Petrópolis Weather by Month

Petrópolis sits at 838 m (2,749 ft) above sea level in the Serra dos Órgãos, and that altitude is why the city feels nothing like Rio de Janeiro, only 68 km (42 mi) down the BR-040. The climate is subtropical highland (Cwb under the Köppen system), with a mean annual temperature of 19.7°C (67.5°F) and roughly 1,700 mm (67 in) of rain a year. Summer runs hot, humid and stormy from December to March, while winter from June to August brings clear skies, low humidity and overnight lows near 10°C (50°F). This month-by-month breakdown of the full Petrópolis travel guide gives you the numbers for every month so you can pack the right clothes.

Petrópolis Weather by Month: Summer (December to February)

Summer is the warmest and wettest stretch of the year. January averages 23°C (73°F), with daytime highs around 27°C (81°F) and nights near 18°C (64°F), plus about 230 mm of rain spread across 18 days. February is similar, with highs of 28°C (82°F) and around 190 mm of rain. Afternoon thunderstorms roll in most days between 15:00 and 18:00, so plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning. On stormy afternoons the museums in the things to do in Petrópolis guide are the sensible fallback.

Petrópolis Weather by Month: Autumn (March to May)

Autumn is when Petrópolis settles into its best all-round weather. March still averages 23°C (73°F) with 190 mm of rain, but by May the average drops to 19°C (66°F) and rainfall falls to about 70 mm. April and May are the driest of the warm months, with clear, mild days and cool nights. If you are deciding when to come, the best time to visit guide walks through the trade-offs between seasons.

Petrópolis Weather by Month: Winter (June to August)

Winter is dry, clear and cool. July is the coldest month, averaging 17°C (63°F), with highs of 22°C (72°F) and overnight lows that regularly dip to 10°C or 11°C (50°F to 52°F). Rain falls on only 6 or 7 days a month, totalling about 45 to 50 mm, and most days are sunny. This is the driest time of year, which makes the Bauernfest and the rest of the events and festivals calendar comfortable to attend.

Petrópolis Weather by Month: Spring (September to November)

Spring warms up gradually, with rain returning as the wet season builds. September averages 19°C (66°F) with about 90 mm of rain, October 20°C (68°F) with 130 mm, and November 21°C (70°F) with 180 mm. By late November the afternoon storms are back in force, but mornings stay bright. Whatever month you pick, the where to stay guide lists hotels by area so you can base yourself near the sights.

Petrópolis Weather by Month: Comparison Table

Month	Avg High (°C)	Avg Low (°C)	Rain (mm)
January	27	18	230
February	28	18	190
March	27	17	190
April	25	16	110
May	23	14	70
June	22	12	50
July	22	11	45
August	23	12	50
September	24	14	90
October	25	15	130
November	26	16	180
December	27	18	230

Petrópolis Weather by Month: Humidity, Sunshine and What to Pack

Relative humidity runs high all year, from about 70 percent in the dry winter up to 85 percent in summer, so clothes dry slowly and mildew is a real concern in hotels without air conditioning. Sunshine is highest from May to August and lowest in December and January. For a summer visit, pack light layers and a rain jacket; for winter, bring a warm jacket for the mornings and evenings. The neighborhoods guide shows where each district sits, and the travel tips guide covers how to reach the city from Rio.