The best time to visit Brazil is really dependent on the wildlife you wish to see although the peak season is from December to February. As Brazil’s temperate climate means it is more than pleasant most of the year, some areas of the country with particular wildlife sightings are better at certain times. As Brazil is situated in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are reversed, and makes for a perfect winter getaway for those living in the northern hemisphere.
There are a variety of experiences that bring travellers to Brazil, least of all the renowned beaches. It is possible to find a good beach at any time of the year, but it is ideal to avoid more southerly beaches during the winter months. Equally as famous is Carnival which is celebrated throughout Brazil typically during February or early March. This is also a great time to visit Rio de Janeiro although winter is still a great time to visit as the days are milder but nights can become a little chilly.
As January is mid-summer in Brazil you can expect warm temperatures throughout the country and it can be quite busy. As birding is excellent all year round you can see everything from toucans and hyacinth macaws, to jabiru storks whilst other wildlife may be harder to find. It is part of the rainy season, so you can expect some downpours in January too. For the sheer power of Iguassu Falls, January is a good time to visit too.
February is usually the month of the famous Carnival, a must see! It does mean that February is one of the busiest times to travel, although adding some beach time to the itinerary during this time is easy. However, the wildlife sightings aren’t the best during this rainy month in the Pantanal.
Beaches are lovely in March, sunny and with mainly clear skies. They can be crowded, especially beaches such as Copacabana, but there are more secluded ones too. March is create for exploring cultural sites. As it is still the rainy season, it isn’t the best time for wildlife spotting, however it can be a good time for aquatic animals, such as caiman and piranha. You can also travel the small varzeas in the Amazon too at this time of year, where you can see pink dolphins and stunning bird life.
With the weather being slightly cooler, and the carnival season over, the main cities and beaches can be a bit quieter this time of year, making travel pleasant for those that don’t enjoy the heat so much. Due to the flooding in the Amazon, venture through the varzeas can be an interesting adventure to see lots of bright and colourful birds, although other wildlife may not be able to be as visible as much.
May can be an excellent time to travel, and is the start of the ‘dry’ season in the Pantanal Wetlands, meaning the wildlife is starting to come out into the open more. Temperatures in Rio de Janeiro hover around 25 degrees Celsius, similar to Iguassu Falls.
June kicks off a drier season in the Pantanal Wetlands, which in turn leads to an excellent time to track wildlife. The Amazon is also heading into the drier season, meaning you can embark on hikes, horse-riding and 4x4 safaris. May is a great time to combine this with exploring Rio de Janeiro if you don’t like too much heat, as the temperature can be a lot more manageable at this time of year, and the air a little more ‘fresh’ than the summer months.
July is one of our favourite months to travel to Brazil for wildlife encounters, Jaguars can sometimes be seen playing and fighting on the banks when you float down the river. Other animals to look out for in July include capybara, hyacinth macaws, toucans, anteaters, giant river otters and caiman. It can be combined with numerous other activities and experiences throughout the rest of Brazil; from the cobbled streets of colonial towns, to playgrounds for the rich and famous, and some sublime beaches.
August is one of, if not, the best month for visiting the Pantanal where giant water lilies gently ripple on the surface of the wetlands, as anacondas slither beneath, jaguars drink from the river banks, as and lazy caiman and capybara sun themselves under flocks of passing storks. This is an excellent time to combine wildlife, beach and city exploration. Brazil is renowned for having some excellent beaches, and resting on the white sands or delving under the surface for some amazing snorkelling can be a wonderful end to your safari.
September is another prime month for wildlife in the Pantanal and the Amazon, and with spring on its way to Rio de Janeiro, the weather is getting warmer. Rio sits at about 25 degrees Celsius, a nice warm temperature, great for exploring the city and relaxing on the beach. The weather is perfect in the Pantanal for wildlife; with less water around, more animals congregate around the rivers to drink.
October is a great month to travel if you are looking for amazing wildlife encounters. With spring in Rio too, this is a fabulous time to combine wildlife, culture and beach to create the ultimate Brazil safari.
November can be a transitional month in some parts of Brazil as the summer draws in bringing heats, and in some parts, rain. At this time, you can expect high temperatures throughout the country, and an increased rainfall. Summer is drawing close, and if you don’t mind the humidity, you can still explore all of Rio’s cultural and city sights, as well as the beaches.
By December, we are into Brazil’s summer, and rainfall is increasing across most of the country, and temperatures are on the rise too. However, we are not yet in the full swing of the rainy season, and the country can still feel quite dry. Christmas in Brazil is a popular choice, so can be busy throughout the month. December is not a prime wildlife viewing month, but exploring the Amazon and Pantanal is still possible. December can bring some excellent beach weather, so you could spend Christmas day lounging on the white sands!
Brazil’s summer season lasts from December to May and is unsurprisingly also the most popular. It is the best time to swim and contains the main holidays and festivals for the country. It is the hottest time of the year but also some of the wettest although the afternoon downpours provide respite from the humid conditions, especially in the Amazon.
Although a quieter time around the country, the dry season is optimal for wildlife sightings, with giant anteaters, jaguars, giant river otters and maned wolves all more easily spotted during the dry season. However, due to the climate of Brazil, the cities and other areas are still fine to visit during this time too.
Tracking the elusive jaguar through the pantanal is an incredible experience and the optimum time to do this is from June until October.
These impressive waterfalls that straddle Brazil and Argentina are good to visit all year round. However with milder temperatures in September and October, these are good times to visit the largest crowds and the most heat and you can get some incredible images at this time. However, January is the best time to really experience the raw power of the falls due to the volume of high power water.
On this safari you will visit 3 different biomes: the vast Pantanal, mighty Amazon and little-known Cerrado and have a good chance to spot iconic wildlife such as jaguars, maned wolves, giant river otters, tapir and giant anteaters.
From 14000 per person
From the beaches of Rio and the statue of Christ the Redeemer, to tracking the majestic jaguar through the wilds of the Pantanal Wetlands, and finally witnessing the awe-inspiring sight of the world’s largest waterfall system, this safari allows you to experience three of the most enduring symbols of Brazil.
From 23000 per person
Jaguars are perhaps the most elusive of all the big cats, with most favouring dense jungle as their habitat. But in the Pantanal – the world’s largest wetland – these majestic felines depend on the waterways for survival, just as the rest of the wildlife does here. This is what makes the Pantanal the best place to see jaguars in the wild, as the cats can often be seen on riverbanks hunting for prey, taking a drink or resting in the shade. Swimming jaguars are also not an uncommon sight here! On this safari you’ll go where the jaguar goes, travelling and even sleeping on the rivers as you search for sign of the largest cat in the Americas. Along the way you’ll receive first-hand knowledge from guides who are experts in the flora and fauna of the region, embark on night drives looking for nocturnal creatures, and get to know the other colourful creatures that share this land with the jaguar.On this safari you’ll go where the jaguar goes, travelling and even sleeping on the rivers as you search for sign of the largest cat in the Americas.
From 6500 per person
Join renowned wildlife and travel photographer Steve Winter on an unforgettable safari through Brazil’s Pantanal wetlands to observe the elusive jaguar.
From 10500 per personHead out on the river banks of the Pantanal to see jaguars hunting down capybaras, as they struggle to establish who is at the top of the local food chain. Explore the winding, wildlife-rich waterways of the Three Brothers, Cuiabá and Piquiri Rivers by boat, observing giant river otters, caimans, and a multitude of bird species in the world's largest tropical wetland area. The Pantanal Wetlands are better during the dry season between June and November as wildlife activity increases in areas of diminishing water which leads to better sightings.
Experience the Amazon River and its tributaries on a river cruise. You'll have the opportunity to see pink river dolphins, piranhas, various turtle and unique fish species.
Brazil boasts over 1,800 bird species. Explore various regions, including the Pantanal, the Atlantic Forest, and the Cerrado, to spot toucans, macaws, harpy eagles, and more.
The Amazon rainforest is one of the world's most diverse ecosystems. Take guided jungle treks, boat tours, and canopy walks to spot wildlife like jaguars, monkeys, sloths, and colourful birds. The unbelievable Amazon Rainforest is possible to visit all year round, with each season bringing something slightly different. During the rainy season between November and March, the floods create varzeas which allow for navigation in canoes between the trunks of the trees, an experience unique all on its own.
