The beginning of the year is always a great time to travel, whether within Brazil or abroad. Here in Brazil and across the southern hemisphere, summer is in full swing, and there’s no shortage of beach destinations to enjoy the high temperatures of the season.
To help you start the year off right, I’ll share some amazing destinations in Brazil to visit in January, along with all the essential information you need about them. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
Is January a good time to visit Brazil?
January is one of the best times to visit Brazil, especially for beach lovers and sun seekers. As summer reaches its peak in the southern hemisphere, you can expect warm weather and plenty of sunshine throughout most of the country. Coastal destinations are bustling with energy, offering vibrant nightlife, delicious food, and incredible views.
Keep in mind, however, that January is also the height of the holiday season in Brazil. Many locals are on vacation, which means popular destinations can get crowded, and prices for accommodations and flights may be higher. To make the most of your trip, plan and book in advance.
Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, January’s lively atmosphere and stunning landscapes make it a fantastic time to explore Brazil!
Is January 25 a holiday in Brazil?
January 25 is a local holiday in São Paulo, Brazil. It marks the anniversary of the city’s founding, which took place in 1554. Known as Aniversário de São Paulo, this day is celebrated with various cultural events, concerts, and festivities throughout the city.
While it’s not a national holiday, São Paulo residents typically have the day off, and many businesses, schools, and government offices in the city are closed. If you’re in São Paulo on January 25, it’s a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and join in the celebrations.
Weather in Brazil in january
January is the peak of summer in Brazil, bringing warm temperatures and vibrant energy to the country. The weather varies depending on the region, but overall, it’s a great time to enjoy Brazil’s natural beauty.
- Southeast (Rio de Janeiro (RJ), São Paulo (SP), Espírito Santo (ES) and Minas Gerais (MG)): Temperatures average between 25–35°C (77–95°F). While it’s generally sunny, you can expect occasional afternoon rain showers.
- Northeast (Alagoas (AL), Bahia (BA), Ceará (CE), Maranhão (MA), Paraíba (PB), Pernambuco (PE), Piauí (PI), Rio Grande do Norte (RN), Sergipe (SE)): This region boasts warm and dry weather, with temperatures ranging from 27–33°C (81–91°F). Perfect for enjoying the stunning beaches.
- South (Santa Catarina (SC), Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Paraná (PR)): The weather is milder compared to other regions, with temperatures around 20–30°C (68–86°F). You might experience some rain, but it’s usually manageable.
- North (Acre (AC), Amapá (AP), Amazonas (AM), Pará (PA), Rondônia (RO), Roraima (RR), Tocantins (TO)): Expect hot and humid conditions, with temperatures around 24–34°C (75–93°F). January marks the beginning of the rainy season, making river excursions and lush rainforest views spectacular.
- Central-West (Goiás (GO), Mato Grosso (MT), Mato Grosso do Sul (MS) and Distrito Federal (DF) – Federal District (DF), home to the country’s capital, Brasília): This region also experiences summer rains, but sunny mornings are common. Temperatures range from 22–33°C (72–91°F).
With summer in full swing, January is an excellent month for beach trips, exploring vibrant cities, and enjoying the lush green landscapes refreshed by the season’s rains. Pack lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and an umbrella to make the most of your Brazilian adventure!
Brazilian destinations to visit in January
With high temperatures, nothing beats a refreshing dip in the sea or a waterfall, right? It’s important to note that January is peak season across Brazil due to the weather, summer vacations, and festive atmosphere.
Northeastern beaches are likely to be more crowded and pricier. Meanwhile, the southeastern coastline often experiences a mix of sunny weeks and unpredictable rain showers.
Here are our top picks for destinations to visit in Brazil in January:
- Maceió, Alagoas
- Rio de Janeiro
- Porto de Galinhas, Pernambuco
- Chapada Diamantina, Bahia
- Salvador, Bahia
Maceió, Alagoas
The capital of Alagoas is one of the best destinations to visit in January. The Northeast of Brazil, as you might already know, is a region rich in culture and tourism, offering countless coastal landscapes to enjoy.
If you’ve never visited the Alagoan capital, you’re missing out. Imagine exploring various beaches with crystal-clear turquoise or emerald-green waters. The 40 km of coastline offers this and so much more.
And let’s not forget the amazing local cuisine! Traditional dishes here are often seafood and fish-based. You’ll likely come across sururu, a stew made with coconut milk and mollusk pieces. Tapioca, of course, is another iconic element of Northeastern cuisine. There are also plenty of vegetarian options, such as sandwiches, pizzas, and even vegan feijoadas.
When it comes to parties, Maceió has a variety of options, especially at this time of year. In Barra de São Miguel, the famous Festinha Nervosa stands out. Meanwhile, in Maragogi, the Vem Verão Maragogi event offers three days of live shows.
A tip for saving money is to stay at less-known, more remote beaches, which will also provide you with more privacy and tranquility. Our recommendations include Maragogi, São Miguel dos Milagres, and Japaratinga.
Rio de Janeiro, RJ
The next destination to visit in January is… the Marvelous City. Yes! One of the top tourist destinations in Brazil and the world, Rio de Janeiro boasts fantastic summer weather and, of course, stunning beaches. So, you’ll have plenty of options.
Who hasn’t heard of the Copacabana beach promenade? It’s just one of the many beach options in the city. Others include Ipanema, Leblon, Barra da Tijuca, and Praia da Reserva.
Beyond the beaches, Rio is home to world-famous landmarks like Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar), Selarón Steps, Lapa Arches, Arpoador, and the Royal Portuguese Reading Room, among many others.
Check out our Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide here!
As for local cuisine, Rio offers several iconic dishes. Filé à Oswaldo Aranha is one of the most famous. Additionally, dishes like picadinho de carne with poached egg, feijoada carioca, and Leão Veloso soup are widely enjoyed. And, of course, don’t forget to try the famous Globo biscuits.
It’s also worth noting that just outside the city are other amazing destinations perfect for day trips or longer stays. Consider visiting Arraial do Cabo in the Lakes Region!
Porto de Galinhas, Pernambuco
Of course, Porto de Galinhas had to make it onto this list. It boasts an impressive 18 km of coastline.
Located in the municipality of Ipojuca, Pernambuco, it is one of Brazil’s top tourist destinations. The natural pools are a major highlight here. At Praia dos Carneiros, for instance, you can find several of them. Simply take a traditional jangada (raft) tour to explore them. Another popular activity among tourists is the buggy ride.
In addition to Praia da Vila de Porto de Galinhas, there are other nearby beaches worth visiting. To the north, you’ll find Praia de Muro Alto, and to the south, Praia do Cupe, Pontal do Cupe, and Maracaípe.
Don’t miss out on a lively summer night at Lua Morena, a spot where you can dance authentic forró. And on your way from Recife to Porto de Galinhas, why not stop by Cabo de Santo Agostinho?
Chapada Diamantina, Bahia
Chapada Diamantina is one of the few ecotourism destinations in Brazil without heavy rainfall in January. Although it’s the rainy season, which runs from November to March, the rain in Chapada is usually not intense, and it actually makes the waterfalls even more beautiful.
Here, you’ll find many caves, canyons, hiking trails, as well as historical and cultural sites. The Gruta da Lapa Doce, Gruta do Poço Encantado, Cachoeira da Fumaça, and Morro do Pai Inácio are some of the region’s top attractions.
You can base your tours in Lençóis, Vale do Capão, or Ibicoara. Lençóis has the largest hotel network, but each town has its own charm.
Here, I share more about my itinerary in Vale do Capão, visiting Gruta da Lapa Doce, Cachoeira da Fumaça, Morro do Pai Inácio, and much more!
Salvador, Bahia
Ah, my Salvador. My beloved land, my dear land. Of course, it would be on this list. The best city in Brazil has beautiful beaches and a rich cultural and gastronomic tradition.
It has many tourist attractions like Mercado Modelo, the Lacerda Elevator, Sorveteria Cubana, Praça da Sé, Igreja do Senhor do Bonfim, and the famous Pelourinho.
During January, Salvador also hosts numerous cultural and religious events, as well as the famous carnival rehearsals!
Religious and Cultural Events:
- January 1st – Festa de Bom Jesus dos Navegantes: the last day of the year and the first day of the new year. The festival honors Senhor Bom Jesus dos Navegantes and Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem. For over 200 years, numerous devotees have participated in the maritime processions that depart from the Capitania dos Portos pier (Navy), heading to Porto da Barra, returning to the port pier, and then proceeding to Ponta do Humaitá. There, the image is unloaded and follows in a land procession to the Matriz of the Parish of Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem.
- January 6th – Festa Folia de Reis: a Catholic and cultural celebration held in Salvador on January 5th and 6th. The festival takes place at the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Lapinha, in the Lapinha neighborhood, and celebrates the visit of the Three Wise Men to the Baby Jesus.
- January 16th (2025) – Lavagem do Bonfim: one of the largest religious festivals in Brazil and one of the most important dates on the Salvador popular festivals calendar. The date is movable, always occurring on the Thursday before the second Sunday after Epiphany. Learn all about Lavagem do Bonfim here!
- January 31st – Festa de São Lázaro: a religious celebration held in Salvador, Bahia, on the last Sunday of January. The festival takes place at the Church of São Lázaro and São Roque, in the Federação neighborhood, and is one of the main celebrations of religious syncretism in the city, as Omulu/Obaluaê, the Candomblé (African-origin religion) deity, was syncretized with Saint Lazarus.
Carnival Rehearsals and Parties:
- Baile da Santinha (Leo Santana): January 10th
- Ensaio da Anitta: January 18th
- Festival de Verão: January 25th and 26th
In addition to these attractions, the city has several beach options, including Praia de Itapuã, Praia do Flamengo, Praia do Buracão, Praia do Porto da Barra, and many more.
Don’t miss trying the traditional acarajé, as well as the moqueca, which also has vegetarian options. If you have more time, enjoy the lively atmosphere of Morro de São Paulo or the tranquility of the Island of Boipeba.
In summary, January is the perfect month to explore the beauty and culture of Brazil, with options for all tastes and travel styles.
Whether you’re looking for paradise beaches, history, gastronomy, or cultural traditions, destinations like Maceió, Rio de Janeiro, Porto de Galinhas, and Salvador are excellent choices. Each of these locations offers a unique experience, whether you want to relax on the beaches or dive into the local festivals and celebrations.
Take advantage of the holidays to discover new places and experience the richness of Brazilian culture—it’s sure to be an unforgettable trip!
