Brazil, South America

Rio de Janeiro in March

If Carnival falls in early March, expect peak crowds; otherwise the city calms down and the heat starts to ease.

GoodHot, highs near 88F (31C), storms easing

Rio de Janeiro Sugarloaf, Brazil — Rio de JaneiroPhoto: Donatas Dabravolskas, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

March is a good month to visit Rio de Janeiro. If Carnival falls in early March, expect peak crowds; otherwise the city calms down and the heat starts to ease.

Weather: Hot, highs near 88F (31C), storms easing
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What March is like in Rio de Janeiro

March is still hot, with highs near 88F (31C), but the storms start to ease as the month goes on. When Carnival falls in early March, the first days bring peak crowds, closures and prices. Once it passes, schools are back, the beaches thin out, and the city settles into a calmer end of summer.

The post-Carnival stretch suits travelers who want warm water and lively beaches without January's crush. If you hate heat, wait for May. If your March dates overlap Carnival and you did not plan for it, check the calendar first, since rooms will be scarce and costly.

Make the most of March

What is especially good about Rio de Janeiro this month.

Late summer swimming

The ocean is still warm from summer, and the beaches are noticeably less crowded once the holidays end.

Carnival in some years

When Easter falls late, Carnival lands in early March. Check the year's dates so you either plan around it or join it on purpose.

Sugarloaf without the summer rush

Lines ease after the holidays. Go in the late morning to skip the sunset queue entirely.

What to pack for March

A packable rain shell for passing storms
Reef-safe sunscreen and sunglasses
Sandals plus one pair of walking shoes for hilly Santa Teresa
A light cover-up for beach-to-lunch days

Our timing tip

If Carnival falls in early March, arrive after Ash Wednesday for summer weather at far lower prices.

Book Rio de Janeiro for March.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Rio de Janeiro
Opens a hotel search for Rio de Janeiro in March, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for March
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Rio de Janeiro
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Rio de Janeiro
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Rio de Janeiro for March. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in March

Rio Carnival

The days before Ash Wednesday, February or early March depending on Easter

Samba school parades at the Sambadrome and hundreds of street blocos across the city. Book six months or more ahead.

Things to do in Rio de Janeiro

Full guide

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.

Tickets and tours →

Sugarloaf Mountain

Two cable cars climb to the summit. Sunset is the classic time, but it is also the busiest.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Ipanema and Copacabana beaches

Each posto (lifeguard station) has its own crowd. Keep valuables minimal and watch for strong currents.

Tickets and tours →

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.

Tickets and tours →

Santa Teresa and the Selaron Steps

A hilltop neighborhood of artists and old mansions, and the tiled staircase that links it to Lapa.

Tickets and tours →

Museu do Amanha

A striking science museum in the revitalized port area, focused on sustainability and the future.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

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 March, quick answers

Is March a good time to visit Rio de Janeiro?

March is a good month to visit Rio de Janeiro. If Carnival falls in early March, expect peak crowds; otherwise the city calms down and the heat starts to ease.

What is the weather like in Rio de Janeiro in March?

Hot, highs near 88F (31C), storms easing.

Is Rio de Janeiro crowded in March?

Crowds in Rio de Janeiro are moderate in March; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Rio de Janeiro in March?

Rio Carnival (the days before ash wednesday, february or early march depending on easter).