Travel to Brazil — everything you need to know
When to go to Brazil?
- June – September — Dry season (South & Northeast) : The ideal time for Rio and the Northeast: sunny weather, lower humidity and warm sea temperatures. Pleasant conditions in Rio (20–25 °C).
- December – March — Carnival & festivities : Carnival (February/March) is the must-see event in Rio and Salvador. It is also the hot, humid season in the South.
- July – November — Amazon (dry season) : Best time to explore the Amazon: water levels drop, river beaches appear and wildlife is easier to spot.
Weather in Brazil
Check the weather city by city, starting with Brasília.
- Rio de Janeiro: daytime highs from 25 to 30 °C depending on the season, 89 mm of rain per month on average.
- Salvador: daytime highs from 27 to 31 °C depending on the season, 153 mm of rain per month on average.
- Manaus: daytime highs from 31 to 34 °C depending on the season, 197 mm of rain per month on average.
- São Paulo: daytime highs from 22 to 29 °C depending on the season, 133 mm of rain per month on average.
- Florianópolis: daytime highs from 21 to 30 °C depending on the season, 147 mm of rain per month on average.
- Foz do Iguaçu: daytime highs from 22 to 32 °C depending on the season, 156 mm of rain per month on average.
What to do in Brazil?
Brazil is the giant of South America, the land of samba, Carnival and the Amazon. Rio's legendary beaches, its vast rainforest, the Iguazú Falls and its vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture make it one of the world's richest travel destinations.
Rio de Janeiro
The Cidade Maravilhosa is Brazil's postcard image, with Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain and the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. Its annual Carnival is the biggest show on earth.
Highlights : Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana Beach, Santa Marta Favela.
Salvador de Bahia
Salvador is the heart of Afro-Brazilian culture: Pelourinho (a UNESCO-listed colonial district), candomblé, capoeira and music everywhere you go. Bahian cuisine is among the tastiest in the country.
Highlights : Pelourinho, Bonfim Church, São Joaquim Market, Lake Itaparica.
Amazon & Manaus
The world's largest rainforest is best explored from Manaus. Jungle lodges, canoe trips on the Rio Negro and the Meeting of the Waters (Negro + Solimões) make for unforgettable experiences.
Highlights : Meeting of the Waters, Teatro Amazonas, Jaú National Park, Anavilhanas Archipelago.
Fernando de Noronha
This volcanic archipelago 350 km off the coast is one of the most beautiful diving destinations in the world. Dolphins, sea turtles and crystal-clear blue-green waters await in a beautifully preserved setting.
Highlights : Praia do Sancho, Dolphin Bay, Marine National Park, Pico da Bandeira.
Bonito & Pantanal
Bonito is famous for its crystal-clear rivers where you can swim alongside colourful fish. The nearby Pantanal is the world's largest wetland and offers unmatched jaguar sightings.
Highlights : Rio da Prata, Pantanal, Blue Lake Cave, Pantanal Park Road.
São Paulo
South America's largest metropolis, São Paulo is Brazil's economic and cultural powerhouse. World-class museums, a buzzing food scene and abundant street art make it a vibrant urban capital. Its nightlife and cosmopolitan diversity never sleep.
Highlights : São Paulo Museum of Art — MASP, Ibirapuera — Brazil's Central Park, Vila Madalena & street art, Municipal Market, Paulista Avenue & nightlife.
Travel budget for Brazil
Brazil offers good value for money, especially in the Northeast. Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo are more expensive. Getting around the country often involves domestic flights.
- Backpacker : 35–55 €/j — Hostel/pousada, local meals, public transport
- Comfort : 80–130 €/j — 3★ hotel, mid-range restaurants, guided excursions
- Luxury : 200 €+/j — 5★ resort, fine dining, frequent domestic flights
Practical tips for travelling to Brazil
- Flight from Paris : ~11–12h (direct with Air France, via Madrid with Iberia)
- Visa : No visa required for French citizens (90 days)
- Currency : Brazilian real (€1 ≈ 5.5–6 BRL)
- Language : Brazilian Portuguese
- Electricity : Type N – 127/220 V (adapter recommended)
- Mobile network : 4G in cities, limited coverage in the Amazon
- Tap water : Not drinkable, bottled water recommended
- Health : Yellow fever vaccination recommended for the Amazon and the Pantanal
Compare Brazil with other destinations