Brazil, South America
Rio de Janeiro in September
Spring arrives with pleasant temperatures and clear days. Good value before the summer rush.
The straight answer
September is one of the best months of the year to visit Rio de Janeiro. Spring arrives with pleasant temperatures and clear days. Good value before the summer rush.
- Weather
- Warming, highs near 79F (26C)
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What September is like in Rio de Janeiro
September brings spring to Rio. Highs are near 79F (26C), days are mostly clear and pleasant, and the air starts to warm again. Crowds are light and prices are still low, since the summer rush does not start until December. The ocean is still on the cool side but warming.
It is one of the best all-round months, good for couples, families, hikers and first-timers who want easy weather and fair prices. Travelers who want hot beach days and warm water should hold out for March or April, or accept summer crowds in January.
Make the most of September
What is especially good about Rio de Janeiro this month.
Spring weather for everything
Warm, dry days suit a full mix of beach mornings, museum afternoons and sunset views without the summer heat.
Christ the Redeemer in clear air
Clouds are less common than in summer, so the cog train ride through the forest usually ends with a real view.
Room to breathe on the beaches
Ipanema and Leblon are calm on weekdays. Pick a posto, rent a chair and settle in.
What to pack for September
- Swimsuit and flip-flops for the beach
- A light layer for breezy evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes for Santa Teresa's hills
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
Our timing tip
Late September often brings the warmest days of the month, so go then if beach time matters most to you.
Book Rio de Janeiro for September.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for September
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Rio de JaneiroOpens a hotel search for Rio de Janeiro in September, 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 September. 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 September, quick answers
Is September a good time to visit Rio de Janeiro?
September is one of the best months of the year to visit Rio de Janeiro. Spring arrives with pleasant temperatures and clear days. Good value before the summer rush.
What is the weather like in Rio de Janeiro in September?
Warming, highs near 79F (26C).
Is Rio de Janeiro crowded in September?
September 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 September
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