What August feels like in Rio de Janeiro
August is part of Rio de Janeiro's dry season, when rain totals drop well below the wet months. Days are warm enough for short sleeves, and time outdoors is easy. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights stay mild and the temperature hardly changes after dark. High humidity makes the heat feel heavier and sticky, especially on still afternoons.
Rain in Rio de Janeiro in August
It is a changeable month: rain comes about one day in 4, with dry spells in between. Each rainy day adds about 6.2 mm (0.2 in), a proper wetting rather than a sprinkle. That is lighter than the city's yearly norm of about 8.8 mm per rainy day. It is among the three driest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in August
In mid-August, sunrise is at about 6:19 am and sunset at about 5:37 pm (local time) — 11 h 18 min of daylight. The days are stretching out — 27 min more daylight than mid-July. About 80% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, skies are mostly clear.
How August compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, August comes out as the 4th coolest month in Rio de Janeiro. Compared with July, afternoons are 0.7°C (1.3°F) warmer, with 4 mm more rain. September continues the upward trend. The next month's average high: 26.8°C (80.2°F).
Who August suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable enough to explore on foot all day.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — good conditions for sitting outside.
- Beach: less ideal — too many rainy days.
- Hiking: a good fit — mild temperatures for trails.
Tips for visiting Rio de Janeiro in August
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Sunglasses
Frequent sunshine — sunglasses and a light hat.
Quick questions
How warm is Rio de Janeiro in August?
It feels warm: typical highs are 25.5°C (77.9°F), with lows near 17.8°C (64°F).
Does it rain a lot in Rio de Janeiro in August?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 4 and totals about 49 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Rio de Janeiro in August?
Pack rain protection and sunglasses. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is August or September better for visiting Rio de Janeiro?
August, narrowly: it ranks #2 of 12 among Rio de Janeiro's months, against #3 for the other. September is warmer and has more rainy days.