The good news for travelers is that Brazil can be visited comfortably throughout the year. From March to November, Brazil is at its driest and it is the preferred time to go. From December to February, which is considered summer, the country can be rainy and humid.

The only region in which there is an extreme seasonal change is the south, which includes the states of Paraná, Santa Catarina and Mato Grosso do Sul, which are seen on our South of Brazil tour. It can be rather sticky and hot in the summer, and winters are marked by cold and frequent rain. The temperature often drops below freezing in some parts of the south.

In the southeast, where the cities of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo are located, the summer is hot and humid with temperature reaching 40° C; occasional rains cool the temperature a bit. In the winter, it rains constantly and temperature can drop to 20°C. The evenings and winter days can be fairly cool, and sweaters or light coats are needed.

The northeast, the temperature is warm, breezy and not as humid as Rio. Temperature is around 30°C year-round making a perfect weather for a beach vacation.

In the Planalto, the country's central plateau, frequent rains keep the temperature a bit cooler than on the coast. From July to September, expect very dry weather with humidity as low as 7% in some areas of this region.

The Amazon region is always hot and humid, but the best time to see it is July-August, when it is neither the peak of the rainy season nor the time when the river is lowest. From November to March, expect immeasurable amounts of rain.

Most Brazilians take their vacation during their summer, from December to February. Keep Brazilian holidays in mind, especially if they fall during the week. Brazilians tends to take advantage of a prolonged holidays; i.e. they take a good deal of time off. At these times, travel can be difficult and expensive. Flights and hotels should be booked well in advance. Many hotels in the coast are sold out ahead of time in the summer. Coastal freeways are usually very busy during this period, since traveling by car is the preferred mode transportation among Brazilians. Summer is also the most festive time of year, especially during the week of Carnaval, usually taking place in late February. Some states, like Bahia in the northeast, extend their Carnaval for weeks.