Brazil is a tropical country, but still many people keep asking us: Does it snow in Brazil?
Well, snowing is extremely rare over here. However, it does occur in the high plains of the country’s South Region and even in Rio de Janeiro. What? But Rio is famous for its beaches and high temperatures. How is that possible? Let’s check!
Snow in the South Region of Brazil
Thanks to large areas of high altitude, the South region is the coldest in Brazil. Snow tends to occur more regularly in southern municipalities like São Joaquim, Cambará do Sul, and Urubici. Tourism also increases greatly during wintertime in the South region when people visit cities like Gramado e Canela for their winter festivals and low temperatures.
In order for snow to occur, temperatures need to reach negative degrees Celsius, and this is more common in the mountain regions of the South. The phenomenon occurs because this region receives cold air masses from the South Pole during the winter in Brazil.
Still, the most snow ever recorded in Brazil was in the city of Vacaria (Rio Grande do Sul) in 1879: two meters (78 inches) of snow.
Since 2005, Brazil has been experiencing snow in the South every year, but not always in the same cities.
Read more: Regions of Brazil: States & Main Characteristics
Snow in Rio de Janeiro
Pico das Agulhas Negras is the sixth-highest peak in Brazil. It is located at Itatiaia National Park, on the border of the states of Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais. Because of its height, it occasionally snows at Pico das Agulhas Negras. In June 1985, statistics registered a record of 1 meter (39 inches) of snow on the mountain.
Still, the last time snow was recorded at Pico das Agulhas Negras was September 2012, over a decade ago.
Further reading: What Are The Highest Peaks In Brazil?
Where to experience snow in Brazil?
It is important for you to know that even though snow occurs every winter in Brazil, not every city listed below experiences it every year. Nonetheless, if you want to experience snow in Brazil, these are cities with the highest chance of this phenomenon occurring. Among the cities in this list, Gramado is the most tourism-focused city, with a great infrastructure of hotels, restaurants, transport, attractions, and landmarks.
| Bom Jardim da Serra – Santa Catarina |
| Lauro Müller – Santa Catarina |
| Cambará do Sul – Rio Grande do Sul |
| Palmas – Paraná |
| Urubici – Santa Catarina |
| São Joaquim – Santa Catarina |
| Urupema – Santa Catarina |
| Bom Jesus – Rio Grande do Sul |
| São José dos Ausentes – Rio Grande do Sul |
| Gramado – Rio Grande do Sul |
Check a few videos from past winters in Canela and Gramado below.
Caminhos Language Centre is the largest and most exciting Portuguese school in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We have an excellent infrastructure, over 15 experienced Brazilian teachers, and a friendly multilingual support staff. We are the only school in Brazil able to offer Portuguese group courses throughout the year on 10 different levels. Moreover, our school also offers more than just Portuguese lessons for foreigners, we offer you the complete Rio de Janeiro experience. Every day we organize 100% free and fun activities for you to socialize and practice your Portuguese. We can also help you with a student visa for Brazil and accommodation in Rio de Janeiro. Follow us on Instagram for some Portuguese tips and news.
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