What is Rio like in August?

Question

I would like to know about the weather and about the activities Rio de Janeiro offers for families with children and teenagers.

Answer 1

I've been twice to Rio (once for New Year) and I've never had any problems there. Obviously, dont go to the Favelas, stay away from dark, small streets at night and stick to well lit places where there are people around. Personally I prefer Ipanema and Leblon, I've heard stories about tourists getting mugged at broad day light in the streets of Copacabana. If you can take a tour to Buzios and Angra dos Reis and Petropolis.

Right now, August will be the ned of winter but dont expect too much cold, it will be about 80 degrees F.

Answer 2

It's the tail end of their winter, so you'll hopefully get 85 and sunny without a lot of humidity.

Since you have kids, stay in Ipanema.  It's safer than Copacabana.  You really shouldn't have any crime problems there.  Just be sure to take cabs after dark.

When you get a first sunny day, hire a taxi to take you to Sugarloaf and Christo.  DON'T delay, as you might get a week of clouds and rain and never see them the rest of your trip.  

The beach in Ipanema is great, you need to keep one person at home base to keep one eye on your possessions and another eye on the undertow and riptide, which are strong.  I'd recommend the botanical garden, a side trip to Petropolis, for one day, Ihle Grande, Sunday market in Ipanema for fresh rainforest fruit, and definitely a rainforest hike.   If you go to the zoo, check with your hotel get a cab or car to take you.  The Metro station right there is one stop from Maracana, and on the outside when I was there, it was packed with what could best be describes as 'trouble' to gringos.

I walked from the Maracana Metro stop to the stadium museum, and there was no one around other than an eldery woman who was nice enough to walk me to the museum after hearing me ask in very poor Portuguese how to get there.  HOWEVER, the area on the Metro side of the Maracana is apparantly unsafe.  It only costs $5.00 to get there from Central, and it's worth every penny.

Answer 3

All this c**p about the crime is only true in the favelas, places near the favelas, and in places with tourists. Stay away from those three and you'll be fine. I recommend staying in Barra da Tijuca...

there the weather is great, somedays there are lovely winds but you dont have to put on a jacket. Families can visit "Bosque da Barra" which is a park that you can walk around and see gorgeous views like waterfalls. Great place for picture-taking.

Also in Zona Sul, you can go to "Vista Chinesa" which is a place where you can see the view of most of the city at a great angle.

The malls are great too, don't forget the beaches!

Answer 4

Well, if it helps they are currently experiencing a crime wave, and are now the city with the most per capita murders in the world.  Enjoy your vacation!  You may also enjoy walking through NY's Central Park at night.

Answer 5

Rio is considered a dangerous place, but you can avoid most dangerous situations by being smart. Don't walk around with your videocamera and purse. It's nothing different than a bigger U.S. city. I don't know if it is the best trip for children though. I went as a 16th birthday present with my parents and uncle three years ago, and it was wonderful. The Christ Statue is amazing, and then there is Sugar Loaf Mountain, that is a must see too. I wouldn't go to the Centro area, or the North Zone. Stay in Copa and Ipanema. There are a number of nice hotels in Copa and Ipanema. Copacabana is the tourist area, it's a lot easier if you don't speak Portuguese and are a first timer. The JW Marriott is right on the beach, and there is also the Copacabana Palace. If you're on a bit of a budget, the Mirasol hotel is very nice too. It's just off the beach, and in a nice location. If you're children are under 12, I'd suggest a different city perhaps. It depends too on if they're well behaved. BTW, the weather in August is nice. It is their winter, but you can still go to the beach, and that's all that matters:)