What May feels like in Rio de Janeiro
May is part of Rio de Janeiro's dry season, when rain totals drop well below the wet months. Warm daytime weather invites long lunches outside and evening strolls. There is little difference between day and night: nights stay warm, and evenings feel much like the afternoon. High humidity makes the heat feel heavier and sticky, especially on still afternoons.
Rain in Rio de Janeiro in May
It is a changeable month: rain comes about one day in 3, with dry spells in between. Wet days average about 6.5 mm (0.3 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. That is lighter than the city's yearly norm of about 8.8 mm per rainy day.
Daylight and sunshine in May
Mid-month, Rio de Janeiro gets 11 h 2 min of daylight, from sunrise near 6:18 am to sunset near 5:20 pm. Days are getting shorter: 33 min less daylight than in mid-April. Measured sunshine covers about 82% of the daylight — skies are mostly clear.
How May compares to the rest of the year
In Rio de Janeiro's temperature order, May sits as the 4th coolest month. Against April, the average high is 2°C (3.6°F) lower, with 42 mm less rain. Temperatures keep falling into June. By June, typical highs are 24.9°C (76.8°F).
Who May 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 May
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 May?
Expect around 25.5°C (77.9°F) in the afternoon and 19.2°C (66.6°F) at night, which most visitors would call warm.
Does it rain a lot in Rio de Janeiro in May?
It does: about 10 rainy days bring roughly 65 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Rio de Janeiro in May?
The numbers point to rain protection and sunglasses. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is May or June better for visiting Rio de Janeiro?
June, narrowly: it ranks #4 of 12 among Rio de Janeiro's months, against #5 for the other. June has fewer rainy days.