June may not be considered peak travel season in Brazil, but it’s the perfect opportunity for a pre-July vacation. With prices still more affordable before they rise next month, now is the ideal time to explore amazing destinations across the country. Additionally, the mild weather in many regions makes this time of year ideal for enjoying both cultural events and stunning natural landscapes.
From the famous Festas Juninas (Brazilian June Festivals) in the Northeast, filled with music, dance, and traditional food, to the charm of historic towns and the breathtaking beauty of coastal and inland destinations, June offers unforgettable experiences for all types of travelers.
Check out our top picks for places to visit in June:
- Caruaru, Pernambuco – Known as the “Capital of Forró,” (Forró music and dance) hosting some of the biggest June festivals in Brazil.
- Campina Grande, Paraíba – Home to the “Biggest São João in the World,” (the famous Brazilian festival honoring Saint John) attracting thousands of visitors with its vibrant cultural schedule.
- Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais – The cool weather and historic architecture create the perfect setting to explore the region’s history and cuisine.
- Paraty, Rio de Janeiro – A charming colonial town offering beautiful landscapes and cultural events.
- Lençóis Maranhenses – June marks the beginning of the best time to visit the dunes and crystal-clear lagoons after the rainy season.
Get ready to experience the best of Brazil in June and discover why this time of year can be so special for traveling!
Brazil weather in june
The weather in Brazil in June varies greatly depending on the region, offering options for all types of travelers. In the South and Southeast, winter starts to take hold, bringing cooler temperatures and even intense cold in some areas, especially in mountain towns like Gramado and Campos do Jordão. Meanwhile, in the Northeast, June is marked by pleasant temperatures, with sunny days and cool nights—perfect for enjoying the region’s traditional Festas Juninas (June festivals).
In the North, the rainy season starts to subside, making it an ideal time to explore destinations like the Amazon, where the lush nature becomes even more breathtaking. In the Central-West, temperatures remain mild, and the dry weather is perfect for outdoor activities such as visiting the Pantanal wetlands or the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park.
Overall, June is a great month to visit Brazil, as the weather is more stable in many regions, and tourist spots are usually less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed and authentic experience.
Average temperatures by region in June:
- South: 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) – cold, with possible frost in mountainous areas.
- Southeast: 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) – mild temperatures, sunny days, and cool nights.
- Northeast: 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F) – warm and dry, ideal for beaches and June festivals.
- Central-West: 15°C to 28°C (59°F to 82°F) – dry weather, perfect for ecotourism.
- North: 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F) – reduced rainfall, great for exploring the rainforest.
Caruaru, Pernambuco
The title of “Capital of Forró” is well deserved here. In Caruaru, you’ll find the Biggest and Best São João Festival in the World. The city is a master of Brazil’s traditional mid-year festivities and, alongside Campina Grande in the Northeast, delivers one of the most incredible celebrations in the country.
Beyond the Festa Junina, Caruaru is home to the world’s largest open-air market, the Feira de Caruaru, where you can find a wide variety of products. It is also known as “Feira da Sulanca,” famous for its affordable clothing and local crafts.
Nicknamed the “Princess of the Agreste,” (Agreste is a semi-arid region in northeastern Brazil, characterized by its dry climate and typical vegetation) Caruaru features iconic landmarks such as the Museu do Barro Espaço Zé Caboclo, the Museu do Cordel (Cordel is a traditional form of Brazilian literature, often in verse and illustrated with woodcut prints, typically telling stories of folklore, history, or popular culture.), the Casa-Museu Mestre Vitalino, and the Museu do Forró Luiz Gonzaga, which showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Take advantage of the June festival season, when the weather gets cooler in the city, to enjoy traditional foods such as canjica (sweet corn pudding), cuscuz (steamed cornmeal), mungunzá (sweet corn and milk dish), pamonha (a type of corn-based tamale), as well as bolo de milho (corn cake) and bolo de pé de moleque (a peanut and molasses cake). Grilled and boiled corn are also local favorites during this time.
Campina Grande, Paraíba
Located in the state of Paraíba, Campina Grande is one of Brazil’s top tourist destinations. The region offers a variety of attractions, including beaches and lively festivals, with the highlight being São João, the second-largest June festival in the world.
Among the city’s top attractions are Praia de Tambaba, a famous nudist beach, Parque do Povo, where the São João festivities take place, and cultural sites such as the Vila do Artesão (Craftsman’s Village), the Assis Chateaubriand Art Museum, and the Museu dos Três Pandeiros, which showcase local art and history.
Paraíba’s cuisine is rich in traditional flavors. A popular local dish is rubacão, made with rice, beans, queijo coalho (a type of firm, grilled cheese), and carne de sol or charque (types of dried, salted beef). Another regional favorite is tapioca, available with a variety of fillings such as coconut, queijo coalho, butter, and carne de sol, all highly popular in Campina Grande.
Discover the most beautiful beaches of João Pessoa, the capital of Paraíba and surrounding areas!
Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais
The colonial town of Ouro Preto makes the list as a city where Baroque architecture captivates visitors. Its churches, mansions, bridges, fountains, and squares all contribute to the town’s rich historical charm. Nestled in the Espinhaço Mountains, this charming town features steep, cobblestone streets.
Ouro Preto, a UNESCO World Heritage site, holds great historical significance in Brazil, especially due to its role in the Inconfidência Mineira, a revolutionary movement in the late 18th century aimed at independence from Portuguese rule. The town’s rich Baroque architecture, including churches and mansions, reflects its colonial past. Among the town’s most famous figures is Aleijadinho, a renowned sculptor and architect whose intricate works, particularly the statuary at the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Matosinhos, are iconic examples of Brazilian Baroque art. Ouro Preto remains a symbol of Brazil’s struggle for independence and artistic heritage.
Top attractions include the Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Pilar, the Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo, the Museu da Inconfidência, the Aleijadinho Museum, the House of Tomás Antônio Gonzaga, and the famous Chico Rei Mine, among others.
The local cuisine brings the best of Minas Gerais flavors, with a highlight on feijão tropeiro, a traditional dish made with beans, sausage, and manioc flour. Other local favorites include farofa (toasted cassava flour), a variety of cheeses, and of course, the region’s famous cachaças (Brazilian sugarcane spirits). Popular meat dishes include galinhada (seasoned chicken and rice) and pork dishes, while desserts such as doce de leite (Brazilian milk caramel) and goiabada (guava paste) are must-tries.
Paraty, Rio de Janeiro
Paraty is a small coastal town in Rio de Janeiro state that attracts many tourists year-round. Similar to Ouro Preto, it features charming cobblestone streets, especially in the historic center, where visitors can admire well-preserved 17th and 18th-century buildings.
Some of the best places to visit include Praia Vermelha (Red Beach) and Praia da Conceição (Conceição Beach), offering beautiful scenery and crystal-clear waters. For snorkeling enthusiasts, Ilha da Pescaria (Fisherman’s Island) is the top choice. Meanwhile, Ilha do Mantimento (Provision Island) features a castle and the ruins of an ancient fort. Don’t miss a traditional schooner tour around the bay.
One of Paraty’s unique natural features is the Saco do Mamanguá, the only tropical fjord in Brazil, where the sea flows between towering mountains, creating a breathtaking landscape.
When it comes to local cuisine, be sure to try manuê de bacia, a traditional cake made with sugarcane molasses, and the famous camarão casadinho, a dish featuring two large shrimp fried and served with farofa.
Lençóis Maranhenses
The Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is another breathtaking Brazilian destination that everyone should visit at least once. The park is famous for its vast white sand dunes and numerous seasonal freshwater lagoons, such as Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon) and Lagoa Bonita (Beautiful Lagoon). One of the most unmissable spots is Lagoa das Emendadas (Emendadas Lagoon), known for its crystal-clear waters.
To explore the region, it’s recommended to stay in nearby towns like Barreirinhas, Santo Amaro, and Atins, which serve as great bases for excursions. You can explore the park by 4×4 vehicles, ATVs, and boat tours, with access through the neighboring towns of Barreirinhas and Santo Amaro do Maranhão. Don’t miss the chance to visit the isolated villages of Queimada dos Britos and Barra Grande, offering a glimpse into the local way of life.
Maranhão’s cuisine is a highlight of any visit, with dishes such as arroz de cuxá (a unique rice dish with local herbs), peixada maranhense (a regional fish stew), sururu ao leite de coco (mussels cooked in coconut milk), juçara (a local variety of açaí), and the traditional mingau de tapioca (a creamy tapioca porridge).
Check out our complete guide to Lençóis Maranhenses!
June in Brazil is an extraordinary time to explore the country, offering a perfect blend of cultural celebrations, historical charm, and stunning natural beauty.
From the lively São João festivals in the Northeast to the serene landscapes of Ouro Preto and Lençóis Maranhenses, there is something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in local traditions, savor authentic regional cuisines, or discover hidden gems off the beaten path, Brazil in June promises unforgettable experiences.
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the warmth and hospitality of Brazil’s June destinations!
Check out our guides on what to do in Brazil each month:
What to do in Brazil in December
What to do in Brazil in November
Best places to visit in Brazil in October
Best destinations to visit in Brazil in September
Best destinations to visit in Brazil in august
Best destinations to visit in Brazil in July
The best destinations to visit in Brazil in June
Best destinations to visit in Brazil in May
Best destinations to visit in Brazil in April
Best destinations to visit in Brazil in March
Top destinations to visit in Brazil in February!
