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Belo Horizonte sits at 858 metres (2,815 feet) above sea level in the mountains of Minas Gerais, giving it a tropical savanna climate (Koppen Aw) that is noticeably milder than Brazil’s coastal cities like Rio de Janeiro or Salvador. The elevation keeps temperatures comfortable year-round, with an annual average of 22 deg C (72 deg F) and distinct wet and dry seasons. The city receives approximately 1,460mm (57 inches) of rain annually, nearly all of it concentrated in the October-to-March summer period, while the winter months from May through September are remarkably dry.
Belo Horizonte Weather by Month
January is the wettest month in Belo Horizonte with 296mm (11.7 inches) of rainfall spread across 22 rainy days. Temperatures range from 19 deg C (66 deg F) at night to 29 deg C (84 deg F) during the day, with humidity hovering around 78%. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, typically building up by 3pm and clearing within an hour. Despite the rain, you will get about 6 hours of daily sunshine.
February brings similar conditions with 235mm (9.3 inches) of rain over 18 days and temperatures of 19-29 deg C (66-84 deg F). The rain pattern begins to shift by late February, with slightly fewer storm days as the wet season winds down. The city hosts Carnival celebrations in February or early March depending on the year, bringing big street parties despite the occasional downpour.
March sees a noticeable decrease in rainfall to 192mm (7.6 inches) over 16 days. Temperatures remain warm at 19-28 deg C (66-82 deg F) with humidity dropping to around 75%. This is the transition month when summer thunderstorms become less frequent and more predictable, making it a good balance of warm weather and manageable rain.
April marks the real shift to Belo Horizonte’s dry season. Rainfall drops sharply to 64mm (2.5 inches) over 9 days and temperatures cool to 17-27 deg C (63-81 deg F). Humidity falls below 70% and sunny days become the norm. This is one of the best months for outdoor activities with comfortable daytime temperatures and crisp evenings.
May is the beginning of the cool dry season with just 28mm (1.1 inches) of rain over 5 days. Temperatures range from 15-25 deg C (59-77 deg F) and humidity drops to around 65%. Nights start to feel chilly by Brazilian standards, and you will want a light jacket after sunset. The skies are consistently clear with 8+ hours of daily sunshine.
June is one of the driest months with only 15mm (0.6 inches) of rainfall over 3 days. Temperatures reach their yearly lows at 13-24 deg C (55-75 deg F), with overnight lows occasionally dipping to 10 deg C (50 deg F). The dry air means rapid temperature swings: afternoons feel warm in the sun but evenings cool down fast. Humidity falls to around 60%, the lowest of the year.
July is the driest month in Belo Horizonte with just 10mm (0.4 inches) of rainfall over 2 days. Temperatures run 13-24 deg C (55-75 deg F), essentially identical to June. This is peak winter but far milder than European or North American winters. The low humidity (around 58%) combined with clear skies makes for pleasant sightseeing conditions, though the dry air can irritate those with respiratory sensitivities.
August holds steady with 16mm (0.6 inches) of rain over 3 days and temperatures of 14-26 deg C (57-79 deg F). Humidity remains low at 55%. By late August, temperatures begin their climb back toward summer levels. Wildfire smoke from the surrounding cerrado (savanna) can occasionally affect air quality during this month.
September brings the first hints of the wet season return. Rainfall increases to 48mm (1.9 inches) over 6 days and temperatures climb to 16-27 deg C (61-81 deg F). The dry landscapes begin to green up after the first rains, and humidity rises to around 60%. Thunderstorms become more common by late September, particularly in the afternoons.
October is the true transition month with 125mm (4.9 inches) of rain over 12 days. Temperatures reach 18-28 deg C (64-82 deg F) and humidity climbs to 67%. Afternoon thunderstorms return with regularity, often accompanied by dramatic lightning displays over the surrounding mountains. Mornings are typically sunny, with clouds building throughout the day.
November sees rainfall surge to 212mm (8.3 inches) over 18 days with temperatures of 18-28 deg C (64-82 deg F). The rain pattern is firmly back to summer mode with near-daily afternoon storms. Humidity rises to 74%. Despite the rain, morning hours are reliably sunny and warm, perfect for exploring before the storms roll in.
December closes the year as the second-wettest month with 320mm (12.6 inches) of rainfall over 23 days. Temperatures range from 19-28 deg C (66-82 deg F) with humidity at 78%. The combination of summer heat, holiday crowds, and frequent heavy rain makes December a challenging month for sightseeing, though the festive atmosphere and summer energy compensate for the weather.
Belo Horizonte Temperature and Rainfall Overview
| Month | Avg Low (deg C) | Avg High (deg C) | Rainfall (mm) | Rain Days | Humidity (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 19 | 29 | 296 | 22 | 78 |
| Feb | 19 | 29 | 235 | 18 | 76 |
| Mar | 19 | 28 | 192 | 16 | 75 |
| Apr | 17 | 27 | 64 | 9 | 72 |
| May | 15 | 25 | 28 | 5 | 68 |
| Jun | 13 | 24 | 15 | 3 | 63 |
| Jul | 13 | 24 | 10 | 2 | 58 |
| Aug | 14 | 26 | 16 | 3 | 55 |
| Sep | 16 | 27 | 48 | 6 | 60 |
| Oct | 18 | 28 | 125 | 12 | 67 |
| Nov | 18 | 28 | 212 | 18 | 74 |
| Dec | 19 | 28 | 320 | 23 | 78 |
For more guidance on planning your trip around the weather, check out our when to visit Belo Horizonte guide and explore the best things to do for seasonal activity recommendations.
