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Weather Comparison

Rio de Janeiro vs Sao Paulo

Side-by-side weather comparison for February

Rio de Janeiro: 31°CSao Paulo: 27°C361 km apart

February Weather: Rio de Janeiro vs Sao Paulo

MetricRio de JaneiroSao PauloBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer31°C (88°F)27°C (81°F)Rio de Janeiro
Average LowHigher is milder24°C (75°F)19°C (66°F)Rio de Janeiro
Rain DaysFewer is drier17 days20 daysRio de Janeiro
PrecipitationLess is drier187 mm167 mmSao Paulo
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier10h/day10h/dayTie
HumidityLower is more comfortable78%78%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer99Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better11 km/h16 km/hRio de Janeiro

Which City is Better in February?

Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo are closely matched in February. Neither city has a clear advantage across all metrics. Your decision should come down to personal preference, cultural interests, and travel logistics rather than weather alone.

Rio de Janeiro can feel quite hot at 31°C, so plan for heat. Sao Paulo is also comfortable at 27°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Rio de Janeiro is the stronger choice in February.

Temperature Comparison in February

Rio de Janeiro reaches an average high of 31°C (88°F) and drops to 24°C (75°F) at night during February. The daily temperature range is 7°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Sao Paulo averages 27°C (81°F) for the high and 19°C (66°F) for the low, with a daily range of 8°C. The 4°C difference is noticeable but not dramatic.

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

Rainfall Comparison in February

Rio de Janeiro receives approximately 187 mm of rainfall across 17 rain days during February. Rain is frequent, so waterproof gear is essential.

Sao Paulo sees 167 mm over 20 rain days. That makes Rio de Janeiro the drier option by 3 rain days and 20 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 78%.

What to Pack: Rio de Janeiro vs Sao Paulo

Packing for Rio de Janeiro in February

Highs of 31°C, lows of 24°C, 17 rain days

  • lightweight breathable clothing
  • sunscreen SPF 50+
  • sunglasses
  • a wide-brimmed hat
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes
  • moisture-wicking fabrics

Packing for Sao Paulo in February

Highs of 27°C, lows of 19°C, 20 rain days

  • light layers
  • a light jacket for evenings
  • sunscreen
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes
  • moisture-wicking fabrics

Pack for both: waterproof jacket, compact umbrella, waterproof shoes, moisture-wicking fabrics. These items are useful in either destination during February.

Year-Round Comparison: Rio de Janeiro vs Sao Paulo

The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.February is highlighted for quick reference.

MonthRio de JaneiroSao Paulo
HighRainHighRain
Jan31°C20d26°C23d
Feb31°C17d27°C20d
Mar30°C21d26°C20d
Apr28°C14d24°C10d
May26°C11d22°C8d
Jun25°C7d22°C5d
Jul25°C7d22°C5d
Aug26°C8d23°C5d
Sep27°C11d24°C10d
Oct28°C14d25°C14d
Nov28°C19d25°C16d
Dec30°C20d26°C20d
31°

Rio de Janeiro Weather in February

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

27°

Sao Paulo Weather in February

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rio de Janeiro warmer than Sao Paulo in February?
Yes. In February, Rio de Janeiro is warmer with an average high of 31°C (88°F) compared to Sao Paulo at 27°C (81°F), a difference of 4°C.
Which city gets more rain in February, Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo?
Sao Paulo gets more rain in February with 20 rain days and 187 mm of precipitation. Rio de Janeiro is the drier option with 17 rain days.
Is it better to visit Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo in February?
It depends on your preferences. Rio de Janeiro averages 31°C and 10 hours of daily sunshine with 17 rain days. Sao Paulo averages 27°C with 10 sunshine hours and 20 rain days. If you prefer warmer weather, choose Rio de Janeiro. For drier weather, Rio de Janeiro is the better pick.
How far apart are Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo?
Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo are approximately 361 km (224 miles) apart. Rio de Janeiro is located in Brazil (South America) while Sao Paulo is in Brazil (South America).
What is the best month to visit Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo?
For Rio de Janeiro, April tends to be the best month with 10 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 28°C. For Sao Paulo, February is typically ideal with 10 sunshine hours and 27°C highs.

Compare Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo in Other Months

Climate data sourced from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API, using ERA5 reanalysis data covering 30-year normals from 1991 to 2020. All temperatures shown in Celsius with Fahrenheit equivalents. Rain days count days with 1 mm or more of precipitation. Sunshine hours represent average daily values. This comparison is generated from long-term climate averages and individual trips may vary.

Rio de Janeiro coordinates: -22.91°N, -43.17°E | Sao Paulo coordinates: -23.55°N, -46.63°E