São Paulo: When to Go

Though Brazil's official high season lasts from December to March, this is the time when travelers to São Paulo will find the best accommodation bargains.

If weather considerations form part of your travel plans, be aware that the city occupies a high plateau, making it chilly in the Brazilian winter and very warm but rarely stifling hot in summer. Unfortunately, smog is a serious problem, especially on dry, sunny days. Frequent gray, drizzly weather can be oppressive at times, but does keep temperatures moderate and the air relatively clean.

Carnaval is celebrated in São Paulo, but at nowhere the same magnitude as Rio or Salvador. The city's two biggest events are the Bienal de São Paulo, a huge gathering of modern visual art from around the world, held every two years at Parque Ibirapuera; and São Paulo Pride, celebrated in mid-June, and by most estimates the world's largest gay get-together.

Weather

São Paulo city temperatures are moderate in winter and warm but not excessively hot in summer, with a tendency towards often uncomfortable humidity levels. Heavy rainfall sometimes occurs in December/January and some local flooding can result.

Temperature (average ° C)

Rainfall (average mm)