São Paulo — Climate Guide
Monthly temperatures, rainfall, humidity and best time to visit São Paulo.
São Paulo climate at a glance
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 28°C | 18°C | 238mm | 80% |
| Feb | 28°C | 18°C | 214mm | 79% |
| Mar | 27°C | 17°C | 160mm | 79% |
| Apr | 24°C | 14°C | 79mm | 76% |
| May | 22°C | 12°C | 72mm | 76% |
| Jun | 20°C | 10°C | 56mm | 74% |
| Jul | 20°C | 10°C | 44mm | 73% |
| Aug | 22°C | 12°C | 39mm | 68% |
| Sep | 24°C | 14°C | 82mm | 70% |
| Oct | 25°C | 15°C | 125mm | 74% |
| Nov | 26°C | 16°C | 145mm | 77% |
| Dec | 27°C | 17°C | 201mm | 79% |
Climate overview
São Paulo, Brazil's largest city, sits on a plateau at about 760 metres above sea level, around 70 km inland from the Atlantic, on the other side of the Serra do Mar mountains. Its elevation gives it a milder climate than most of Brazil. It is classed as humid subtropical (Cfa), on the border with the monsoon-influenced Cwa type.
As a Southern Hemisphere city, its summer runs from December to March. Average highs range from 28°C in January and February to 20°C in June and July. Annual rainfall is about 1,450 mm, and most falls between October and March, often as powerful afternoon storms. Winters are drier and sunnier, but cold fronts can bring chilly, grey days.
Köppen classification: Cfa — humid subtropical (highland)
São Paulo through the seasons
Summer
December – MarchSummers are warm and humid, with highs of 27–28°C. Thunderstorms build in the afternoon and can be very intense, with heavy rain, lightning and occasional hail. January is the wettest month at about 238 mm, and flash flooding can disrupt traffic and transport.
Autumn
April – MayRain falls off and temperatures ease to 22–24°C. Many days are sunny and pleasant, making this a good time to explore the city.
Winter
June – AugustWinters are mild, with highs of 20–22°C and lows of about 10°C. Cold fronts from the south can bring cool, grey days with drizzle, known locally as garoa, and occasionally temperatures in single digits. August is one of the driest months.
Spring
September – NovemberTemperatures rise to 24–26°C and rain returns, with storms becoming more frequent in October and November. Spring can be variable, with warm, dry days followed by stormy spells.
What makes São Paulo's weather distinctive
São Paulo's summer storms are its signature weather. They often develop quickly in the heat of the afternoon and can deliver a large amount of rain in an hour. Rivers such as the Tietê and Pinheiros can overflow, and major avenues may be closed due to flooding.
In winter, dry, still air can lead to pollution episodes and very low humidity. The city's nickname, 'terra da garoa' (land of drizzle), refers to the fine drizzle that used to be common; it is less frequent today but still appears with cold fronts.
Best time to visit São Paulo
April to August is generally the best time to visit São Paulo, with drier weather and comfortable temperatures. Summer is warm and lively, but plan around afternoon storms.
What to pack
- Light clothing and an umbrella for summer
- A warm jacket for cool winter evenings
- Layers for quickly changing weather
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunscreen
Frequently asked questions
When is the rainy season in São Paulo?
From October to March, with January the wettest month at around 238 mm.
Is São Paulo cold in winter?
It is mild by day at about 20°C, but nights can drop to around 10°C, and cold fronts can bring colder spells.
Why is São Paulo cooler than Rio de Janeiro?
Because it sits on a plateau around 760 metres above sea level, while Rio is on the coast.
Related reading
About this data: Monthly figures are rounded long-term averages consistent with published climate normals from national weather services and the World Meteorological Organization. Individual years can differ noticeably, and recent summers in many cities have run warmer than these averages. For current conditions and the next few days, use the live dashboard (data from WeatherAPI.com). Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.
Check São Paulo Live Weather
Track São Paulo alongside up to 5 other cities simultaneously — free.
Open Weather Dashboard →