01Weather
Rio de Janeiro weather in May
Afternoons in May average 27.8 °C (82 °F) and nights cool to 19.3 °C (67 °F). Compared with April it is 1.2 °C cooler; June is 0.8 °C cooler again.
What the averages hide
| In a typical May | Value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Warm afternoons (90th percentile) | 32 °C / 89 °F | one day in ten is at least this warm |
| Cool afternoons (10th percentile) | 24 °C / 76 °F | one day in ten stays below this |
| Cold nights (10th percentile) | 17 °C / 62 °F | one night in ten is colder than this |
| Days above 30 °C (86 °F) | 7.4 | per month, average 2016–2025 |
| Nights at or below 0 °C (32 °F) | 0.0 | frost mornings per month |
| Hottest / coldest May day 2016–2025 | 35.1 °C / 13.7 °C | extremes in the ten-year record |
02Daylight
Sunrise, sunset and the length of the day
| Date | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 May | 06:12 | 17:27 | 11.2 h |
| 15 May | 06:18 | 17:19 | 11.0 h |
| 31 May | 06:25 | 17:15 | 10.8 h |
Daylight shrinks by about 24 minutes over the month. Times are local (America/Sao_Paulo).
03Crowds
How busy Rio de Janeiro is in May
moderate The main sights are moderate in May. What drives it:
- pleasant temperatures
- Labour Day
- fewer crowds
04Public holidays
Public holidays in May 2027
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| 1 May 2027 | Labour Day |
| 27 May 2027 | Corpus Christi |
On public holidays many shops close and museums run on Sunday hours; check opening times for the day before and after as well.
05Events
What's on in Rio de Janeiro in May
No major recurring events fall in May.
07Packing
What to pack for Rio de Janeiro in May
- light, breathable clothing
- sun hat and sunscreen
- refillable water bottle
- a compact umbrella for occasional showers
- something for heat: 7 days a month pass 30 °C on average
08Editor's notes
What the numbers don't tell you
May is mild, around 27 °C by day, dry and calm, with Labour Day on 1 May and few domestic travellers. Visibility from Sugarloaf and Corcovado is excellent on most days. It is one of the best-value months, with beaches still pleasant and the city's restaurants easy to book. Rain falls on about seven days. The sea is around 24 °C.
The Rio Marathon runs in late May or June along the beachfront. The Mother's Day on the second Sunday fills the restaurants. The samba schools' off-season rehearsals are quiet. Daylight runs from about half past six to half past five. For the mildest month and the Festa Junina parties, see June.
09Compare
Rio de Janeiro month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Sun h | Crowds | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31 °C | 24 °C | – | – | very busy | Mixed |
| February | 31 °C | 24 °C | – | – | very busy | Mixed |
| March | 31 °C | 23 °C | – | – | busy | Good |
| April | 29 °C | 21 °C | – | – | moderate | Excellent |
| May | 28 °C | 19 °C | – | – | moderate | Excellent |
| June | 27 °C | 18 °C | – | – | moderate | Excellent |
| July | 26 °C | 17 °C | – | – | busy | Excellent |
| August | 26 °C | 18 °C | – | – | moderate | Excellent |
| September | 27 °C | 20 °C | – | – | moderate | Excellent |
| October | 27 °C | 21 °C | – | – | moderate | Excellent |
| November | 28 °C | 22 °C | – | – | moderate | Excellent |
| December | 30 °C | 23 °C | – | – | very busy | Good |
Not sure about May? See the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro.
10Elsewhere
May in nearby cities
| City | High | Rain days |
|---|---|---|
| Buenos Aires in May | 19 °C | 8 |
| Miami in May | 31 °C | 9 |
| Cancún in May | 31 °C | – |
| Orlando in May | 32 °C | 4 |
| Lisbon in May | 24 °C | 4 |
| New York City in May | 22 °C | 9 |
11FAQ
Rio de Janeiro in May: your questions
Is May a good time to visit Rio de Janeiro?
May is one of the best months to visit Rio de Janeiro. Daytime highs average 28 °C (82 °F), and hotel arrivals run above the yearly average, so the main sights are moderate.
What is the weather like in Rio de Janeiro in May?
Expect warm days around 28 °C (82 °F) and nights near 19 °C (67 °F). One May in ten brings afternoons above 32 °C, and one in ten stays below 24 °C.
Does it rain a lot in Rio de Janeiro in May?
May in Rio de Janeiro, by the 1991–2020 station normals.
What should I wear in Rio de Janeiro in May?
Pack light, breathable clothing, sun hat and sunscreen, refillable water bottle.
Is Rio de Janeiro crowded in May?
The main sights are moderate in May. Main drivers: pleasant temperatures; Labour Day; fewer crowds.
What time does it get dark in Rio de Janeiro in May?
Around the middle of May the sun sets at about 17:19 and rises at 06:18, giving 11.0 hours of daylight.