Last updated: August 21, 2025
May in Rio de Janeiro showcases a delightful blend of warm temperatures and refreshing breezes. With maximums reaching 33°C (91°F) and an average of 23°C (73°F), the days are perfect for exploring the city's vibrant landscapes. However, evenings can bring a slight chill, dipping to a minimum of 15°C (60°F). Visitors should be prepared for some rain, as 77 mm (3.1 in) of precipitation falls over approximately 10 days this month, contributing to an overall humidity level of 81%. Whether you're soaking up the sun or enjoying the occasional showers, May offers a captivating experience in this iconic Brazilian city.
In May, Rio de Janeiro experiences a gentle transition into cooler weather, with temperatures reflecting a noticeable drop from the preceding months. The average temperature settles at a comfortable 23°C (73°F), while the minimum dips to a fresh 15°C (60°F), making it one of the cooler months in the tropical city. Despite the decrease, the maximum temperature can still reach up to 33°C (91°F), hinting at lingering warmth. This mild climate not only enhances outdoor activities but also invites locals and tourists alike to explore the vibrant streets and beautiful beaches that Rio has to offer, making May an ideal time to soak in the city's charm without the oppressive heat of summer.
In May, Rio de Janeiro experiences a noticeable decline in precipitation, with 77 mm (3.1 in) of rain spread over 10 days. This marks a significant drop from the wetter months of March and April, where rainfall peaks at 163 mm (6.4 in) and 95 mm (3.7 in), respectively. As the city transitions toward the dry season, the lighter rains create a mild and pleasant atmosphere, perfect for outdoor activities. This trend of decreasing rainfall continues into June, with precipitation further reducing to 44 mm (1.7 in) and only 9 rainy days, indicating that May serves as a bridge between the wet season and the drier months that follow.
As May arrives in Rio de Janeiro, the air begins to feel a touch more breathable, with humidity dipping to 81%. This slight decline continues a trend from the wetter months of January through April, where levels hovered around the mid-80s, peaking in March at 86%. The transition into May signals the start of more comfortable conditions as the humidity steadily decreases through the year, leading to drier months in the ensuing winter. This shift not only enhances the allure of Rio’s stunning landscapes but also invites locals and visitors alike to fully embrace the city’s vibrant outdoor culture and activities.
In May, Rio de Janeiro experiences a notable shift in sun exposure, with a UV Index of 7, placing it in the high exposure category. This represents a decrease from the extreme levels seen in the first four months of the year, where the UV Index soared to as high as 15 in January and February. With a burn time of 25 minutes, May provides a more moderate environment for sunbathers compared to the preceding months. This trend continues into June and July, maintaining a high rating, but with the same protective window. As the year progresses, those enjoying Rio’s sunshine should remain mindful of the varying UV conditions, especially the extreme levels that return in the latter half of the year. For more information on UV conditions throughout the year, check the detailed Rio de Janeiro UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
As May rolls into Rio de Janeiro, the city basks in 282 hours of vibrant sunshine, continuing its trend of sun-soaked days. While slightly less luminous than the sunniest months of March and April, May still offers a delightful balance of warmth and brightness, making it a perfect time for outdoor excursions and beach outings. The data reveals an interesting pattern: as the city transitions from the energetic summer months into the cooler winter, sunshine hours remain relatively abundant, generally hovering around the 270-310 hour range throughout the year. This consistency ensures that Rio's stunning landscapes and lively atmosphere are framed by a warm, golden glow, inviting locals and tourists alike to revel in its beauty.
In Rio de Janeiro, May presents a 49% chance of sunny weather, marking a slight dip from April's 54% but still promising a decent amount of sunshine. This month sits just above the mid-point of the year, where overall sun chances tend to rise, peaking in the winter months of July and August at 59% and 60%, respectively. As we transition from the wetter months of early year - notably, January and February with a solid 33% chance of sun - towards dryer periods, May serves as a bridge. It's the perfect time for locals and travelers alike to catch glimpses of sunshine before the cloudier months set in, especially as September's chances drop back down to 49%. Overall, while May may not be the sunniest month, it still provides a pleasant backdrop for enjoying Rio's vibrant outdoor lifestyle.
As April transitions into May in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the amount of daylight begins to diminish, dropping to 10 hours. This reduction mirrors a growing trend throughout the year: after experiencing 13 hours of daylight in January, the sunshine gradually recedes, reaching its lowest point in late spring and early summer before plateauing in June and July. Following this period, daylight duration will once again begin to increase as the year progresses towards the vibrant spring months of August and beyond. This cyclical pattern of light and shadow not only shapes the daily rhythms of the city but also enhances the rich tapestry of experiences available to both locals and visitors throughout the changing seasons.
In May, Rio de Janeiro experiences a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 2.4 m/s (5 mph), a continuation of the mild winds that characterize the early months of the year. Following a slight uptick to 3.3 m/s in April, the winds settle back to this softer pace, paralleling the trends seen in both January and February. As the year progresses, the wind speeds gradually increase during the later months, peaking in October at 3.9 m/s (9 mph). This subtle fluctuation hints at the transitional nature of the season, as the city moves from the warmth of autumn towards the more invigorating winds of winter, creating an inviting atmosphere for locals and visitors alike to embrace the beautiful outdoors.
Weather in Rio de Janeiro varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Rio de Janeiro, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
May and January present distinct weather patterns in Rio de Janeiro. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 15°C (60°F) to a maximum of 33°C (91°F), with an average of 23°C (73°F). The month sees about 77 mm (3.1 inches) of precipitation over approximately 10 days, coupled with high humidity at 81%. In contrast, January is generally warmer, with temperatures varying from a minimum of 21°C (69°F) to a high of 35°C (95°F), yielding an average of 27°C (81°F). Precipitation is higher at 112 mm (4.4 inches) over 13 days, and humidity levels increase slightly to 85%. For more details on January's weather, visit Rio de Janeiro weather in January.
When comparing the weather in May and February, several differences stand out. May boasts a more moderate temperature range, with minimums around 15°C (60°F) and maximums reaching up to 33°C (91°F), while February temperatures are generally warmer, with a minimum of 21°C (71°F) and maximums peaking at 35°C (95°F). Precipitation levels are also notably different; May receives 77 mm (3.1 inches) of rain over approximately 10 days, whereas February experiences significantly more rainfall at 146 mm (5.7 inches) over 17 days. The humidity levels are quite similar, with May at 81% and February slightly higher at 85%. For more detailed insights, you can check out Rio de Janeiro weather in February.
In comparing the weather of May and March, May tends to be slightly cooler, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 15°C (60°F) to a maximum of 33°C (91°F) and an average of 23°C (73°F). In contrast, March is generally warmer, featuring a minimum of 20°C (68°F) and peaking at 35°C (94°F) with an average temperature of 26°C (80°F). Precipitation in March is also significantly higher, totaling 163 mm (6.4 in) over 17 days, compared to May's 77 mm (3.1 in) over 10 days. Additionally, humidity levels are slightly higher in both months, with March at 86% and May at 81%. For more detailed information about March weather, you can check Rio de Janeiro weather in March.
Comparing the weather in April and May reveals some interesting differences. In April, temperatures are generally warmer, with minimums at 18°C (65°F) and averages around 25°C (76°F), reaching a maximum of 34°C (94°F). However, this month also experiences higher precipitation, totaling 95 mm (3.7 in) across about 13 days, along with a humidity level of 83%. In contrast, May sees slightly cooler temperatures, with minimums at 15°C (60°F) and averages around 23°C (73°F), reaching a maximum of 33°C (91°F). While May has lower precipitation at 77 mm (3.1 in) over 10 days, the humidity remains relatively high at 81%. Overall, May offers a slightly milder and drier experience compared to the warmer and wetter conditions of April. For more details, you can check Rio de Janeiro weather in April.
In comparing the weather between May and June, we see that May tends to be slightly warmer overall, with average temperatures peaking at 23°C (73°F) and maximums reaching 33°C (91°F). In contrast, June's average temperature is a bit lower at 22°C (72°F), with maximum temperatures slightly decreasing to 32°C (89°F). Additionally, May experiences more precipitation, totaling 77 mm (3.1 in) over approximately 10 days, while June has a milder 44 mm (1.7 in) spread across 9 rainy days. Both months maintain high humidity levels, with May at 81% and June slightly lower at 80%. For further details, you can check Rio de Janeiro weather in June.
May and July in Rio de Janeiro showcase distinct weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 15°C (60°F) to a maximum of 33°C (91°F), with an average of 23°C (73°F). This month also experiences considerable precipitation, totaling 77 mm (3.1 in) over approximately 10 days, contributing to a higher humidity level of 81%. In contrast, July presents slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 13°C (57°F) and an average of 21°C (70°F), peaking at 32°C (91°F). Furthermore, July receives less rainfall, at 38 mm (1.5 in) over about 7 days, resulting in lower humidity of 76%. This makes July a drier and slightly cooler month compared to May. For more information on July weather, visit Rio de Janeiro weather in July.
May and August weather in Rio de Janeiro present some similarities and differences that highlight the transition from late spring to summer. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 15°C (60°F) to a maximum of 33°C (91°F), with an average of 23°C (73°F). The month sees an average of 77 mm (3.1 in) of precipitation over about 10 days, accompanied by relatively high humidity at 81%. In contrast, August experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 14°C (57°F) and an average of 21°C (70°F), yet still peaking at 33°C (91°F). Rainfall is marginally lower at 75 mm (3.0 in) over 11 days, and humidity decreases to 73%. For those looking at weather specifics in August, you can check out Rio de Janeiro weather in August.
May and September both showcase pleasant temperatures, with averages around 23°C (73°F) and 24°C (74°F) respectively. However, September tends to be slightly warmer, reaching a maximum of 35°C (96°F) compared to May's peak of 33°C (91°F). Additionally, September experiences less precipitation, with only 55 mm (2.2 in) over 8 days, while May has a higher rainfall total of 77 mm (3.1 in) spread over 10 days. Humidity levels also drop from May's 81% to September's 68%, making for more comfortable conditions as the year transitions into spring. For more details, check Rio de Janeiro weather in September.
In May, the weather in Rio de Janeiro boasts a warm average temperature of 23°C (73°F), with highs reaching up to 33°C (91°F). However, with 77 mm of precipitation over an average of 10 days and high humidity at 81%, the month can feel quite muggy. In contrast, October experiences slightly warmer temperatures, with an average of 24°C (75°F) and maximums soaring up to 37°C (99°F). This month also sees more rainfall, with 98 mm spread over about 15 days, but the humidity is lower at 61%, making the heat feel a bit more bearable. For more details, check out Rio de Janeiro weather in October.
When comparing the weather in May and November, notable differences emerge. May offers a warm climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 15°C (60°F) to a maximum of 33°C (91°F) and an average of 23°C (73°F). It experiences around 77 mm (3.1 in) of precipitation over approximately 10 days, accompanied by a higher humidity of 81%. In contrast, November showcases slightly warmer conditions, featuring temperatures from a minimum of 17°C (64°F) to a maximum of 35°C (94°F), with an average of 24°C (75°F). However, it is also wetter, with precipitation reaching 135 mm (5.3 in) over 17 days, while humidity drops to 72%. For more details, you can visit Rio de Janeiro weather in November.
In comparing the weather between May and December, we see notable differences in temperature and precipitation patterns. May generally has a milder temperature range, with minimums around 15°C (60°F) and maximums reaching up to 33°C (91°F), while December is slightly warmer, featuring minimums of 18°C (65°F) and a maximum of 34°C (93°F). However, December experiences higher precipitation, averaging 143 mm (5.6 in) over 17 days, compared to May's 77 mm (3.1 in) over just 10 days. Humidity is also high in both months, though it is marginally lower in December at 75% compared to May's 81%. For more details on December weather in Rio, you can check Rio de Janeiro weather in December.
As May arrives in Rio de Janeiro, the weather begins to shift towards a more comfortable climate, presenting a delightful blend of warmth and mildness. With average temperatures hovering around 23°C (73°F), the city offers a refreshing respite from the hotter summer months. While you may still experience some rain, with precipitation occurring on about ten days, the overall humidity remains high at 81%, creating a lush and vibrant atmosphere. This transitional period allows visitors to enjoy the stunning scenery and cultural richness of the city without the sweltering heat, setting it apart from the more extreme temperatures of both the summer and winter months. For a deeper look into what to expect throughout the year, visit Rio de Janeiro Climate.