Spring in Rio de Janeiro: Things to Do

It's that time of the year when the Southern hemisphere is shaking off the winter chills, and the Northern hemisphere is steadily getting colder. In other words, it's time to head south! Spring is undoubtedly one of the best times to visit Rio de Janeiro. Not only is the temperature perfect, with a balmy average of 26°C (79°F), but also the summer rains, high humidity and searing heat haven't started yet. Plus, since peak season starts in summer, the city is still relatively calm, making it much easier to visit Rio's top attractions and to find a spot on Rio's best beaches! To help you make the most of spring in Rio de Janeiro, we've compiled a list of the top spring activities!

1. Visit Rio's Parks

It's not spring without flowers! One of Rio's most striking features is its abundant greenery. Enjoy the sun by relaxing in Rio's parks. Rio's Botanical Garden is the perfect spring hideaway - it's nearly always quiet, allowing you to escape from the hustle of the busy Brazilian city. Plus, the garden's staggering 137 hectares and 8000-plus species of plants will be coming into bloom at this time of the year, making it the best time to visit. Once you've spent some time relaxing, have a cup of tea or a refreshing drink in the garden's restaurant. While you're enjoying the outdoors during Rio's springtime, a visit to Tijuca forest is also a must. One of the world's largest urban forests, Tijuca Forest is a natural wonderland. Besides its rich vegetation, the forest is also home to an array of wildlife, from monkeys and birds to butterflies. Since it covers such a large area, there are many great lookout points with spectacular views of the city. You can combine a visit to Tijuca Forest with the Botanical Garden by booking a Jeep Tour. [caption id="attachment_7619" align="alignnone" width="667"] Spring time in Rio's Botanical Garden / source[/caption] 

2. Sightsee Rio on Bike

Make the most of warm weather and hop on a bike for an active tour of Rio de Janeiro. Spring is the perfect time because you won't get too hot, and it's not too crowded by tourists yet, so you can enjoy a relaxed cycle through the city, visiting the beaches, Rio's picturesque neighbourhoods and the parks and lakes that make Rio such a unique city. Choose your route, with a tour of the Zona Sul and Lakes or concentrate on Rio's parks and beaches. [caption id="attachment_7620" align="alignnone" width="640"] Sightsee Rio in spring on a bike / source[/caption]  

3. Hike up Sugar Loaf Mountain

Since spring in Rio de Janeiro is dry and not too hot, it is the best time of year for sporty adventures. Get the best views of Rio by hiking up Sugar Loaf Mountain. You have two options to get to the top of the hill, with its panoramic vistas over the city and the bay. Either take a leisurely hike up Urca Hill and then ride the cable car to the top of the Sugar Loaf, or book a climbing tour and rock climb to the top of the hill - hard work but rewarding none-the-less! Read our guide to hiking Sugar Loaf Mountain for more information on what the hike and climb entail. [caption id="attachment_1943" align="aligncenter" width="540"] Hike up the iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain / / source[/caption]  

4. Flock to the Beaches

In the peak of summer, finding a piece of real estate on Rio's sandy white beaches can be an arduous task. But in spring, there is still plenty of space, plus the you're less likely to turn a very un-Brazilian shade of red since the sun is not quite as harsh yet! Now is the time to enjoy Rio's beaches, from Copacabana and Ipanema, to Leblon and Barra de Tijuca. Join the active Cariocas by taking part in some beach sports, try your hand (or foot!) at footvolley, or head into the ocean for surfing lessons or an ocean kayak tour. [caption id="attachment_7621" align="alignnone" width="640"] Head to Rio's beautiful beaches / source[/caption]  

 5. Attend Rio's Film Festival

While Rio might be most famous for its Carnival celebrations, spring ushers in one of its other big festivals: Festival do Rio, the Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival. This extravaganza of all things audiovisual attracts big names in the international and local film industry as it highlights the best of Brazilian cinema and brings international films to the Brazilian people. Its offerings in the past have included films and documentaries from more than 60 countries. The festival runs from the 24th of September until the 8th of October. You can find all the dates, screenings and events on the festival website. [caption id="attachment_1947" align="aligncenter" width="540"] Rio's International Film Festival / source[/caption]

6. Samba in Spring!

Just because you're travelling to Rio way before Carnival doesn't mean you have to miss out on all the fun. Most samba schools start practising for carnival in September (others even earlier!), so you can experience the Carioca rhythms, with a behind-the-scenes look at carnival and the chance to join in by attending a Samba School Rehearsal! If the rhythm takes hold of you, book a samba lesson to perfect your skills and then head out into Rio's incredible nightlife, giving your dancing shoes some mileage at Rio's samba hotspots like Bip Bip, an iconic no-frills samba bar, where you're guaranteed great music and vibes. [caption id="attachment_7622" align="alignnone" width="625"] Samba School Rehearsals start in spring / source[/caption] For more ideas on what to do in Rio de Janeiro in spring, check out our tours and activities in Rio. What activities are you looking forward to most during spring in Rio de Janeiro? Let us know in the comments!

Written by: Nicole Eberhard