Citizens of Australia need a visa for travel to Brazil so make sure you get yours well in advance.
If you're going to Rio for Carnaval or Reveillon (New Year's Eve), or are in Brazil during the busy summer season (December to March), make sure you book your hotels well in advance. Brazil is a large country, with vast distances between destinations. If you plan to visit a number of regions, consider purchasing a Brazil Airpass, which allows you up to five in-country flights at a set rate. These tickets must be purchased outside the country.
When to go
Brazil's high season runs from December to March. This is when the country fills with both foreign visitors and vacationing Brazilian families (school holidays run from mid-December to Carnaval, usually in February). Prices rise during this time and you'll face more crowds, though this is also the most festive time in Brazil. Brazil's low season corresponds to its winter, running from May to September. With the exception of July, which is also a school-holiday month, this is the cheapest and least-crowded time to visit the country.
Depending on where you go, weather may be a significant factor in your travel plans. In Rio, the humidity can be high in summer, even though temperatures rarely rise above 30 *C (86*F); most of the rain falls from October to January. In winter Rio temperatures hover around 23*C (73*F), with a mix of both rainy and superb days.
On the northeast coast, from Bahia to Maranhao, temperatures are a bit warmer year-round than in Rio - rarely far from 28*C (82*F) - but due to a wonderful tropical breeze and less humidity, it's rarely stifling. The rainy season runs from about mid-April to mid-July, though even then you'll encounter gorgeous days.
The Amazon region (the north) is one of the world's rainiest places and rainfall occurs most frequently from January to May, making travel exceedingly difficult then. The rest of the year the region still receives plenty of rain, though showers tend to last only an hour or two.
The Pantanal also has rainy/dry seasons, and if you plan to go, do so during the dry season (mid-April to late September). The rest of the year, the wetlands receive tremendous rainfall, washing out roads and making traveling a nightmare.
The South has the most extreme temperature changes, and during the coldest winter months (June to August), Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Parana and Sao Paulo have temperatures between 13*C (55.4*F) and 18*C (64.4*F). In some towns, snow is even possible - but rare. As elsewhere along the coast, summer is quite hot, and you'll have lots of company on the beach.
What to take
- Getting your visa, if you need one.
- Learning a few Portuguese words and phrases.
- Insect repellent containing DEET.
- A yellow fever vaccine, if planning a trip to the Amazon. You may want to take medication against malaria as well.
- A waterproof jacket.
- A Brazil Airpass if you're planning to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time.
Right there. When you're in need.
Trusted by more than 1 million Australian's, Travel Insurance Direct believes in looking out for our travellers. Take us with you on your next trip.