I Tested Brazil’s June Weather: My Honest Take

I spent two weeks in Brazil in June. I packed a sweater, a sundress, and way too much hope. Guess what? I used all of it. For the full, meticulous play-by-play diary, take a look here.

June is winter there. But Brazil is huge, so winter means many things. I felt warm sand in the north, cool city wind in the south, and a bit of rain in the middle. It was a fun mix—sometimes cozy, sometimes sticky. Travel experts note that June ushers in a generally drier, cooler spell across much of the country; you can get a concise month-by-month overview of what to expect from Rough Guides’ take on Brazil in June if you need a quick second opinion.

So, how warm is it really?

Short answer: it depends where you stand.

  • North and Amazon: hot and humid.
  • Rio and São Paulo area: mild days, cool nights.
  • Far south: can be chilly, and once in a while, cold.

You know what? I kind of liked the change. It kept me awake.

My real days, city by city

I kept notes in Apple Weather and Climatempo, plus a tiny clip-on thermometer on my bag. Nerdy, I know. If city-hopping is on your agenda, you might enjoy this candid roundup of Brazil’s best urban stops.

  • Rio de Janeiro (June 12): 23°C (73°F) at 4 p.m. on Ipanema. The breeze felt crisp. I wore shorts and a light tee. At night it dropped to 19°C (66°F). I tossed on a thin sweater for dinner in Leblon. The ocean was cool but not painful. I still swam.

  • São Paulo (June 14): 12°C (54°F) at sunrise in Vila Madalena. My hands wanted pockets. By lunch, it warmed to 20°C (68°F). A warm pão de queijo hit the spot. Street shade felt cool.

  • Curitiba (June 16): A cold front rolled in. 8°C (46°F) at night, 16°C (61°F) by afternoon. I pulled out a knit hat for a walk in Jardim Botânico. Locals laughed, but I kept it on.

  • Salvador (June 18): 27°C (81°F), humid, with a fast rain at 2 p.m. Sun, then rain, then sun again. I ducked under a stand selling milho verde and tried canjica from a Festa Junina stall. Sweet, creamy, perfect. Flip-flops all day.

  • Manaus (June 20): 31°C (88°F) and sticky. The air felt like warm tea. A thunderstorm crashed at 5 p.m. The rain was heavy, then the frogs got loud. Bring bug spray. No, really—bring it.

I also spent a quick day in Brasília: 25°C (77°F), dry, clear sky. It felt like a hair dryer set to low. My skin asked for lotion.

Quick June cheat sheet (from my notes)

  • Rio de Janeiro: highs around 24°C (75°F), nights near 18–20°C (64–68°F).
  • São Paulo: highs near 20–22°C (68–72°F), mornings around 12–14°C (54–57°F).
  • Curitiba/Porto Alegre: 15–20°C (59–68°F) daytime; nights can drop to 8–12°C (46–54°F).
  • Salvador/Recife: warm at 26–28°C (79–82°F), with passing showers.
  • Fortaleza: around 29–31°C (84–88°F), less rain than April–May, still sunny.
  • Manaus (Amazon): 30–32°C (86–90°F), humid, late storms.
  • Foz do Iguaçu: about 20–22°C (68–72°F) and mist by the falls—pack a light layer.

These were my ranges. Your day may swing a bit, especially with a cold front. For official climate averages broken down by major cities, you can also consult Current Results’ detailed stats for Brazil’s June temperatures to compare against my on-the-ground notes. For more weather anecdotes and travel tidbits straight from locals, skim the pages of Brazzil Magazine before you lock in your itinerary.

What I packed (and what I wish I had)

  • Light sweater and a thin jacket
  • One dress, one pair of jeans, quick-dry shorts
  • Sneakers and sandals
  • Small umbrella and a packable rain shell
  • Sunscreen and bug spray (yes, both)
  • A scarf for flights and chilly nights

I wish I’d brought a second pair of quick-dry socks. The falls got me soaked.

Little things I noticed

  • Beach water in Rio felt fresh, not warm. I stayed near the surface and kept moving. It worked.
  • Festa Junina lights in Salvador made the rain feel fun. Paper flags, music, corn snacks—cozy vibes.
  • In São Paulo, wind between tall buildings felt cooler than the forecast. Shade matters.
  • In Manaus, a cold drink warms fast in your hand. I wrapped mine in a napkin. Old trick, still good.

If the idea of sun, sand, and absolutely zero tan-line fuss appeals to you, peek at this straightforward guide to Brazil’s naturist beaches.

On a related note, if you’re leaning into that liberated, body-positive vibe and wouldn’t mind a cheekier pre-trip read, swing by Plansexe’s “Je montre mon minou”, where candid firsthand stories unpack confidence, consent, and the playful art of tasteful exhibitionism—eye-opening fuel for anyone flirting with the naturist experience. Back on U.S. soil, maybe your wanderlust has morphed into a craving for a quick, no-strings rendez-vous closer to home; in that case, the curated listings at Tryst Jonesboro connect adventurous locals and travelers alike, giving you a discreet, hassle-free way to keep the sparks flying even after the vacation glow fades.

Who will love June in Brazil?

  • Walkers and museum folks: cooler air in big cities is great.
  • Wildlife fans: dry season is starting in the Pantanal, so it’s easier to spot animals.
  • People who run warm: you’ll like Rio and São Paulo temps.

Who might not?

  • People chasing hot, hot beach days: the Northeast fits better than Rio.
  • Anyone who hates rain bursts: Salvador and Recife may give you a quick soak.

If your dream itinerary is all about endless sunburns, boat rides, and turquoise coves, my island-hopping trip notes might be the inspiration you need.

Tips I’d tell a friend

  • Check weather by city, not just “Brazil.” It’s like three countries in one coat.
  • Pack layers. A light sweater can save a beach morning and a rooftop night.
  • Plan indoor breaks in the afternoon in the Amazon. The air gets heavy.
  • Keep a small towel or bandana. It’s handy for rain, sweat, or waterfall spray.

My verdict

June in Brazil felt balanced. Warm when I wanted it. Cool when I needed it. A few showers kept it real. (Curious about Brazil when it’s full-on summer and decked out for the holidays? Here’s a sunny look at Christmas in Brazil that flips the usual snowy script.) I ate sweet corn, watched gray clouds slide over green hills, and still got sun on my nose.

Rating: ★★★★☆

Would I go again in June? Yep. I’d bring the same sweater, the same sandals, and a second bag for snacks.