São Paulo has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa) with warm, rainy summers and cool, drier winters. The city sits at 760 meters (2,493 feet) above sea level on a plateau, which moderates temperatures compared to coastal Brazilian cities at the same latitude.
São Paulo receives 1,450mm of annual rainfall distributed throughout the year with a summer peak from December to February. The city’s notorious “garoa” (light drizzle) is most common in winter mornings.
São Paulo Weather by Month: Temperature and Rainfall
São Paulo’s elevation keeps temperatures comfortable year-round. Summer highs average 28°C (82°F) while winter highs reach 22°C (72°F). January is the hottest and wettest month with 240mm of rain over 18 days. July is the coolest and driest with 40mm of rain over 8 days. The city averages 1,800 hours of sunshine annually with December and January the sunniest months.
| Month | Avg High °C (°F) | Avg Low °C (°F) | Rainfall (mm) | Rain Days | Sun Hours | Humidity % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28 (82) | 19 (66) | 240 | 18 | 175 | 79 |
| February | 28 (82) | 19 (66) | 200 | 16 | 165 | 79 |
| March | 27 (81) | 18 (64) | 160 | 14 | 170 | 79 |
| April | 25 (77) | 16 (61) | 75 | 8 | 160 | 77 |
| May | 23 (73) | 13 (55) | 65 | 7 | 155 | 76 |
| June | 22 (72) | 11 (52) | 50 | 6 | 150 | 75 |
| July | 22 (72) | 11 (52) | 40 | 5 | 160 | 74 |
| August | 24 (75) | 12 (54) | 40 | 5 | 170 | 71 |
| September | 25 (77) | 14 (57) | 75 | 8 | 155 | 73 |
| October | 26 (79) | 16 (61) | 130 | 12 | 155 | 76 |
| November | 27 (81) | 17 (63) | 140 | 13 | 165 | 77 |
| December | 27 (81) | 18 (64) | 200 | 16 | 170 | 79 |
São Paulo Summer Weather (December to February)
Summer in São Paulo is hot, humid, and wet. January is the peak with 28°C (82°F) daytime highs and 240mm of rain over 18 rainy days. Afternoon thunderstorms are nearly daily, typically hitting between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM with intense downpours lasting 1 to 2 hours. Flash flooding is common in low-lying areas, particularly along the Tietê and Pinheiros river margins.
The Avenida 23 de Maio and Marginal Tietê frequently flood during summer storms. Humidity sits at 79% through the summer months. Despite the rain, December and January see 170-175 hours of sunshine, concentrated in the mornings. Summer school holidays run December through January, filling parks and São Paulo museums with families. The city empties between Christmas and New Year when many paulistanos head to the coast.
São Paulo Winter Weather (June to August)
Winter is São Paulo’s driest and most pleasant season. July is the coolest month with daytime highs of 22°C (72°F) and nighttime lows of 11°C (52°F). Cold fronts from Antarctica can push overnight lows to 5°C to 8°C (41°F-46°F) for a few days. Rainfall drops to just 40mm over 5 rainy days in July and August.
The “garoa” (light morning drizzle) is most common in June and July, typically burning off by 10:00 AM. Winter skies are often clearer than summer
the city’s smog layer persists year-round. Sunshine peaks at 170 hours in August. Indoor heating is rare in São Paulo apartments and São Paulo hotels, so pack warm layers for winter nights. The dry air can aggravate respiratory conditions. Humidity drops to 71% in August, the lowest of the year.
São Paulo Spring and Autumn Weather
Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are transitional. March still feels like summer with 27°C (81°F) highs and 160mm of rain over 14 days. By April, rainfall drops to 75mm over 8 days and temperatures settle to 25°C (77°F). May is the most comfortable autumn month: 23°C (73°F) highs, 7 rainy days
76% humidity. October reverses the trend with rain increasing to 130mm and temperatures rising to 26°C (79°F). These shoulder seasons offer a balance of manageable rain and comfortable temperatures without the summer crowds or the winter chill.
Read São Paulo travel tips and FAQ for practical logistics. The São Paulo neighborhoods guide covers each area in detail. See the best time to visit São Paulo for a full seasonal breakdown.