What September feels like in Rio de Janeiro
September 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. Thick, humid air means clothes cling and the heat feels stronger than the number.
Rain in Rio de Janeiro in September
It is a changeable month: rain comes about one day in 3, with dry spells in between. Wet days average about 7.4 mm (0.3 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. That is close to Rio de Janeiro's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 8.8 mm).
Daylight and sunshine in September
In mid-September, sunrise is at about 5:50 am and sunset at about 5:46 pm (local time) — 11 h 56 min of daylight. The days are stretching out — 38 min more daylight than mid-August. Measured sunshine covers about 79% of the daylight — there are plenty of bright spells.
How September compares to the rest of the year
In Rio de Janeiro's temperature order, September sits as the 5th coolest month. Afternoons run 1.3°C (2.3°F) warmer than in August, with 18 mm more rain. The warm-up continues into October. October averages a high of 27.3°C (81.1°F).
Who September suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — the weather rarely gets in the way of a city walk.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — afternoons are too warm to linger outside.
- Beach: less ideal — too many rainy days.
- Hiking: a good fit — mild temperatures for trails.
Tips for visiting Rio de Janeiro in September
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is Rio de Janeiro in September?
Afternoons average 26.8°C (80.2°F) and nights about 19°C (66.2°F) — warm by most people's standards. It is the 5th coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Rio de Janeiro in September?
It does: about 9 rainy days bring roughly 67 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Rio de Janeiro in September?
The numbers point to rain protection and sunglasses. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is September or October better for visiting Rio de Janeiro?
September scores better on our climate ranking (#3 of 12 vs #8), rated Great against Good. October has more rainy days.