Question 1

When is the driest time of year in São Paulo?

Accepted Answer

The driest time of year in São Paulo is during the winter months from April through September, with June being the driest month overall. In 2024, June recorded just 2.4 mm (0.09 inches) of rainfall, making it an exceptionally dry period for the city.

São Paulo's dry season from April to September received only 225.2 mm (8.9 inches) of precipitation in 2024—just 12.2% of the city's total annual rainfall. In contrast, the wet season from October through March accumulated 1,625.6 mm (64.0 inches), representing 87.8% of annual precipitation. This stark difference makes the dry season ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

The three driest months in São Paulo during 2024 were June (2.4 mm), September (20.5 mm), and May (32.3 mm). These months also featured lower humidity levels, averaging 72.7% compared to 81.2% during the wet season. June 2024 offered particularly pleasant conditions with humidity at 69.6% and 263.4 sunshine hours—the second-highest monthly total of the year.

Temperatures during São Paulo's dry season average around 19.2°C (66.6°F), which is cooler than the wet season average of 21.9°C (71.4°F). This combination of mild temperatures, low rainfall, and abundant sunshine makes the April-September period the best time to visit São Paulo for those seeking dry weather conditions.

Question 2

How much rain does São Paulo get in December?

Accepted Answer

São Paulo receives significant rainfall in December, making it the wettest month of the year. In 2024, the city recorded 397.0mm (15.6 inches) of precipitation during December alone, accounting for over 21% of the annual total.

December's heavy rainfall is characteristic of São Paulo's tropical wet season, which runs from October through March. The 2024 data shows December far exceeded other months, receiving nearly 90mm more than February's 307.8mm and over 165 times the rainfall of the driest month, June, which saw just 2.4mm (0.1 inches).

Despite the frequent rain, São Paulo remains warm throughout December. Average temperatures reached 22.3°C (72.1°F) in 2024, with daytime highs climbing to 32.2°C (90.0°F) and overnight lows staying mild at 15.6°C (60.1°F). Humidity levels averaged 79.6%, creating a warm and muggy atmosphere typical of the summer season.

For visitors planning a December trip to São Paulo, expect afternoon thunderstorms and pack accordingly. Morning hours tend to offer the best window for outdoor activities before the typical late-day showers develop. The combination of warmth and rainfall keeps the city's parks lush and green, though umbrella-ready planning is essential for exploring this vibrant metropolis during its wettest month.

Question 3

What was the hottest day in São Paulo in 2024?

Accepted Answer

The hottest day in São Paulo in 2024 was October 2nd, when temperatures reached a scorching 36.9°C (98.4°F). This extreme heat occurred during the city's spring transition period, when warm air masses from the interior often push temperatures to their annual peak.

The late September to early October period proved particularly intense in São Paulo during 2024. The five hottest days of the year all occurred within a two-week window: October 2nd at 36.9°C (98.4°F), September 26th at 36.6°C (97.9°F), September 25th at 35.6°C (96.1°F), October 1st at 35.2°C (95.4°F), and October 8th at 35.0°C (95.0°F). In total, São Paulo experienced 5 days above 35°C (95°F) and 87 days above 30°C (86°F) throughout the year.

September 2024 was the hottest month overall in São Paulo, with average daily highs of 29.9°C (85.7°F). For context, the annual average temperature in the city was 20.5°C (68.9°F), with typical daily highs averaging 26.8°C (80.3°F). The temperature range in 2024 was dramatic—while October brought the year's hottest readings, August 27th recorded the coldest night at just 1.7°C (35.1°F), demonstrating the city's significant seasonal variation despite its subtropical climate.

Question 4

What are the average winter temperatures in São Paulo in 2024?

Accepted Answer

São Paulo experienced mild winter temperatures in 2024, with an average of 17.3°C (63.1°F) across the winter months of June through August.

July was the coldest month in São Paulo with an average temperature of 16.3°C (61.3°F), followed by August at 17.2°C (63.0°F) and June at 18.4°C (65.1°F). Despite being classified as winter in the Southern Hemisphere, daytime temperatures remained pleasant with an average daily high of 29.7°C (85.5°F).

Winter nights in São Paulo brought cooler conditions, with average lows dropping to 6.0°C (42.8°F). The coldest temperature recorded during winter 2024 was a chilly 1.7°C (35.1°F) in August, approaching near-freezing conditions. Meanwhile, the warmest winter day reached 32.8°C (91.0°F), demonstrating the significant temperature swings São Paulo can experience even during its cooler season.

These winter conditions make São Paulo comfortable for outdoor exploration without the intense heat of summer. Visitors should pack layers, as mornings and evenings can feel quite cool while afternoons often warm up considerably. The city's elevation of 761 meters contributes to these cooler temperatures compared to Brazil's coastal cities.

Question 5

What is the weather like in São Paulo during autumn?

Accepted Answer

São Paulo enjoys mild and pleasant weather during autumn (March to May), with average temperatures around 21.3°C (70.4°F) in 2024. This transitional season offers comfortable conditions as the city shifts from the warm, humid summer to the cooler, drier winter months.

Throughout autumn 2024, monthly mean temperatures in São Paulo ranged from 20.4°C to 22.3°C (68.7°F to 72.1°F). While daytime highs still reached up to 32.4°C (90.3°F) in March, nighttime lows dropped progressively, reaching 7.3°C (45.1°F) by May. This gradual cooling of about 1.9°C (3.4°F) between March and May signals the approaching winter.

Rainfall patterns change significantly during autumn in São Paulo. March 2024 remained quite wet with 255.4mm (10.1 inches) of precipitation, typical of the tail end of the rainy season. However, April and May together received only 72.1mm (2.8 inches), marking a dramatic decrease. Humidity levels also dropped from 84.7% in March to 71.3% in May.

The season offered approximately 688 total sunshine hours, averaging 7.5 hours of sunshine per day. These conditions make autumn an excellent time to visit São Paulo for outdoor activities, cultural events, and sightseeing, with fewer crowds than the summer holiday season and more comfortable temperatures for exploring the city.

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FAQ

When is the driest time of year in São Paulo?

How much rain does São Paulo get in December?

What was the hottest day in São Paulo in 2024?

What are the average winter temperatures in São Paulo in 2024?

What is the weather like in São Paulo during autumn?