Rio de Janeiro Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. The figures are based on a 30-year period (1990–2020) to provide a reliable average. Let's now guide you through the details for a complete overview.
Rio de Janeiro has a relatively rainy climate with high precipitation levels, averaging 1392 mm (55 in) of rainfall annually.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
The seasons in Rio de Janeiro, bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, January, receives heavy rainfall, with an average of 199 mm (7.8 in) of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 20 rainy days.
In contrast, the driest month, August, experiences much less rainfall, totaling 45 mm (1.8 in) over 9 rainy days. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year.January, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 31°C (88°F). The city receives 212 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month August you can expect a temperature of 27°C (81°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Rio de Janeiro Temperature page.
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in June
Explore Rio de Janeiro's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Rio de Janeiro spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in Brazil: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across Brazil. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
low
almost none
Rio de Janeiro vs World: Rainfall Compared
Rio de Janeiro's average annual precipitation is 1392 mm (55 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
In Lisbon, Portugal, the average annual precipitation is 774 mm (30 in), characterized by wet winters and dry summers typical of the Mediterranean climate.
In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm (53 in), with a humid subtropical climate.
Perth, Australia, receives 565 mm (22 in) of rainfall annually, mostly during the winter months.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, receives 1955 mm (77 in) of annual rainfall, with a pronounced wet season from May to November, typical of its tropical monsoon climate.
Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.
Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.
- The U.S. has a significant number of thunderstorms every year, with over 14.6 million taking place across the world annually.
- Approximately 70% of lightning bolts strike land rather than oceans.
- A storm named John was the longest-lasting Pacific tropical storm, continuing for 31 days. As it crossed the dateline twice, it changed status from a hurricane to a typhoon and back to a hurricane.
For more detailed information about Rio de Janeiro's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Rio de Janeiro Climate page.
