What January feels like in Rio de Janeiro
January falls in Rio de Janeiro's wet season — the rainfall numbers rise clearly above the dry months. Afternoons are hot, so sightseeing works best in the morning or evening. Little changes after sunset — nights stay warm, only slightly below the daytime level. The air is muggy, so it feels hotter than the thermometer suggests.
Rain in Rio de Janeiro in January
January is persistently wet here: some rain falls on about every other day. Rain tends to come in heavy bursts: about 12.4 mm (0.5 in) on an average rainy day. That is heavier than Rio de Janeiro's usual 8.8 mm per rainy day across the year. January is Rio de Janeiro's wettest month of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in January
Mid-month, Rio de Janeiro gets 13 h 24 min of daylight, from sunrise near 5:20 am to sunset near 6:43 pm. Day length barely changes from mid-December (8 min shorter). About 75% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, there are plenty of bright spells.
How January compares to the rest of the year
January is the 2nd warmest month of the year in Rio de Janeiro. Compared with December, afternoons are 1.1°C (2°F) warmer, with 20 mm more rain. February continues the upward trend. The next month's average high: 30.9°C (87.6°F).
Who January 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 January
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 January?
Expect around 30.4°C (86.7°F) in the afternoon and 23.6°C (74.5°F) at night, which most visitors would call hot.
Does it rain a lot in Rio de Janeiro in January?
It does: about 17 rainy days bring roughly 211 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Rio de Janeiro in January?
The numbers point to rain protection and sun protection. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is January or February better for visiting Rio de Janeiro?
February, clearly: it ranks #7 of 12 among Rio de Janeiro's months, against #12 for the other. February has fewer rainy days.