Brazil packing list: what to bring for Rio and the rest of the country

At a glance

Clothes for Brazil: what to pack by season

Brazil is big, and the right clothes depend on region and month. Rio de Janeiro is a good reference for the southeast coast. These are INMET climate normals for 1961-1990, published by the World Meteorological Organization:

In practice:

• Summer (December to March): shorts, linen or cotton shirts, light dresses, swimwear, sandals and a thin rain jacket. December is the wettest month in Rio’s normals.
• Winter (June to September): the same light clothes in the day, with a sweater or light jacket for evenings, air-conditioned restaurants and viewpoints in the wind.
• One smarter outfit for dinner or an event.
• Walking shoes with grip for trails and wet stone paths, and sandals for the beach. If you plan hikes, see our hiking in Rio page.

The rest of the country has its own pattern. Our Brazil in December page shows how much rain falls in eight cities in summer, and the Rio weather page has the full year.

Sun and mosquito protection

The sun in Brazil is strong for most of the year. INCA, Brazil’s national cancer institute, advises:

• avoid unprotected sun between 10:00 and 16:00;
• use sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher that also protects against UVA;
• apply it about 30 minutes before going out, then reapply every two hours and after swimming, sweating or drying off;
• wear a hat and sunglasses, and long sleeves when you cannot avoid the sun.

The UK Foreign Office lists high UV levels and mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue among the health risks for Brazil. The Ministry of Health recommends repellent and window screens in areas with dengue transmission. Pack a repellent you know works on your skin and check vaccine advice with your doctor well before departure.

Medicines and a small first-aid kit

• Bring enough of your regular medicines for the whole trip. The FCDO notes that some medicines may not be available locally.
• Keep them in the original packaging with your doctor’s prescription, as the US State Department advises, and carry a doctor’s letter if you can.
• Check with ANVISA, Brazil’s health regulator, that each medicine is legal in Brazil.
• Add plasters, something for an upset stomach and after-sun.
• Buy travel insurance that covers medical care. The US State Department strongly recommends medical evacuation cover.

Documents, money and phone

• Passport valid for your trip, plus paper or digital copies stored separately from the originals.
• Check entry requirements on official websites.
• Cash: Receita Federal requires the e-DBV electronic declaration if you carry cash above its limit when you enter or leave Brazil. For cards and cash during the trip, see money in Brazil.
• Your phone and a charger, plus a power bank for long days out. Check the plug type and voltage at your accommodation before you travel.
• Note the time difference with home before your trip: our Brazil time zone page explains the zones.

What to leave at home

• Expensive jewellery and anything you would hate to lose. For safety, follow the official travel advice of your own government and our Rio safety tips, based on official sources.
• Firearms and ammunition, including spent cases: the US State Department warns travellers not to bring them, even in luggage in transit.
• Heavy winter clothes, unless you are heading to the far south in winter.

Short checklist

• Passport and copies
• Insurance details
• Medicines in original packaging, prescriptions
• Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
• Repellent
• Light clothes, swimwear, one smarter outfit
• Light jacket or sweater
• Thin rain jacket
• Walking shoes and sandals
• Phone, charger, power bank

What to tell us in your request

• Your dates and the cities you plan to visit
• How many people are travelling, and ages of any children
• Activities you have in mind (beach, hikes, boat, city tour)
• What you need from us: transfers, guide, driver, a full plan
• The language your guide should speak

How we help you plan

We are Vela Brasil, a team that plans trips in Rio and across Brazil. We pick vetted local providers, build the plan and stay your single contact before and during the trip. When you send us your dates, we can tell you what the plan involves day by day so you know what to pack: a private tour of Rio, a day trip from Rio or a full Rio itinerary with a guide who speaks your language. Terms and payment are set out in the proposal; you pay nothing before you confirm.