Brazil Weather, climate and geography
Weather & climate
Brazil is a vast country, covering around 8.5 million square kilometres (3.2 million square miles), and its climate varies considerably from north to south. A large part of the country (roughly 60%) lies within the tropics, resulting in generally warm conditions year-round, although regional differences are significant.
In general, Brazil can be visited throughout the year, but temperatures and rainfall vary widely. The climate ranges from hot and dry in parts of the interior to humid and tropical in the Amazon rainforest. While many regions experience warm temperatures most of the time, cooler conditions occur in the south, mountainous areas and during winter months.
Belém, the capital of the northern state of Pará and a gateway to the Amazon River, has a tropical rainforest climate. Temperatures remain consistently warm, with daily averages around 26°C (79°F) throughout the year. Rainfall is heavy and frequent, with high humidity and significant precipitation in most months.
São Paulo, located in south-eastern Brazil, is the country's most populous city and has a humid subtropical climate. Seasons are not sharply defined, but January is typically the warmest and wettest month, with average temperatures around 24°C (75°F). June and July are cooler and drier, with average daytime temperatures closer to 19°C (66°F).
Rio de Janeiro, about 440km (273 miles) east of São Paulo, has a tropical savanna climate. Summers (December to February) can be very hot and humid, with temperatures sometimes exceeding 35°C (95°F), accompanied by heavy rainfall. Winters (July and August) are milder and drier, with average temperatures around 21°C (70°F), making this a popular time to visit.
Curitiba, the capital of Paraná in southern Brazil, lies at a higher elevation and has a subtropical highland climate. Summers are warm and rainy, while winters can be cool and windy. February is typically the warmest month, averaging around 22°C (72°F), while winter temperatures in June and July often fall to around 15°C (59°F). In parts of southern Brazil, especially plateau regions, temperatures can occasionally drop to 0°C (32°F) during winter cold fronts.
Lightweight, breathable clothing is suitable for most of Brazil, particularly in coastal and tropical regions. Natural fabrics such as cotton and linen are comfortable in hot, humid conditions. Sun protection is essential year-round, including a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
During the rainy season, especially between December and March, a light rain jacket or poncho is useful. Insect repellent is recommended in many regions, particularly in the Amazon, Pantanal and other areas where mosquitoes are common.
For cooler evenings in the south or during winter months, a light jumper or jacket may be needed. Travellers visiting higher-altitude areas or hiking should bring sturdy footwear. When visiting religious sites or more conservative areas, modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees is advised.
Geography
Brazil occupies nearly half of South America and is the continent's largest country by both area and population. It shares borders with every South American nation except Chile and Ecuador, giving it a remarkable geographic reach across the continent. Its vast size means landscapes, climates and ecosystems vary dramatically from region to region.
The Amazon Basin dominates the north, covering much of the country with dense rainforest criss-crossed by some of the world's longest rivers. Central Brazil is characterised by the cerrado, a tropical savannah that supports agriculture and wildlife, while the Pantanal in the west forms the planet's largest wetland, known for its rich biodiversity.
Along the eastern edge, Brazil's Atlantic coastline stretches for more than 7,000km, lined with beaches, cliffs and coastal cities. Inland, mountain ranges such as the Serra do Mar and Serra da Mantiqueira rise behind the coast, while the south features rolling hills and fertile plains. This geographic diversity underpins Brazil's natural beauty and offers travellers an extraordinary range of environments to explore.
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