Brazil, South America
Rio de Janeiro in April
The end of summer brings more stable weather and lower prices. A good beach month with fewer crowds.
The straight answer
April is a good month to visit Rio de Janeiro. The end of summer brings more stable weather and lower prices. A good beach month with fewer crowds.
- Weather
- Warm, highs near 84F (29C), less rain
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What April is like in Rio de Janeiro
April is the end of summer and one of Rio's easiest months. Highs are near 84F (29C), rain drops off, and the humidity starts to lift. The holiday crowds are gone, prices come down from their peak, and the beaches feel roomy again while the water is still warm.
This is a good pick for couples, families and first-timers who want beach days plus sightseeing without the summer heat and storms. Only Carnival fans and people who want the peak-season party atmosphere should look at February instead. Book a few weeks ahead for the best rooms near the beach.
Make the most of April
What is especially good about Rio de Janeiro this month.
Warm water, fewer people
The ocean keeps its summer warmth into April, but you share Ipanema and Leblon with far fewer visitors.
Clearer mountain views
With fewer storms, mornings on Corcovado and Sugarloaf more often come with sharp views across the bay.
Museu do Amanha and the port area
A comfortable month to walk the revitalized port and visit the science museum without the midday summer heat.
What to pack for April
- Swimsuit and a quick-dry towel
- A light long-sleeve shirt for sun and evening breezes
- A small umbrella for the odd shower
- Comfortable sneakers for city walking
Our timing tip
Book Christ the Redeemer for the first train of the morning and check the summit webcam before you leave the hotel.
Book Rio de Janeiro for April.
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- Hotels for April
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Rio de JaneiroOpens a hotel search for Rio de Janeiro in April, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Rio de JaneiroWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Rio de JaneiroTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Rio de Janeiro for April. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Things to do in Rio de Janeiro
Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado
Take the cog train through the forest to the statue. Go early in the morning on a clear day; clouds often cover the peak by afternoon.
Sugarloaf Mountain
Two cable cars climb to the summit. Sunset is the classic time, but it is also the busiest.
Ipanema and Copacabana beaches
Each posto (lifeguard station) has its own crowd. Keep valuables minimal and watch for strong currents.
Tijuca National Park
Hike to Pedra Bonita or Pedra da Gavea for views over the city and coast. Go with a guide on the longer trails.
Santa Teresa and the Selaron Steps
A hilltop neighborhood of artists and old mansions, and the tiled staircase that links it to Lapa.
Museu do Amanha
A striking science museum in the revitalized port area, focused on sustainability and the future.
Beat the crowds
- Visit Christ the Redeemer on the first train of the morning on a clear day.
- Go to Sugarloaf in the late morning instead of at sunset to avoid the longest lines.
- May, June, August, and September offer the best weather-to-price ratio.
- For Carnival, consider the smaller street blocos in neighborhoods like Santa Teresa for a less overwhelming experience.
Know before you go
- During Carnival, much of the city closes for business, traffic is disrupted, and many streets are taken over by blocos.
- Heavy summer storms can cause flooding and landslides, disrupting traffic and closing some hillside trails.
- Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf operate daily, but low clouds can mean zero visibility; check the webcams or weather before you go.
- The water off Rio's beaches is coolest in winter, around 70F (21C), and strong currents can close beaches to swimming.
Rio de Janeiro in April, quick answers
Is April a good time to visit Rio de Janeiro?
April is a good month to visit Rio de Janeiro. The end of summer brings more stable weather and lower prices. A good beach month with fewer crowds.
What is the weather like in Rio de Janeiro in April?
Warm, highs near 84F (29C), less rain.
Is Rio de Janeiro crowded in April?
April is one of the quieter months in Rio de Janeiro; most sights can be done without long waits.
Keep planning Rio de Janeiro.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in April
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