Rio de Janeiro in December
Festive, sold out, and sweltering
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
The short answer
December is one of the weakest months in Rio de Janeiro.
Hot, humid and busy, with the build-up to Réveillon at Copacabana. Hotels fill and prices peak in the second half of the month. Early December is noticeably calmer than the days around New Year.
December in detail
What December actually feels like
- Weather
- 23–30°C
- Festive, sold out, and sweltering
- Crowds
- High
- Prices
- $$$$$
+Festive atmosphere and the world's biggest New Year's Eve party.
–Peak prices, heat and crowds.
My tip for December
Visit in the first week of December if you want the warmth without the New Year crowds.
- Réveillon
- beach days
How December compares
Against the other eleven months
11th of 12 overall in Rio de Janeiro, 10th for weather, 10th for space, 10th for value. The emptiest month is May; the best value is May.
See all twelve months for Rio de JaneiroPlan around
What’s on in Rio de Janeiro in December
- Réveillon at Copacabana
- Reported at around 2.5 million people for the 2025/26 edition, with free concerts and fireworks fired from barges. Most people wear white. Hotels book out early, roads close from the afternoon and ride-hailing is restricted near the beach after midnight.
31 December
Not set on December?
Months I'd choose over December
Also good in December
Weather
Weather in Rio de Janeiro in December
In December Rio de Janeiro averages a high of 30°C (86°F) and a low of 23°C (73°F), with about 134 mm of rain or snow over 11 wet days. The warmest month is February (around 32°C) and the coolest is July (around 25°C); the wettest month is January.
- Average high
- 30°C
- 86°F
- Average low
- 23°C
- 73°F
- Precipitation
- 134 mm
- Wet days
- 11
Climate data: Brazilian National Institute of Meteorology. Temperatures are averages of daily highs and lows.
Quick answers
Rio de Janeiro in December: the questions people ask
- Is December a good time to visit Rio de Janeiro?
- December is one of the weakest months in Rio de Janeiro. It ranks 11 of 12 months in Rio de Janeiro overall (10 for weather, 10 for space, 10 for value). The main upside: Festive atmosphere and the world's biggest New Year's Eve party. The main downside: Peak prices, heat and crowds.
- What is the weather like in Rio de Janeiro in December?
- Average highs are around 30°C and lows around 23°C. Expect about 134 mm of rain or snow over roughly 11 wet days. Festive, sold out, and sweltering. For comparison, the warmest month is February (around 32°C) and the coolest is July (around 25°C).
- Is Rio de Janeiro crowded in December?
- Crowds are high. High. The quietest month is May.
- How expensive is Rio de Janeiro in December?
- Prices are at level 5 of 5 ($$$$$). $$$$$. The best-value month is May.
- When is the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro?
- In the CrowdFreeViews month scores, May is the best month overall (December ranks 11 of 12). The quietest month is May and the best value is May.
Still going to Rio de Janeiro in December?
Book early and plan around the busiest hours — peak prices, heat and crowds.
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