm. 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 May?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full May packing list for Rio de Janeiro for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.