Rio de Janeiro in May
The sweet spot: warm, calmer, cheaper
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
The short answer
May is the best month to visit Rio de Janeiro.
Warm days, falling humidity and far fewer visitors than in summer. Hotels are noticeably cheaper and the beaches and viewpoints are easy to enjoy. This is the best balance of weather, crowds and price in the year.
May in detail
What May actually feels like
- Weather
- 20–27°C
- The sweet spot: warm, calmer, cheaper
- Crowds
- Low
- Prices
- $$
+Best overall balance of weather, crowds and price.
–Few headline events, and the sea starts to cool.
My tip for May
Go on a weekday morning for Sugarloaf or Corcovado and keep weekends for the beach.
- sightseeing
- beaches
- rooftops
How May compares
Against the other eleven months
1st of 12 overall in Rio de Janeiro, 3rd for weather, 1st for space, 1st for value. It is the emptiest month of the year; and it's also the best value.
See all twelve months for Rio de JaneiroWeather
Weather in Rio de Janeiro in May
In May Rio de Janeiro averages a high of 27°C (81°F) and a low of 20°C (68°F), with about 70 mm of rain or snow over 6 wet days. The warmest month is February (around 32°C) and the coolest is July (around 25°C); the wettest month is January.
- Average high
- 27°C
- 81°F
- Average low
- 20°C
- 68°F
- Precipitation
- 70 mm
- Wet days
- 6
Climate data: Brazilian National Institute of Meteorology. Temperatures are averages of daily highs and lows.
Quick answers
Rio de Janeiro in May: the questions people ask
- Is May a good time to visit Rio de Janeiro?
- May is the best month to visit Rio de Janeiro. It ranks 1 of 12 months in Rio de Janeiro overall (3 for weather, 1 for space, 1 for value). The main upside: Best overall balance of weather, crowds and price. The main downside: Few headline events, and the sea starts to cool.
- What is the weather like in Rio de Janeiro in May?
- Average highs are around 27°C and lows around 20°C. Expect about 70 mm of rain or snow over roughly 6 wet days. The sweet spot: warm, calmer, cheaper. For comparison, the warmest month is February (around 32°C) and the coolest is July (around 25°C).
- Is Rio de Janeiro crowded in May?
- Crowds are low. Low. May is the quietest month of the year.
- How expensive is Rio de Janeiro in May?
- Prices are at level 2 of 5 ($$). $$. May is also the best-value month.
- When is the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro?
- In the CrowdFreeViews month scores, May is the best month overall (this month). The quietest month is May and the best value is May.
Ready to book May in Rio de Janeiro?
Best overall balance of weather, crowds and price.
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