Rio de Janeiro weather
in May
“The kind of pleasant weather you build a trip around.”
Roughly 10 rainy days across the month, on average.
In may, Rio de Janeiro settles into its kind, mild rhythm. The city keeps a different pulse than in summer or midwinter, and travellers who arrive with the right expectations are rewarded.
Days average around 26°C (78°F), cooling to 20°C after sunset. Rainfall is moderate — around 10 rainy days spread through the month. Long days of sunshine reward early starts.
These figures are climatological averages, drawn from a decade of daily records via the Open-Meteo Archive — not a forecast. But they are honest, and they are the sort of thing a good travel guide ought to tell you before you book the flight.
What to pack for Rio de Janeiro in May
- •A light layer for cool mornings and evenings
- •A compact travel umbrella — one you'll actually carry
- •Reef-safe sunscreen and polarised sunglasses
- •Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes
- •A small daypack that won't look like a tourist beacon
What to pack for Rio de Janeiro in May
- →Breathable travel pantsAmazon · shop this
- →Compact travel umbrellaAmazon · shop this
- →Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50Amazon · shop this
- →Polarized sunglassesAmazon · shop this
- →Universal travel adapterAmazon · shop this
- →Compression packing cubesAmazon · shop this
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Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro
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Rio de Janeiro in May — FAQ
Q01Is May a good time to visit Rio de Janeiro?
Is May a good time to visit Rio de Janeiro?
Yes — it is a good time to visit, with pleasant, comfortable weather. In May, Rio de Janeiro averages a high of 26°C (78°F) and a low of 20°C (68°F), with 64mm of rainfall across roughly 10 rainy days.
Q02What is the average temperature in Rio de Janeiro in May?
What is the average temperature in Rio de Janeiro in May?
The average high temperature in Rio de Janeiro during May is 26°C (78°F), with an average low of 20°C (68°F). These figures are averaged from ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03How many rainy days does Rio de Janeiro have in May?
How many rainy days does Rio de Janeiro have in May?
Rio de Janeiro averages approximately 10 rainy days in May, with a total monthly rainfall of about 64mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What should I pack for Rio de Janeiro in May?
What should I pack for Rio de Janeiro in May?
For Rio de Janeiro in May, pack layered clothing for changing temperatures, a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket, sunscreen and sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on the ten-year weather averages for this specific month.
Q05How crowded is Rio de Janeiro in May?
How crowded is Rio de Janeiro in May?
Tourist crowds in Rio de Janeiro during May are typically moderate — shoulder season, a sweet spot between crowds and weather. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely.