Last updated: August 21, 2025
In March, Rio de Janeiro experiences a vibrant blend of warm temperatures and seasonal rains. Daily highs can soar to 35°C (94°F), with an average temperature of 26°C (80°F), providing a tropical atmosphere perfect for outdoor adventures. However, visitors should be prepared for the possibility of rain, as the month typically sees 163 mm (6.4 in) of precipitation spread over 17 days, alongside humidity levels reaching a balmy 86%. Whether basking in the sun or embracing both the heat and showers, March offers a dynamic experience in this iconic Brazilian city.
In March, Rio de Janeiro experiences a delightful transition in temperatures, marking the shift from summer to autumn. With minimums dipping slightly to 20°C (68°F) and averages settling at a comfortable 26°C (80°F), the warmth remains welcoming, while maximums peak at around 35°C (94°F). This month holds onto the vibrant heat of summer, but a faint coolness begins to weave into the air, especially as nights approach. It's an ideal time to enjoy the city's stunning beaches before the temperatures continue to drop in April. As March progresses, visitors can relish in the sun's glow without the extremes, making it a perfect month for exploration and relaxation.
March in Rio de Janeiro marks a peak in the city's rainfall, with precipitation reaching 163 mm (6.4 in), the highest amount for the year. This month also shares the distinction of having 17 rainy days, akin to February and November, suggesting a notable trend of consistent wet weather during the early months of the year. Following a relatively dry January, where only 112 mm of rain fell, the increase in precipitation throughout February and into March indicates a seasonal uptick that prepares the region for the forthcoming autumn months. As the city transitions into April, rainfall significantly drops to 95 mm (3.7 in), reflecting a gradual easing of the stormy conditions characteristic of early rain patterns. Overall, March stands out as a pivotal month in the precipitation cycle for Rio, showcasing both the vitality of the rainy season and its impact on the city's lush landscapes.
In March, Rio de Janeiro experiences a slight uptick in humidity, reaching 86%, just above the consistent 85% observed in January and February. This modest increase heralds the transition into autumn, marking the end of the summer months where humidity typically peaks. Following March, humidity begins a gradual decline, dropping to 83% in April and continuing to decrease throughout the year. This trend highlights Rio's shifting climate patterns, as the sweltering summer gives way to the more comfortable, drier days of autumn and winter, ultimately leading to October's low of 61%. As such, March is a notable month that bridges the humid embrace of summer with the refreshing breezes of the cooler months ahead.
As March unfolds in Rio de Janeiro, the UV Index remains notably high at 13, signaling an extreme risk level that demands caution. This slight dip from February’s impressive 14 indicates a gradual easing of intensity, yet burn time stays consistent at a mere 10 minutes. Similar patterns emerge as the seasons transition; while UV levels trend lower with the upcoming months of April and beyond, they still showcase very high to high exposure categories well into autumn. Notably, the sun's intensity remains a persistent theme throughout the year, with year-round awareness being essential for safely enjoying Rio's sun-kissed allure. To learn more about managing sun exposure in this vibrant city, check the Rio de Janeiro UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
March brings an exhilarating burst of sunshine to Rio de Janeiro, with an impressive 309 hours of sun-soaked days, marking it as one of the brightest months of the year. Following the steady warmth of January and February, which offer 270 and 271 hours respectively, March transitions the city into a vibrant tableau of outdoor activities and cultural celebrations. The sunlight continues to gently wane in April with 296 hours, yet the lively spirit of Rio remains, setting the stage for the cooler months ahead. This trend highlights March as a key moment in the year where the city’s beauty shines the brightest, inviting locals and travelers alike to revel in its sun-drenched beaches and iconic landscapes.
March in Rio de Janeiro heralds a significant shift in weather, boasting a 50% chance of sunny days. This increase in sunshine marks a transition from the cloudy days of the earlier months, with February and January each offering just a 33% likelihood of clear skies. As the city moves into April, the chance of enjoying the sun expands even further to 54%, indicating a trend towards increasingly favorable weather as summer approaches. With March serving as a pivotal point, visitors can anticipate more opportunities to bask in the Brazilian sun, making it a delightful time to explore the vibrant landscapes and lively culture of Rio.
In March, Rio de Janeiro enjoys 12 hours of daylight, mirroring the shorter days of February as summer transitions into autumn. This slight reduction in daylight reflects a broader trend, where the city experiences a gradual decrease in daylight hours from January's 13 hours down to April's 11 hours. As the year progresses, daylight persists at 10 hours during the winter months of June through July before gradually increasing again in late winter and spring. This rhythm of daylight not only marks the changing seasons but also enhances the vibrant atmosphere of Rio, inviting both locals and tourists to embrace its lively outdoor culture as sunny days give way to the milder evenings of autumn.
As March sweeps into Rio de Janeiro, the winds start to pick up with an average speed of 2.4 m/s (5 mph), nudging slightly higher than February's calmer breezes. This gentle increase signals the transition into the more blustery months ahead. Notably, April brings a noticeable shift with winds strengthening to 3.3 m/s (7 mph), ultimately paving the way for a steady climb throughout the spring and into the summer months. The evolving wind patterns reflect not just the changing seasons but also the vibrant energy of the city, as tropical breezes dance through its bustling streets and scenic coastline. While March may offer a mild flirtation with windier times, it sets the stage for the dynamic gusts that Rio will embrace in the coming months.
Weather in Rio de Janeiro varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares March’s weather to other months in Rio de Janeiro, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In comparing the weather between March and January, both months exhibit warm temperatures, with highs reaching up to 35°C (95°F). January has slightly higher average temperatures, with a minimum of 21°C (69°F) and an average of 27°C (81°F), compared to March's minimum of 20°C (68°F) and average of 26°C (80°F). However, March experiences significantly more rainfall, totaling 163 mm (6.4 in) over 17 days, while January sees less precipitation at 112 mm (4.4 in) over 13 days. The humidity levels are similar, with March at 86% and January at 85%. For a detailed look at January's weather, you can visit Rio de Janeiro weather in January.
In comparing the weather between February and March, we see some subtle yet notable differences. February presents slightly higher minimum temperatures at 21°C (71°F) and maintains a similar average of 27°C (80°F), with maximum temperatures reaching up to 35°C (95°F). Additionally, February experiences less precipitation at 146 mm (5.7 in) over 17 days, with humidity at a slightly lower 85%. In contrast, March brings slightly lower minimum temperatures at 20°C (68°F) but keeps the average the same at 26°C (80°F), while still peaking at 35°C (94°F). March has increased rainfall, totaling 163 mm (6.4 in) over the same number of days, along with a slightly higher humidity level of 86%. For more details, you can check Rio de Janeiro weather in February.
In March, the weather is generally warmer and wetter than in April, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 20°C (68°F) to a maximum of 35°C (94°F) and an average of 26°C (80°F). The month sees significant rainfall, totaling 163 mm (6.4 in) over 17 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 86%. In contrast, April experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 18°C (65°F), an average of 25°C (76°F), and a maximum of 34°C (94°F). Precipitation decreases to 95 mm (3.7 in) over 13 days, and humidity also slightly declines to 83%. For more detailed information, you can check Rio de Janeiro weather in April.
March is generally warmer and wetter than May, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 20°C (68°F) to a maximum of 35°C (94°F) and an average of 26°C (80°F). This month sees significant rainfall, accumulating to 163 mm (6.4 in) over 17 days, accompanied by high humidity at 86%. In contrast, May experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 15°C (60°F) and an average of 23°C (73°F), peaking at 33°C (91°F). Precipitation decreases significantly to 77 mm (3.1 in) over just 10 days, and humidity also drops to 81%. For more detailed information, you can check out Rio de Janeiro weather in May.
March generally experiences warmer temperatures compared to June, with a minimum of 20°C (68°F) and average highs reaching up to 35°C (94°F), creating a hot and humid atmosphere with significant rainfall of 163 mm (6.4 in) over 17 days. In contrast, June sees cooler temperatures, where the minimum dips to 16°C (61°F) and the average high is 32°C (89°F), accompanied by much less rainfall of 44 mm (1.7 in) over just 9 days. Additionally, the humidity is slightly lower in June, at 80%, making the weather feel comparatively more comfortable. For more details on June weather, check Rio de Janeiro weather in June.
March and July have contrasting weather patterns, showcasing the transition from late summer to early winter. In March, temperatures range from a minimum of 20°C (68°F) to a maximum of 35°C (94°F), with an average temperature of 26°C (80°F). This month also sees considerable rainfall, totaling 163 mm (6.4 in) over 17 days, and high humidity at 86%. In contrast, July offers milder conditions with temperatures ranging from 13°C (57°F) to 32°C (91°F), averaging at 21°C (70°F). Precipitation drops significantly to 38 mm (1.5 in) over just 7 days, accompanied by lower humidity levels of 76%. For more detailed information on July weather, you can check Rio de Janeiro weather in July.
In March, the weather typically features warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 20°C (68°F) and an average of 26°C (80°F), reaching up to a maximum of 35°C (94°F). This month also experiences significant rainfall, with 163 mm (6.4 in) over 17 days and high humidity levels at 86%. In contrast, August sees cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 14°C (57°F) and an average of 21°C (70°F), peaking at 33°C (91°F). The precipitation is much lighter in August, totaling 75 mm (3.0 in) over 11 days, accompanied by lower humidity at 73%. For more details on the weather conditions in August, you can check Rio de Janeiro weather in August.
March and September present distinct weather patterns in Rio de Janeiro. In March, temperatures range from a minimum of 20°C (68°F) to a maximum of 35°C (94°F), with an average of 26°C (80°F). This month is characterized by higher precipitation, totaling 163 mm (6.4 in) over 17 days, and a humidity level of 86%. In contrast, September experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of 16°C (60°F) and a maximum of 35°C (96°F), averaging around 23°C (74°F). Precipitation drops significantly to 55 mm (2.2 in) over just 8 days, accompanied by lower humidity at 68%. For more details on September's weather, you can visit Rio de Janeiro weather in September.
March and October in Rio de Janeiro offer distinct weather experiences. In March, temperatures range from a minimum of 20°C (68°F) to a maximum of 35°C (94°F), with an average of 26°C (80°F). The month sees considerable rainfall, totaling 163 mm (6.4 in) over 17 days and high humidity at 86%. In contrast, October has slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 17°C (63°F) and a maximum of 37°C (99°F), averaging 24°C (75°F). This month experiences less precipitation at 98 mm (3.8 in) over 15 days, along with lower humidity at 61%. For more details on the weather in October, you can visit Rio de Janeiro weather in October.
In comparing the weather between March and November, March tends to be slightly warmer, with average temperatures around 26°C (80°F) compared to November's average of 24°C (75°F). Both months experience a maximum temperature of 35°C (94°F), but March features higher minimum temperatures, averaging 20°C (68°F) versus November's 17°C (64°F). Precipitation is more significant in March, with 163 mm (6.4 in) over 17 days, while November sees a bit less, at 135 mm (5.3 in) also over 17 days. Moreover, humidity levels are higher in March (86%) compared to November (72%), contributing to a more humid atmosphere during that month. For more detailed information, you can visit Rio de Janeiro weather in November.
March and December in Rio de Janeiro present distinct weather patterns, though both months are relatively warm. In March, temperatures range from a minimum of 20°C (68°F) to a maximum of 35°C (94°F), with an average of 26°C (80°F). This month also experiences higher precipitation, with 163 mm (6.4 in) falling over 17 days and humidity levels at a steamy 86%. In contrast, December features slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 18°C (65°F), an average of 25°C (78°F), and a maximum of 34°C (93°F). Precipitation in December is somewhat lower at 143 mm (5.6 in) over the same number of days, and humidity drops to 75%. For a more detailed look at December weather in this vibrant city, visit Rio de Janeiro weather in December.
As March draws to a close, Rio de Janeiro experiences a distinct shift in its weather patterns compared to the preceding summer months. Temperatures remain warm, providing an inviting atmosphere, yet the increase in precipitation marks a transition into the wet season, with frequent rain showers enhancing the city’s lush landscapes. The humidity peaks, creating a tropical feel that can be both invigorating and heavy at times. Overall, March balances the remnants of summer heat with the refreshing embrace of rain, making it a unique month to experience. For a deeper understanding of the city's weather trends, visit Rio de Janeiro Climate.