Buenos Aires vs Rio de Janeiro

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Buenos Aires edges ahead as the better destination in May. Buenos Aires offers 8 hours of daily sunshine with only 7 rain days, while Rio de Janeiro sees 9 sunshine hours and 11 rain days.

Buenos Aires sits in the comfortable travel range at 17°C. Rio de Janeiro is also comfortable at 26°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Buenos Aires is the stronger choice in May. Rio de Janeiro receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Buenos Aires reaches an average high of 17°C (63°F) and drops to 12°C (54°F) at night during May. The daily temperature range is 5°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Rio de Janeiro averages 26°C (79°F) for the high and 19°C (66°F) for the low, with a daily range of 7°C. There is a notable 9°C gap between the two cities, so expect a very different feel.

Both cities are in the Southern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in May.

Buenos Aires receives approximately 76 mm of rainfall across 7 rain days during May. Rain is occasional, so a light rain jacket should suffice.

Rio de Janeiro sees 76 mm over 11 rain days. That makes Buenos Aires the drier option by 4 rain days and 0 mm of total precipitation.

Humidity also differs: Buenos Aires averages 70% while Rio de Janeiro sits at 78%. Rio de Janeiro will feel muggier, especially at higher temperatures.