Things to do in Rio de Janeiro in March

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Overview

March is a good time to visit Rio de Janeiro. The weather is usually very warm, humid but cool, with temperatures ranging from 73—83°F (23—28°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Rio de Janeiro during this time. Some of our top recommendations: visit the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, sample traditional Brazilian cuisine at a local restaurant, explore the Santa Teresa neighborhood, and more!

Rio de Janeiro has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your March trip to Rio de Janeiro. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to March. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Rio de Janeiro in March. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout March, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Rio de Janeiro in March

Top experiences in March
Visit the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden
March is a great time to visit the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, as the weather is usually pleasant for strolling through the lush gardens. The garden is home to a diverse collection of plants, trees, and flowers, as well as historic buildings and monuments. It's a unique and peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
Sample traditional Brazilian cuisine at a local restaurant
March is a great time to sample traditional Brazilian cuisine at a local restaurant, as the weather is usually pleasant for dining al fresco. You can try dishes like feijoada, a hearty stew made with black beans and pork, or pão de queijo, delicious cheese bread. It's a unique opportunity to savor the flavors of Brazil and immerse yourself in the local food culture.
Explore the Santa Teresa neighborhood
March is a great time to explore the Santa Teresa neighborhood, as the weather is usually mild and pleasant for walking around. The neighborhood is known for its bohemian atmosphere, charming cobblestone streets, and eclectic mix of art galleries, restaurants, and bars. It's a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience that offers a different side of Rio de Janeiro.
Take a boat tour of Guanabara Bay
March is a great time to take a boat tour of Guanabara Bay, as the weather is usually clear and sunny. You can cruise around the bay, taking in views of iconic landmarks like the Christ the Redeemer statue and the Sugarloaf Mountain. It's a unique way to see the city from a different perspective and learn about its history and culture.
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Take a surfing lesson at Prainha Beach
March is a great time to take a surfing lesson at Prainha Beach, as the waves are usually ideal for beginners. The beach is known for its clean and clear waters, golden sands, and stunning natural surroundings. It's a unique opportunity to learn how to surf in a beautiful and tranquil setting, away from the crowds of the city.
Visit the Selarón Steps
March is a great time to visit the Selarón Steps, as the weather is usually pleasant for walking around the city. The colorful mosaic steps are a unique and vibrant art installation that has become a popular tourist attraction. You can admire the intricate designs and take photos against the backdrop of the colorful tiles.
Hike to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain
March is a great time to hike to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, as the weather is usually mild and the views are stunning. From the summit, you can take in panoramic views of the city, the ocean, and the surrounding mountains. It's a challenging but rewarding hike that offers a unique perspective of Rio de Janeiro.
Visit the Tijuca National Park
March is a great time to visit the Tijuca National Park, as the rainforest is lush and green. You can explore the park's many hiking trails, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. It's a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Rio de Janeiro and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
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Holidays in Rio de Janeiro in March
March
  • Carnival Saturday (March 1)
  • Carnival Sunday (March 2)
  • Carnival Monday (March 3)
  • Carnival Tuesday (March 4)
  • Carnival end (March 5)
Other notable holidays
  • Carnival Friday (February 28)
  • Good Friday (April 18)
  • Easter Sunday (April 20)
  • Tiradentes Day (April 21)
  • Labor Day / May Day (May 1)
  • Mother's Day (May 11)
  • Brazilian Valentine's Day (June 12)
  • Corpus Christi (June 19)
  • Father's Day (August 10)
  • Independence Day (September 7)
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Weather in Rio de Janeiro in March

Temperatures on an average day in Rio de Janeiro in March

The average temperature in Rio de Janeiro in March for a typical day ranges from a high of 83°F (28°C) to a low of 73°F (23°C). Some would describe it as very warm, humid but cool.

For comparison, the hottest month in Rio de Janeiro, February, has days with highs of 85°F (30°C) and lows of 74°F (23°C). The coldest month, August has days with highs of 78°F (26°C) and lows of 63°F (17°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Rio de Janeiro in March based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in March
83°F
highs
73°F
lows

General weather summary

Very warm, humid but cool
Feels like
45%
Chance of rain
0.274 in
Amount
9.3 mph
Wind speed
80%
Humidity
12.2 hrs
Daylight length
5:53 AM
Sunrise
6:08 PM
Sunset
40%
Cloud cover
Sleeveless shirt
What to wear
What to wear in March
With an average high of 83°F (28°C) and a low of 73°F (23°C), it generally feels very warm, humid but cool. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something very light like a sleeveless shirt and remember to bring an umbrella
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Best attractions for Rio de Janeiro in March

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Rio de Janeiro has to offer for travelers in March, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Rio de Janeiro that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Rio de Janeiro for March.
Christ the Redeemer
1. Christ the Redeemer
4.8
(118917)
Cultural landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Giant, 30-m-tall mountaintop statue of Jesus Christ, accessed by train & offering city views.
Sugarloaf Mountain
2. Sugarloaf Mountain
4.8
(9572)
Mountain peak
Sights & Landmarks
This 396m-tall peak on a peninsula jutting out into the ocean features a cableway & sweeping views.
Copacabana Beach
3. Copacabana Beach
4.7
(7098)
Beach
Nature & Parks
Iconic, 2.2-mile beach features a wide, sandy expanse, bustling promenade, food kiosks & hotels.
Museu do Jardim Botânico
4. Museu do Jardim Botânico
4.7
(598)
Museum
Nature & Parks
In the Botanical Gardens, this museum features exhibits on environmental & sustainability issues.
Ipanema Beach
5. Ipanema Beach
4.7
(4422)
Beach
Nature & Parks
Long, popular stretch of beach known for sunbathing, along with soccer & volleyball.
Arpoador
6. Arpoador
4.8
(4672)
Beach
Nature & Parks
Swimming beach popular with photographers for its dramatic sunset views & landscape.
Maracanã
7. Maracanã
4.7
(103568)
Stadium
Sights & Landmarks
Legendary home of Brazilian soccer hosting Olympic games, plus the opening & closing ceremonies.
Municipal Theater of Rio de Janeiro
8. Municipal Theater of Rio de Janeiro
4.8
(19885)
Performing arts theater
Nature & Parks
Storied, Parisian-style theater from 1909 offering ballet & classical-music performances plus tours.
Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon
9. Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon
4.8
(3725)
Lake
Nature & Parks
Seawater lagoon that is the site of several OIympic & Paralympic rowing & canoeing events.
Morro da Urca
10. Morro da Urca
4.9
(701)
Mountain peak
Sights & Landmarks
A short hike leads to this 220-m. summit with an aerial tram station to Sugarloaf Mountain.
Escadaria Selarón
11. Escadaria Selarón
4.6
(81076)
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Landmark public stairway adorned by artist Jorge Selarón with colorful & hand-painted tiles.
Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil (CCBB)
12. Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil (CCBB)
4.8
(42459)
Cultural center
Sights & Landmarks
Art galleries, cinema & theater in a 1906 neoclassical building, managed by the Bank of Brazil.
Museu do Amanhã
13. Museu do Amanhã
4.7
(97234)
Science museum
Museums
Waterfront applied science museum exploring humanity's future challenges & opportunities.
Praia da Barra da Tijuca
14. Praia da Barra da Tijuca
4.8
(6854)
Beach
Nature & Parks
Wide, bustling stretch of sand lined with food kiosks, open sea views & a relaxing vibe.
Parque Lage
15. Parque Lage
4.6
(46142)
Park
Sights & Landmarks
Park with wooded trails, Christ the Redeemer statue views & a cafe & art school in an old mansion.
Arcos da Lapa | Aqueduto da Carioca
16. Arcos da Lapa | Aqueduto da Carioca
4.4
(23008)
Bridge
Sights & Landmarks
18th-century aqueduct with 2 rows of arches, now serving as a bridge for a tram.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Rio de Janeiro?

Get inspired for your trip to Rio de Janeiro with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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