What December feels like in Rio de Janeiro
December falls in Rio de Janeiro's wet season — the rainfall numbers rise clearly above the dry months. The midday hours are hot; shade and water matter on long walks. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights stay warm and the temperature hardly changes after dark. Thick, humid air means clothes cling and the heat feels stronger than the number.
Rain in Rio de Janeiro in December
December is persistently wet here: some rain falls on about every other day. Rain tends to come in heavy bursts: about 10.6 mm (0.4 in) on an average rainy day. That is close to Rio de Janeiro's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 8.8 mm). It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in December
In mid-December, sunrise is at about 5:02 am and sunset at about 6:34 pm (local time) — 13 h 32 min of daylight. The days are stretching out — 20 min more daylight than mid-November. Measured sunshine covers about 75% of the daylight — there are plenty of bright spells.
How December compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, December comes out as the 4th warmest month in Rio de Janeiro. Compared with November, afternoons are 1.9°C (3.4°F) warmer, with 16 mm more rain. January continues the upward trend. The next month's average high: 30.4°C (86.7°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — rain falls on more than half the days.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — afternoons are too warm to linger outside.
- Beach: less ideal — too many rainy days.
- Hiking: less ideal — too hot for long hikes.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — with rain on most days, galleries and museums make easy plans.
Tips for visiting Rio de Janeiro in December
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Sun Protection
Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses; light breathable clothes.
Quick questions
How warm is Rio de Janeiro in December?
It feels hot: typical highs are 29.3°C (84.7°F), with lows near 22.7°C (72.9°F).
Does it rain a lot in Rio de Janeiro in December?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about every other day and totals about 192 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Rio de Janeiro in December?
Pack rain protection and sun protection. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is December or January better for visiting Rio de Janeiro?
December, narrowly: it ranks #11 of 12 among Rio de Janeiro's months, against #12 for the other. January is warmer and has fewer rainy days.