Rio de Janeiro in December is spring giving way to summer: highs around 30°C (86°F), warm nights around 24°C (75°F), frequent rain and rising humidity. Summer officially arrives with the solstice on December 21, but the city gets there early.
The festive season starts at the beginning of the month, when the floating Christmas trees light up over Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas and, since 2025, Botafogo Beach. It's Rio's most celebrated Christmas tradition, and one not to be missed. From there, everything builds toward New Year's Eve on Copacabana beach, when the city welcomes millions of visitors. Expect higher hotel prices and minimum stays in the last week of the month, so book ahead if your trip overlaps.
December is also Carnival warm-up season. The samba schools open their rehearsals to the public, and on Wednesdays through December 23, the Carnival band Monobloco hosts a free party at Brava Arena Jockey.
If you're chasing the energy you've always imagined of Rio, December is worth building a trip around. Below you'll find the weather, the events calendar, what to do and where to stay, plus a quick take on whether December is the right month for your trip.
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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.
Warm up for Carnival at a samba school rehearsal
As Carnival gets closer, the samba schools speed up their preparations, and rehearsal season is in full swing. Many schools open their headquarters to the public, so you can join in and feel the energy up close: full drum sections, dancers and Carnival spirit, months before the big parade. Here's everything you need to know about attending a samba school rehearsal in Rio.
Events in Rio de Janeiro in December
New Year's Eve at Copacabana Beach
Copacabana's New Year's Eve fireworks get all the international attention, and they deserve it. Brazilians welcome the new year with intention, and in Rio the night is one of the biggest celebrations on the planet. For everything you need to plan the night, see my complete guide to New Year's Eve on Copacabana.
New Year's Eve parties beyond Copacabana
New Year's Eve in Rio de Janeiro isn't a single party. Dozens happen at once: boat parties on Guanabara Bay, rooftop countdowns, beach parties in Barra and Ipanema, and even museums staying open for the night. If the Copacabana crowds aren't your scene, there's almost certainly another version of the night for you. See my guide to the best New Year's Eve parties in Rio de Janeiro.
Baile da Música Brasileira with Monobloco
Wednesdays through December 23, Brava Arena Jockey in Gávea hosts the free Baile da Música Brasileira, led by Carnival band Monobloco. Each week moves through a different side of Brazilian music, from frevo and jongo to samba, forró and choro.
This post will be updated as the events are announced for the month.
Fireworks at Copacabana Beach during New Year’s Eve celebrations. Photo: Wenht
Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro in December
December's accommodation prices track the calendar closely. The first half of the month is noticeably more affordable, but from Christmas week onward prices in Copacabana climb to some of the highest of the year, and many hotels require minimum stays. Other areas follow, with slightly more price flexibility. If you're traveling for New Year's Eve, book as early as you can.
Beachfront hotels in Copacabana for New Year’s Eve
If you're coming for New Year's Eve, a beachfront hotel in Copacabana gives you a clear view of the fireworks without having to deal with the crowds on the sand. These are the hotels I'd look at first:
Astoria Palace ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The most affordable beachfront hotel in Copacabana, very close to the concert stages.
Grand Mercure Copacabana ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recently renovated, on a quieter stretch of the beach, with a rooftop overlooking the fireworks.
Hilton Copacabana ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The tallest hotel on the beach, with a rooftop and sweeping views of the fireworks.
Othon Palace Copacabana ⭐⭐⭐⭐
On my favorite stretch of the beach, with a rooftop pool and views over Copacabana.
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.
Traveling earlier in December? These neighborhood guides will help:
Where to Stay in Copacabana — best value and easiest access to attractions
Where to Stay in Ipanema — Rio's most iconic beach neighborhood
Where to Stay in Leblon — quiet, upscale, and close to Ipanema without the crowds
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.
Rio de Janeiro in December: Is it right for you?
December is perfect if you want the festive season in full swing, from the floating Christmas trees to New Year's Eve on Copacabana, with summer arriving and the Carnival warm-up already underway. Skip it if you prefer quiet days, steady sunshine or a tight budget: cold fronts can bring a few rainy days in a row, and prices peak in the last week of the month. May to September is cooler, calmer and cheaper.
Summer in Rio: other months
Rio in January — Summer in full swing, packed beaches, samba school rehearsals and blocos warming up for Carnival.
Rio in February — The hottest month of the year and usually Carnival month, with the whole city at full volume.
For the whole season at a glance, see my guide to summer in Rio de Janeiro, and to see how the other seasons compare, my guide to the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro.
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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