Weather
August is winter in Brazil, with dry weather throughout most of the country. On the coastline around Rio de Janeiro, and in the city center, the weather is pleasant with daytime temperatures around 70-80°F and 66-70°F in the evenings. The Pantanal and Amazon are both dry and warm, with ideal conditions to visit. In Brasilia and Belem, the temperatures are higher than in June and July, and you can expect around 85-90°F. In the famous Salvador and Recife, the weather is mild at approximately 80°F.
Crowds & Costs
August is a popular month to visit Brazil due to the great weather and holiday breaks, which means it can get quite busy. There are a lot of international travelers during this time, with many families traveling from the northern hemisphere during summer vacation. The beaches of Rio de Janeiro, such as Copacabana, are more crowded in August, and the city has more tourists in general. Since it is one of the best times to visit the Amazon and Pantanal, expect more visitors here as well.
Where to Go
In Recife and Natal in the northeast, you'll find many pristine beaches, and it's the perfect time to visit for some sun and surf. Visit Porto Galinhas, one of the best beach towns in the area, and take in Santo Agostinho's beach vistas. Pantanal's wetlands are their best in August, so make sure to visit for a few days and enjoy wildlife watching. Make sure to also head to the Amazon, as the weather makes for a great trip during the month.
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in the northern part of the country is also an excellent destination in August. Visit to see the vast networks of white dunes and turquoise lagoons, which are at their best in August as the rain filters through the sands, forming thousands of crystal-clear lakes and pools between the dunes.
Visit Rio de Janeiro to relax on the sands of Copacabana and visit exclusive Leblon Beach, where you can enjoy dining at high-end restaurants with smaller crowds than you will find in other beaches of the city. Head to Belem for its parks and shaded streets, museums, markets, and pastel facades. While here, take a side trip to Algodoal and Ilha de Marajó, both on the coast.
Salvador da Bahia is a one of a kind city that features a living museum city center, with architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries and ornate churches. It's also home to a large Afro-Brazilian community whose culture is reflected in the art, food, and atmosphere of the region. You can explore Salvador and the nearby island of Boipeba with this 7-day itinerary. Fortaleza, one of Brazil's biggest cities, is another great place to visit in August for a lively party atmosphere. It's close to a variety of fishing villages, cozy beach spots, and rolling dunes—perfect for exploring.
If you're visiting Brazil in August, a trip to the Pantanal—the world's largest wetland area—is an absolute must. The region is home to hundreds of bird species, a variety of mammals (like jaguars, freshwater dolphins, and more), and a dizzyingly vast number of reptile, amphibian, plant, and insect species. From Rio de Janeiro, catch a domestic flight to Corumbá or Campo Grande, then head into the maze of waterways by boat.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
During August, you can enjoy city sightseeing or festivals in coastal cities like Salvador da Bahia and São Luís—the latter hosts the Bumba Meu Boi festival, a city-wide party that lasts for several months. The city has plenty of other sights of interest, from colonial mansions to a thriving reggae scene. Elsewhere on the coast, the whale migration is in full swing, and places like Santa Catarina are ideal for spotting southern right whales.
In the Amazon and Pantanal, conditions are ideal for wildlife viewing: the weather is mild and dry, which draws wildlife to the riverbanks and lagoons. Head here for birdwatching, hiking, or spotting elusive and rarely-seen apex predators, like the jaguar. You can opt between hiking or boat tours, or combine them to increase your chances of seeing animals. This region has similar characteristics to a rainforest but lacks the vast understory of trees, making looking for wildlife much easier.
Beach time is excellent in August, particularly in Rio de Janeiro and Recife, while sightseeing in Salvador and Fortaleza is optimal thanks to the dry weather. Visit the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, go on city tours in Belem, or enjoy colonial architecture in João Pessoa.
Events in August
Bumba Meu Boi festival (last two weeks of August). A celebration that lasts for months in São Luís, featuring parades with people in costumes singing, dancing, and recounting the story of Bumba Meu Boi.
Rio Gastonomia (end of August). Brazil's most prominent culinary event in Rio de Janeiro. The focal point of all the action is out on Pier Mauá, with special tastings, workshops, cooking lessons, plus concerts.
Traveling to Brazil in August? Check out these great itineraries.
Hiking the dunes of Lencóis Maranhenses National Park - 6 Days. Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is one of Brazil's treasures, and this 6-day hiking tour will take you straight into the heart of this natural phenomenon. Watch stunning sunrises and trek through tall, white dunes dotted with thousands of freshwater lagoons, which form during the rainy season.
Explore Brazil: From Rio de Janeiro to the Amazon - 7 Days. Beginning in Rio de Janeiro, embark on a full-day city tour to Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf, and the best beaches in the area. Take a day trip to Ilha Grande to soak up the sun and head to Manaus for a tour of the Amazon, before arriving in Caruaru. Enjoy wildlife viewing activities, such as canoeing, piranha fishing, and a nocturnal nature tour.
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