Brazil is a tropical country. (Primarily tropical, but temperate in the South). Therefore, even during the “winter months,” the average temperature is hot compared to the U.S. This is especially true if you visit the North and Northeast of Brazil. However, other regions have different weather and temperature patterns, like the South and Southeast:
“The temperate south, including the cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro experience cool winters and hot summers, with rain throughout the year and snow at higher elevations. In some high-altitude regions, there is a bit of frost at the peak of winter season.” https://www.mapsofworld.com/brazil/information/climate.html
With this in mind, I guarantee that most Americans won’t need jackets during the winter months in some regions of Brazil, never mind the North and Northeastern area. As I mentioned before, the average temperature in Brazil is 72 to 79 °F. But since there is always a chance of rain, I suggest you bring a light raincoat.
The following are must-haves for a visit to Brazil:
- Travel Plug Adapter
- Hat and Sunglasses
- Swimsuit, Beach Cover-Up, and Beach Bag
- Light-Colored Clothes
- Shorts, T-shirts, and Light Raincoat
- Sunscreen and Mosquito Repellent
1. Travel Plug Adapter.
You will need a plug adapter in Brazil since the devices in the U.S. will not fit the Brazilian power outlet. In addition, the new standard in Brazil defines only two types of plugs, each with two or three prongs and a single socket type.
Below are photos of the wall outlet and three prongs type used in Brazil:
Since several states in Brazil run on 110V and others on 220V, it is necessary to be careful with the voltage. Unfortunately, not all Brazilian hotels will have information about voltage printed on the socket like in the U.S. So, please ask before you connect your device to the sockets.
The plug adapter isn’t a converter! So, you will also need a converter in some cases, but I don’t see the need to bring one as most hotels will have it for you.
2. Hat and Sunglasses.
You can find a vast selection of brands and sunglass stores throughout Brazil; however, prices for some brands are sometimes higher than in the U.S., so I advise you to bring more than one pair of sunglasses if possible.
Even if you don’t wear hats regularly, Brazil is the perfect place to start using one. And don’t be fooled by cloudy days since you can still get a sunburn. So, pack your cap, bucket, or straw hat. The style and choice are all yours!
3. Swimsuit, Beach Cover-Up, and Beach Bag
Going to Brazil without a swimsuit is like going to a ski resort without a snow jacket. You will be fine, but you will miss the most fun part of visiting Brazil! Therefore, pack as much swimwear as you like.
And if you like to pack light, bikinis, swimsuits, and beach accessories are available everywhere in Brazil. Small boutiques have the latest and most fashionable styles for anyone as Brazil has a global reputation for this product type.
We love beach cover-ups. They make it easy to get from the beach to nearby restaurants. I also like to bring a stylish beach bag. Beach bags are handy; you should get one you can bring anywhere, from the beach to the mall.
4. Light-Colored Clothes
Unlike the U.S., in Brazil, we regularly wear light-colored clothes. The light-colored outfit is preferred because it helps reduce the heat, and you’ll feel more comfortable going around the cities and beach areas. And because of the climate differences in some regions, you may want to carry a light jacket.
Whenever someone asks me what clothes to wear during the Brazilian summer, I always say light-colored and cotton fabric. Many American friends who went to Brazil told me they couldn’t even wear jeans because it was too hot! But, of course, it depends on your heat tolerance, time of the year, and the region you visit.
And just for the record, everything today can be different as one never knows how to predict the weather variations due to climate change.
5. Shorts, T-shirts, and Light Raincoat
Shorts, t-shirts and a beach bag can get you to most places during the summer. However, if you are going during winter, add a light raincoat jacket.
For guys, I would recommend swimwear that doubles as shorts so you can use them on the beach and more.
Most women will be fine wearing regular shorts, summer dresses, and linen pants and tops. The bottom line is to wear an outfit that feels comfortable and lightweight! Feel free to check out my post for additional information if you visit the Northeast of Brazil.
6. Sunscreen and Mosquito Repellent
Bring a big bottle of sunscreen with broad spectrum SPF. Use it daily and reapply regularly, especially on the beach. On many beaches of Brazil, you can find street vendors selling sunscreen. However, I recommend you avoid it. Please bring your own, buy from a pharmacy or supermarket in Brazil.
I buy mosquito repellents before I go to Brazil. Even though you can access an air conditioner and stay indoors, you should still take additional precautions, as a mosquito bite can be problematic. Unfortunately, this is a reality for tropical climate regions since the combination of warm temperatures and rainfall encourages mosquito proliferation.
In most cases, you will use mosquito repellent in the countryside, but there is no guarantee that you won’t need them in other areas.
Conclusion:
If you are traveling to Brazil, don’t overpack. Brazil is a tropical country, so there is no need to bring suits, heavy jackets, or something similar.
Adding some layers will solve your problem when traveling to a colder area.
The items mentioned here are simple suggestions as traveling packing can be as personal as the traveler. These are the items that I put into my luggage no matter the time of the year I go to Brazil! I have covered additional information about this topic in my post about traveling to the Northeast of Brazil.
