Rio de Janeiro weather in December
December is one of the least pleasant months in Rio de Janeiro: highs of 27°C (81°F) and about 232 mm (9.1 in) of rain on average. Nights average 22°C (72°F) and cloud cover 75% (NASA POWER, 2001–2025 averages). It is the wettest month of the year and the 4th warmest. Compared with November, it is warmer and about as wet; January brings highs of 28°C (83°F) and 208 mm (8.2 in) of rain.
Figures are long-term averages for Rio de Janeiro, the largest city in Rio de Janeiro. See below for other places.
Is December a good time to visit Rio de Janeiro?
least pleasant month Weather score 46/100.
December is one of the least pleasant months for weather in Rio de Janeiro. For better conditions, consider May–Sep.
Does it rain a lot in Rio de Janeiro in December?
Yes, it is one of the rainy months: about 232 mm (9.1 in) falls in an average December. It is the wettest month of the year.
How warm is Rio de Janeiro in December?
Days average 27°C (81°F) and nights 22°C (72°F).
Rio de Janeiro weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Cloud | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28°C (83°F) | 23°C (74°F) | 208 mm | 71% | least pleasant |
| February | 28°C (83°F) | 23°C (74°F) | 152 mm | 62% | fair |
| March | 28°C (82°F) | 23°C (74°F) | 173 mm | 66% | fair |
| April | 27°C (80°F) | 22°C (72°F) | 101 mm | 56% | fair |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 20°C (68°F) | 71 mm | 56% | best |
| June | 24°C (76°F) | 19°C (66°F) | 49 mm | 49% | best |
| July | 24°C (75°F) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm | 45% | best |
| August | 25°C (76°F) | 18°C (64°F) | 42 mm | 45% | best |
| September | 25°C (78°F) | 19°C (65°F) | 69 mm | 57% | best |
| October | 26°C (79°F) | 20°C (68°F) | 108 mm | 70% | fair |
| November | 26°C (79°F) | 21°C (69°F) | 220 mm | 79% | least pleasant |
| December | 27°C (81°F) | 22°C (72°F) | 232 mm | 75% | least pleasant |
Sources: 2001–2025 monthly averages from NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis). Page updated . How we rate months
Weather across Rio de Janeiro in December
Weather can differ a lot within Rio de Janeiro: coasts, hills and mountains each have their own climate.
| Place | High | Low | Rain | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rio de Janeiro | 27°C (81°F) | 22°C (72°F) | 232 mm | least pleasant |
| Duque de Caxias | 27°C (81°F) | 22°C (72°F) | 232 mm | least pleasant |
| Nova Iguaçu | 28°C (82°F) | 22°C (71°F) | 231 mm | least pleasant |
| Belford Roxo | 27°C (81°F) | 22°C (72°F) | 232 mm | least pleasant |
| Niterói | 27°C (81°F) | 22°C (72°F) | 232 mm | least pleasant |
| Campos dos Goytacazes | 28°C (83°F) | 23°C (73°F) | 197 mm | least pleasant |
| São João de Meriti | 27°C (81°F) | 22°C (72°F) | 232 mm | least pleasant |
| Barra da Tijuca | 27°C (81°F) | 22°C (72°F) | 232 mm | least pleasant |
| Petrópolis | 29°C (84°F) | 19°C (66°F) | 228 mm | least pleasant |
| São Gonçalo | 27°C (81°F) | 22°C (72°F) | 232 mm | least pleasant |
| Volta Redonda | 27°C (80°F) | 17°C (63°F) | 217 mm | least pleasant |
| Macaé | 28°C (82°F) | 22°C (72°F) | 198 mm | least pleasant |