Pick your travel dates knowing what's on in Rio: big parties, sports, culture and the holidays that close banks and push prices up.
~2.6 million
people at Copacabana's New Year's Eve
Feb 7–9, 2027
Special Group parades at the Sambadrome
Jun 24 & Jul 25
Women's World Cup opener and final at Maracanã
Jun–Nov
Humpback whale season
Rio parties all year, but not every date is equal: during Carnival and New Year's Eve hotel prices skyrocket and you need to book months ahead, while May to October is drier and cooler, great for hikes and viewpoints. Here's the full calendar from October 2026 to December 2027 with official dates; anything not yet confirmed is flagged as tentative.
Reviewed in September 2026. Brazilian public holidays close banks and change transit schedules, so plan around them.
Oct 2026 – Dec 2027
Every event, month by month
Tap an event for details. Anything marked tentative may change.
Rio calendar 2026-2027
Official dates as of Sep 24, 2026. City (Rio) and state (RJ) holidays also close banks and public offices.
September 2026
- Sep17→ Oct 4
Rio Gastronomia food festival
Food festival with chefs, food trucks and classes.
- Sep24→ Nov 30
Whale season (last weeks)
Last weeks to spot humpbacks near the Cagarras islands.
What happens each season
Choose by what you're after: parties, nature or lower prices.
Rio's year at a glance
| What's on | Weather | Prices | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct – Nov | Festival do Rio, samba rehearsals, last whales | Mild, getting warmer | Mid |
| Dec – Jan | New Year's Eve, summer, blocos from January, St. Sebastian (Jan 20) | 86–95 °F, short afternoon showers | Very high around Dec 31 |
| Feb – Mar | Carnival (Feb 5–13), Rio Open, Holy Week | Hot and humid | Peak during Carnival |
| Apr – May | St. George (Apr 23), Rio Marathon (May 30) | Pleasant, dry season begins | Good value |
| Jun – Jul | Women's World Cup, Web Summit, June festivals, whales | Dry and cool (68–79 °F) | Higher on match days |
| Aug – Sep | Whales, Rio Gastronomia, Independence Day (Sep 7) | Dry, perfect for hiking | Mid/low |
Events worth planning a trip around
Carnival 2027
Sambadrome tickets from R$250 per night plus free street blocos.
New Year's Eve in Copacabana
The world's biggest New Year's party: free on the sand or on a boat facing the fireworks.
Soccer and the Women's World Cup
Flamengo and Fluminense matches at Maracanã with tickets, transport and a guide sorted.
June festivals
Forró, corn treats, hot quentão and country costumes; all weekend at Feira de São Cristóvão.
Humpback whales
Boat trips to the Cagarras islands (approx. R$380–500). We can arrange one for you.
Public holidays: what changes for you
Traveling during a big event?
Frequently asked questions
Série Ouro parades on Feb 5–6, the Special Group on Feb 7, 8 and 9, and the Champions' Parade on Saturday Feb 13. The official holiday is Feb 8–9.
Coming for Carnival or New Year's?
Build a package with transfers, tours and tickets at a fixed price, no surprises.
Recommended tours for this guide
Book online with a local guide, a fixed price and payment by international card or Pix.
Flamengo Match at Maracanã
Watch Flamengo live at the Maracanã with ticket, transport, and official jersey included - a night of pure emotion.
Fluminense Match at Maracanã
Watch Fluminense live at the Maracanã with ticket, transport, and guide - experience tricolor tradition up close.
