São Paulo Weather

Summer (December - February) –

This is the ultimate high season anywhere in Brazil. Flights and hotels are the most expensive these months because of Christmas, NYE, and Carnaval.

Weather: Lots of sun, heat waves, and torrential rain shows most afternoons and evenings. Some summers have had more rain than others.

What to pack: a bathing suit (girls, don’t forget to purchase a Brazilian bikini), umbrella (Raincoats aren’t too big here. You’ll stick out as a gringo from far far away), tank tops, summery dresses, shorts/jeans, a light sweater, and you can just buy your Havaianas here.

Where to go:

• The beaches! - Beaches like Guarujá on the south shore, and Maresias, on the north shore, have great restaurants, nightlife, and a very pretty shore.
• Parks in the city - A great time for bike riding, playing pick up soccer or volleyball, or having a picnic.
• Ballet at Teatro Municipal - You get air conditioning to keep away from the hot weather and a roof for a few hours, away from the evening rains!

Fall (March – May) :

A great season to visit, prices are relatively lower for flights and accommodations, and the weather is likely to please all!

Weather: Sunny, temperate weather, less rain, and chillier winds picking up around mid-May.

What to pack: t-shirts, sneakers/ballet flats, light jacket and/or long sleeve shirts and light scarves, bathing suit, umbrella, leggings/jeans.

Where to go:

• Embu das Artes – Enjoy a day or weekend in this quaint town with an arts fair, gorgeous hikes to waterfalls and great restaurants with live music right on the street.
• Rodeio de Jaguariúna – The state’s inaugural Rodeo is held in Jaguariúna, about an hour away from São Paulo City. It goes on for two weekends (Friday-Sunday), and there are live shows by Brazilian country artists, rodeo competitions, and lots of boots and cowboy hats!
• Virada Cultural – 24 hours of culture in São Paulo city that is always towards the end of April. There are hundreds of shows and activities that go on from 6 PM on a Saturday to 6 PM on a Sunday in downtown Sampa.

Winter (June – August) :

With relatively mild winters in São Paulo, there is no reason to not enjoy some time outdoors, especially since the rain tends to die down around this time of year. There are a number of festivals all over the state from Rodeos to Festa Junina (St. John’s Festival in June), winter can be pretty lively in São Paulo! The downside to travelling to SP is that a lot of people tend to either leave the city or infest it in July when school gets out for winter break, making places crowded and expensive.

Weather: Low 40s-50s F, lots of wind, doesn’t usually rain, cloudy (in the city, usually due to the pollution).

What to pack: sweaters, medium weight coats (think light trench or pea coats!), jeans, boots, scarves, t-shirts (for the warmer days!).

Where to go:

• Campos do Jordão – Famous for its winter jazz festivals, chilly weather being up in the mountains, and Swiss style architecture, it’s a perfect romantic getaway or just a way to get out of the city for some fresh air!
• São Roque – Vineyards in this cool weather? Yes please. How about skiing? That too! Top it off with some hearty country food and you’re set.
• Festa de Aquiropita – An Italian festival held every weekend in August in São Paulo’s Italian neighborhood, Bixiga, right downtown, there are musical performances, lots and lots and lots of food, and friendly people all around!

Spring (September – November) :

The weather starts to warm up, and the rain starts picking up in November. Probably most people’s favorite time to head to São Paulo, prices are low, and the weather’s "just right." A lot of music festivals are held in the city around this time of year, and the national soccer league’s tournament heats up with their final matches.

Weather: mild, starts to warm up, can get up to the 70’s F (30’s C), rainy season starts, but after so much lack of rain, it’s a relief!

What to pack: see what to pack for Fall!

Where to go:

• Brasileirão Soccer Game – Soccer games this time of year are a lot of fun to go to because the Brasileirão championship ends in late November or early December. There are games in the São Paulo stadiums every Wednesday and Sunday this time of year!
• Outdoor Adventure Sports – If you like waterfalls, rafting, biking, and mountain climbing, head to Brotas, a couple hours west of the city. Right outside the city, you can also go skydiving or hot air balloon riding in Boituva!
• Samba School Rehearsal – Rehearsal’s start in October and November for São Paulo’s Carnaval parades, and they’re open to the public. It’s a perfect time to go now because the rehearsal’s aren’t as packed, and it’s more fun to participate in the rehearsal yourself!