What to do in Brazil in December

December marks the beginning of Brazil’s high season, bringing a surge in tourism as summer reaches its peak. With warm temperatures and vibrant energy, the country’s stunning beaches become the go-to destinations for both locals and travelers. If you’re looking for the best places to visit in Brazil in December, here are our top picks!

Ubatuba, São Paulo – A paradise for beach lovers and surfers, offering over 100 stunning beaches and lush Atlantic rainforest.
Natal and Pipa, Rio Grande do Norte – Golden dunes, crystal-clear waters, and lively festivities make this region a must-visit in December.
Praia do Rosa, Santa Catarina – A charming beach town with breathtaking landscapes, perfect for nature lovers and surfers alike.
São Miguel do Gostoso, Rio Grande do Norte – A peaceful getaway with steady winds, making it a dream destination for kitesurfing enthusiasts.
Ilhabela, São Paulo – An island paradise with scenic beaches, waterfalls, and a lively nightlife, ideal for an unforgettable summer escape.

Aerial view of the coast of Ilhabela and Ilha das Cabras, São Paulo, Brazil (Source_ Adobe Stock) — Ilhabela offers paradise-like beaches and excellent diving spots! Ilha das Cabras is one of the best places for snorkeling in the region. (Source: Adobe Stock)

How is the weather in Brazil in December

December marks the beginning of summer in Brazil, bringing warm temperatures, longer days, and an increase in tourist activity. As the country enters its high season, coastal destinations become particularly popular, and the weather is generally hot and humid, especially in the northern and northeastern regions.

Rainfall varies depending on the location. While some areas, like the northeast, experience mostly dry and sunny days, other regions, such as the Amazon and parts of the south, see more frequent rain showers. Despite occasional tropical downpours, the weather remains warm, making it perfect for beach trips, outdoor adventures, and festive celebrations.

How hot is Brazil in December?

Temperatures in December can range significantly across the country:

Northeast (e.g., Natal, Pipa, São Miguel do Gostoso): Temperatures typically range between 25°C and 32°C (77°F–89°F), with plenty of sunshine and warm ocean waters.
Southeast (e.g., Ubatuba, Ilhabela): Expect temperatures between 22°C and 30°C (72°F–86°F), with higher humidity and occasional rain showers.
South (e.g., Praia do Rosa): Slightly cooler temperatures, ranging from 18°C to 28°C (64°F–82°F), with some rain but still great for beach trips.
Amazon and Pantanal: Hot and humid, with temperatures around 26°C to 35°C (79°F–95°F) and increased chances of rain.

Overall, December is an excellent time to visit Brazil, with summer in full swing and a lively atmosphere leading up to Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. Whether you’re looking for a tropical escape or cultural festivities, Brazil in December has something for everyone!

Ubatuba, São Paulo

Located in the state of São Paulo, Ubatuba is a top tourist destination for a December getaway. The coastline of this region is home to several stunning beaches, such as Praia do Ubatumirim, Praia de Itamambuca, and Praia do Félix. Additionally, don’t miss the chance to visit Ilha das Couves, Ilha Anchieta, and Ilha do Prumirim. If you love nature, make sure to explore Renata Waterfall and Prumirim Waterfall, two breathtaking spots to include in your itinerary.

Of course, no visit is complete without trying the local cuisine. Moquecas (Brazilian fish stews) are a highlight here, along with seafood salad, salmon à Maria Antonieta, and seafood stroganoff, which can be found in many restaurants.

👉 Check out our complete Ubatuba guide!

View from a trail, forest, and island in Ubatuba Brazil — Ubatuba has some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen in Brazil, all surrounded by the Atlantic Forest. (Source: Personal Archive)

Natal and Pipa, Rio Grande do Norte

Next on the list is Natal, the capital of Rio Grande do Norte, and Praia de Pipa, a famous beach destination about 80 kilometers (50 miles) away.

In Natal, dunes are a defining feature of the landscape. Be sure to visit Genipabu Dunes, Genipabu Lagoon, Parque das Dunas, Ponta Negra Beach, Morro do Careca, the World’s Largest Cashew Tree, the Fortaleza dos Reis Magos, the Potengi River, and Parque da Cidade.

For food lovers, Natal offers authentic Northeastern Brazilian dishes. Try Baião de Dois (a mix of rice, beans, and meat), creamy green beans, ginga with tapioca (fried fish served with tapioca), and bacalhau escondidinho (a Brazilian-style codfish casserole).

👉 Discover more in our guides:

What to do in Natal | Complete guide to Praia de Pipa | Other amazing destinations in Rio Grande do Norte

Morro do Careca in Natal/RN (Source: Personal Archive)

Praia do Rosa, Santa Catarina

Located in Imbituba, Santa Catarina, Praia do Rosa is a must-visit beach destination in December. Situated about 90 km (56 miles) from Florianópolis, it is famous for its stunning nature and crystal-clear waters.

One of the best ways to explore the area is by taking scenic trails, such as the Rosa Norte to Praia Vermelha trail or the Praia Vermelha to Praia do Ouvidor trail. You should also visit the Juliana Natural Pools, a great spot for relaxation.

Santa Catarina’s cuisine is rich in seafood flavors. Be sure to try shrimp bobó (a creamy shrimp stew served in a pumpkin), fish bites, and shrimp risotto with coconut and pineapple, a true regional specialty.

praia do rosa imbituba santa catarina brazil (Source_ Adobe Stock) — Besides its crystal-clear waters, Praia do Rosa is one of the best spots to observe southern right whales between July and November! (Source: Adobe Stock)

São Miguel do Gostoso, Rio Grande do Norte

Another incredible destination in Rio Grande do Norte is the charming town of São Miguel do Gostoso, located along the Northeast Coastline.

The town’s main attractions are its beaches, concentrated in the central area. Some of the best ones include Praia de Maceió, Praia da Xêpa, Praia de Santo Cristo, and Praia do Cardeiro. For a unique experience, visit the Parrachos de Perobas natural pools or the Farol do Calcanhar lighthouse. Popular activities in São Miguel do Gostoso include quad biking and buggy rides, which allow visitors to explore the beautiful dunes and coastline.

Tourinhos Beach, São Miguel do Gostoso, Rio Grande do Norte (Source_ Canva) — Tourinhos Beach is famous for its breathtaking sunsets and rock formations sculpted by the wind over thousands of years. (Source: Canva)

Ilhabela, São Paulo

The Ilhabela Archipelago is the final destination on our list of the best places to visit in Brazil in December. This stunning region is famous for its pristine beaches and waterfalls.

Some of the top spots to visit include Praia da Feiticeira, Praia do Julião, Praia do Curral, and Praia Grande. If you enjoy snorkeling, head to Praia da Ilha das Cabras, where you can explore the underwater world.

Ilhabela’s gastronomy highlights fresh seafood, with dishes such as moqueca caiçara (a traditional Brazilian fish stew) and seafood risotto being must-tries.

Ilhabela, São Paulo, Brasil_ Ponte na travessia da trilha para Praia do Bonete (Source_ Adobe Stock) — The trail to Praia do Bonete is one of Ilhabela’s most famous hikes! About 12 km long, it leads to one of the most untouched beaches on the island. (Source: Adobe Stock)

December is the perfect time to explore Brazil, as the country enters peak travel season with warm summer temperatures and lively destinations. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking beaches, adventure-filled trails, or vibrant cultural experiences, Brazil has something for every traveler.

From the pristine shores of Ubatuba and Ilhabela in São Paulo to the golden dunes of Natal, the charming vibes of Praia do Rosa, and the relaxed atmosphere of São Miguel do Gostoso, each destination offers a unique experience.

And let’s not forget the incredible Brazilian cuisine, with fresh seafood dishes, tropical flavors, and traditional delights waiting to be savored.

So, if you’re wondering where to go in Brazil in December, these destinations should be at the top of your list! Get ready to soak up the sun, embrace the Brazilian energy, and make unforgettable memories.

👉 Which of these places would you love to visit first? Let us know in the comments!

Check out our guides on what to do in Brazil each month: