Brazil's former capital (1763-1960), Rio de Janeiro sits dramatically between granite peaks, tropical forest, and the Atlantic Ocean. Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain, completed in 1931, is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The annual Carnival is the world's largest festival, and the Tijuca Forest is the world's largest urban rainforest.
Nights sit around 20°C and afternoons around 29°C, though some nights drop to 17°C.
Rio de Janeiro barely changes season: afternoons sit around 29°C and nights around 21°C most of the year.
Some January days reach 37°C.
Rain is spread through the year — about 1071 mm in total, from 137 mm in January down to 42 mm in July — so no single month is a washout.
Wind is rarely an issue; most months sit between calm and a light breeze. Air quality is worth watching: February averages an AQI of 80, while October clears to 63.
Days stretch to about 13.4 hours of light in December and shrink to 10.6 in June — something to weigh if you work to a fixed timezone.
For what you're after, the best months in Rio de Janeiro are August – November. Expect fast internet (312 Mbps) and a moderate cost of living (about €1500 a month).
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