Rio de Janeiro in December: Weather, Floating Christmas Trees and New Year’s Eve
December opens one of the most festive times of the year in Rio: the long-waited summer. The official start of summer comes with the solstice, on the 21st, and from there, the countdown to New Year's Eve on Copacabana beach builds up.
But the festive season starts way before with floating Christmas trees lighting up over the waters at Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon and, since last year, at Guanabara Bay too. This is Rio de Janeiro’s most celebrated Christmas tradition and one not to be missed.
If you're chasing that energy you imagine of the city, Rio de Janeiro in December is worth building a trip around.
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Floating Christmas tree in Rio de Janeiro. Photo: Ranimiro Lotufo Neto
Rio de Janeiro in December at a glance
🏖️ Beach crowds: Moderate to high, and building steadily toward New Year's Eve
💰 Value for money: Lower than most of the year, prices peak for Réveillon week
☀️ Weather: Transitioning to summer, hot and humid with afternoon storms
🥾 Hiking conditions: Best tackled early morning before the heat and rain build
🌅 Sunrise/sunset quality: Great, dramatic skies between storms
🎉 Month highlight: Floating Christmas trees and New Year's Eve on Copacabana
Dates to watch
📅 1st week of December — Typically when floating Christmas trees light up (TBD)
📅 Every Wednesday — Baile da Música Brasileira, Brava Arena Jockey (free)
📅 25 December — Christmas (and the 24th, as Brazil typically celebrates the eve)
📅 31 December — New Year's Eve on Copacabana Beach
This guide will be updated as the events are announced.
What to do in Rio de Janeiro in December
See the floating Christmas trees
Rio's most iconic Christmas tradition: giant illuminated trees floating on the water, one at Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas and, since 2025, a second one at Botafogo Beach. For the full story on both trees with schedules, best viewing spots, nearby things to do, and how Cariocas celebrate the whole season, check out my complete guide to Christmas in Rio de Janeiro.
New Year’s Eve fireworks at Copacabana and private parties
Copacabana's New Year's Eve fireworks get all the international attention, and they deserve it. But New Year's Eve in Rio de Janeiro isn't a single party. Brazilians welcome the new year with intention, and in Rio dozens of parties happen at once: boat parties out on Guanabara Bay, rooftop countdowns, beach parties in Barra and Ipanema, even museums staying open for the night.
If Copacabana's New Year's Eve crowds aren't your scene, there's almost certainly another version of the night somewhere else in the city. I wrote a complete guide to New Year's Eve on Copacabana, and if you're looking for something different, check out the best New Year's Eve parties in Rio de Janeiro.
Fireworks at Copacabana Beach during New Year’s Eve celebrations. Photo: Wenht
Warm up for Carnival joining samba school rehearsals or Monobloco
As Carnival gets close, samba school speed up the preparations for the big day. rehearsal season is in full swing. A great option is to join samba school rehearsals at thier headquarters, when they open doors to public to participate. Expect full drum, dancers and carnival energy.
Here's everything you need to know about attending a samba school rehearsal in Rio.
Wednesdays through December 23, Brava Arena Jockey in Gávea hosts the free Baile da Música Brasileira, led by Carnival band Monobloco, moving through Brazilian genres from frevo and jongo to samba, forró, and choro each week.
The weather in Rio de Janeiro in December
December is a transition month. Summer only officially arrives with the solstice on the 21st, but the city gets there early. Daytime temperatures typically run from 25°C to 30°C (79°F–88°F), with nights around 23°C–25°C (73°F–77°F).
It's also normal for cold fronts to move through, bringing rain that can last two or three days at a time. Along with January, December is one of the rainiest months of the year.
Humidity is high and keeps building toward the peak of summer in January and February.
For a broader look at how Rio's climate shifts across the year, the full weather guide covers it in detail. And since cold fronts can overlap your trip, it's worth knowing what to do in Rio when it rains before you land.
On the sunny days in between, this is peak beach weather, and Rio's beaches fill up accordingly. For a full overview by neighborhood, check out this guide to Rio's beaches.
What to pack for Rio de Janeiro in December
Light, breathable fabrics, strong sunscreen, and swimwear you're happy to live in. A compact umbrella or light rain jacket is still worth packing for the afternoon storms.
If you're around for Réveillon, know the tradition: white clothing on New Year's Eve, said to bring peace and good luck for the year ahead. For a full packing list, this guide covers everything you need for Rio de Janeiro.
Summer in Rio de Janeiro
December marks the true start of Rio's summer, the hottest, most humid, and busiest stretch of the year, with the beaches, nightlife and event calendar all ramping up together. This section will link forward to the January and February month-by-month guides once they're published.
Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro in December
December's accommodation prices track the calendar closely. The first half of the month is relatively normal, but from Christmas week onward prices in Copacabana climb higher than at any other point in the year. Other areas follow but with slightly more price flexibility.
Beachfront hotels in Copacabana for New Year’s Eve
Copacabana's beachfront hotels put you steps from the celebration and the best views of the crowd and stage. Here's where I'd look first:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ JW Marriott Rio de Janeiro · From $350/night
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hilton Copacabana · From $220/night
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Arena Leme Hotel · From $180/night
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Mercure Rio Boutique Hotel Copacabana · From $165/night
For the full breakdown of hotel tiers, viewing areas and how far ahead to book, see my complete guide to where to stay for New Year’s eve.
For other dates and areas, my guide to where to stay in Rio de Janeiro is the start point covering every neighborhood.
Beyond Rio de Janeiro in December
Extending your trip? December is a good month to explore Brazil beyond Rio.
Fernando de Noronha — Still inside the island's clearer, calmer stretch of the year, though this is close to the last easy window before the rainier months set in from January. A strong pick for diving and snorkeling if you can fit it in early in your trip.
Alagoas — December falls in Alagoas' dry season, with little rain and warm, turquoise water all along what's arguably the most beautiful coastline in the Northeast. Endless coconut groves, and beaches that stay nearly empty even in high season — think Patacho, Lages, and the stretch known as the Rota Ecológica dos Milagres.
Amazon - December is the last month of the dry season, with the first rains starting to appear. If river beaches are on your list, this is your last chance to enjoy them before the wet season takes over.
FAQ - Rio de Janeiro in December
Is December a good time to visit Rio de Janeiro?
Yes, especially if you want Rio at its most festive. Floating Christmas trees, Christmas itself, and one of the world's biggest New Year's Eve parties on Copacabana. Expect hot, humid weather, higher prices, and the busiest crowds of the year, particularly in the back half of the month.
What is the weather like in Rio de Janeiro in December?
December is the beginning of summer, with daytime temperatures typically between 25°C and 30°C (79°F–89°F) and nights around 23°C–25°C (73°F–77°F). Afternoon thunderstorms and cold fronts are common, and December is typically one of the rainiest months.
Can I swim at the beach in Rio de Janeiro in December?
Yes, this is peak beach season. Mornings tend to offer the clearest, calmest conditions before afternoon clouds and storms build.
What to wear in Rio de Janeiro in December?
Light, breathable clothing and swimwear for the heat, plus a compact umbrella for afternoon showers. If you're here for New Year's Eve, plan on white clothing for Réveillon night. This guide covers what to wear in Rio de Janeiro all year long.
Is Rio de Janeiro expensive in December?
The first half of the month is reasonable, but prices climb steadily from Christmas week through New Year's Eve, especially hotels in Copacabana. For a full breakdown of costs, see this guide to how expensive Rio de Janeiro really is.
What to do in Rio de Janeiro in December?
December builds toward two big draws: the floating Christmas trees lighting up the Lagoon and Guanabara Bay, and New Year’s Eve on Copacabana Beach on the 31st.
Written by Karina
Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Karina spent over a decade working in the tourism industry, with experience in some of the world's leading travel destinations. She created Going to Rio to bring that same standard of practical, traveler-first guidance to visitors exploring Rio de Janeiro. Learn more about Karina
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