Brazil Wildlife Holiday: Amazon, Pantanal & Iguaçu

Brazil is a year-round destination. Despite its size, there are no real extremes in weather that would prevent you from visiting at any time.

Generally there is a wet season ( October - March) and dry season (April to September). In the wet season, Rio is hot, humid and you can expect very heavy downpours. This period is actually peak season as it includes the holiday season in January when the Brazilians take their holidays and carnival in February. The dry season is a little cooler and less busy but Rio can be enjoyed any time of year.

In the Pantanal, June to September is the dry season so water levels are lower and the wildlife is easier to spot. April and May can also be dry. Days are hot (around 30 C) and nights are chilly. You can travel in the wet season when the lands are flooded (but still accessible) creating a haven for a huge variety of birds and the water flowers are in full bloom. It is beautiful. It can be very humid, and the mammals are harder to spot. Mosquitos can be an issue in the wet season.

The Amazon has broadly the same weather pattern - it is always hot and humid, and the drier months are May - September when the wildlife is easier to spot.

The Iguaçu Falls are spectacular at any time of the year. It is cooler and drier from May to September, August is the clearest and driest month. If you want the most water then rainfall is at its highest in April and December so May and January will see the biggest water flows.

January and February are peak season in Rio as well as Christmas and New Year - during these times hotel prices are higher.