This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our small business.
Ouro Preto sits at 1,179 metres (3,868 ft) in the Serra do Espinhaço mountains of Minas Gerais, which gives it a subtropical highland climate (Köppen Cwb) instead of the tropical heat you find at sea level in Brazil. Daytime highs stay between 22°C and 27°C all year, nights drop to 9°C to 17°C, and the year splits cleanly into a wet summer (October to March) and a dry winter (April to September). This ouro preto weather by month guide breaks down temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine for every month so you can pack the right layers. For the full town overview, see our Ouro Preto travel guide. For hotel recommendations by area, see our where to stay in Ouro Preto guide.
Ouro Preto Weather by Month: Climate Overview
Ouro Preto averages about 1,475 mm (58 in) of rain per year, and nearly all of it falls between October and March. December and January are the wettest months with roughly 250 to 280 mm each, most of it coming in late-afternoon thunderstorms that clear within an hour or two. The dry season from April to September brings clear skies, low humidity around 55 to 65 percent, and cool nights that can dip to 5°C (41°F) in June and July. Because the town sits in a mountain valley, fog (called neblina by locals) rolls in on winter mornings and usually burns off by 10 am. For help choosing when to visit, see our best time to visit Ouro Preto guide. For practical planning advice, see our Ouro Preto travel tips guide.
Ouro Preto Weather by Month: January to June
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rainfall (mm) | Sunshine (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 27 | 17 | 250 | 6 |
| February | 27 | 17 | 200 | 6 |
| March | 26 | 16 | 190 | 6 |
| April | 25 | 15 | 80 | 7 |
| May | 23 | 12 | 40 | 7 |
| June | 22 | 10 | 20 | 8 |
January is the hottest and wettest month. Expect 27°C highs, 17°C lows, and about 250 mm of rain across 22 rainy days, mostly as afternoon storms. February stays nearly as wet at 200 mm but is when Carnival fills the streets, so pack a light rain jacket for the blocos. March cools a touch to 26°C highs while the rain tapers to 190 mm. April is the real turning point: rainfall drops to 80 mm and humidity falls, making it one of the best months for walking the cobblestone streets. May brings 23°C days, 12°C nights, and only 40 mm of rain. June is the start of the deep dry season with 20 mm of rain and nights at 10°C, so bring a sweater for the evenings. For the top sights and ticket prices, see our things to do in Ouro Preto guide.
Ouro Preto Weather by Month: July to December
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rainfall (mm) | Sunshine (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July | 22 | 9 | 15 | 8 |
| August | 24 | 11 | 20 | 8 |
| September | 25 | 13 | 60 | 7 |
| October | 26 | 15 | 120 | 6 |
| November | 26 | 16 | 200 | 5 |
| December | 26 | 17 | 280 | 5 |
July is the coldest and driest month: 22°C by day, 9°C at night, and just 15 mm of rain, which is why the Winter Festival (Festival de Inverno) lands here. August warms slightly to 24°C highs and stays dry at 20 mm. September is a shoulder month at 25°C with the first real rain returning at 60 mm. October brings 26°C days and 120 mm as the wet season returns. November climbs to 200 mm across about 18 rainy days. December is the wettest month of the year at 280 mm, with 26°C highs and 17°C nights, so expect an afternoon storm on most days. For the full festival calendar, see our events and festivals in Ouro Preto guide.
Ouro Preto Weather by Month: Rainfall and Humidity
The wet season (October to March) delivers about 85 percent of the annual 1,475 mm of rain. Afternoon thunderstorms are the norm, usually firing up between 3 pm and 6 pm, so schedule outdoor sightseeing for the morning. The dry season (April to September) sees humidity drop to 55 to 65 percent and rainfall as low as 15 mm in July. Sea temperature is not relevant here (Ouro Preto is 350 km inland), but if you combine a trip with Rio or the coast, note that Ouro Preto will feel 5 to 8 degrees cooler than the beaches in any given month. For help picking a district, see our neighborhoods in Ouro Preto guide.
Ouro Preto Weather by Month: What to Pack
- Rainy season (October to March): a compact umbrella or rain shell, quick-dry clothing, and shoes with good grip for wet cobblestones.
- Dry season (April to September): a fleece or light jacket for evenings at 9 to 12°C, plus sunscreen and a hat for strong high-altitude sun.
- Year-round: comfortable walking shoes (the streets are steep and uneven), a refillable water bottle, and layers for 10°C temperature swings between day and night.
