Not sure when is the best time to travel to the Amazon? This guide will teach you everything about the forest’s seasons and help you plan your next vacation!
With two very well-defined seasons (wet and dry seasons), the best time to visit the Amazon Rainforest depends on what you’re looking for. This is an all-year-round destination, but some periods are more favorable to certain activities than others
The weather is warm throughout the entire year, but it’s the humidity you should pay attention to—it is a rainforest, after all. The rain is mostly an everyday occurrence, but there are specific times when rainstorms are more common. But don’t you worry: your experience will not be affected!
To help with your vacation planning, PlanetaEXO, a platform specialized in Amazon Rainforest tours in Brazil, has put together a guide on when you should book your trip. Check it out below!
Visiting the Amazon in the wet season
December, January, February, March, April and May
The wet season is when rainfall is the heaviest, from December to May. Rivers get higher, the Amazon Basin starts to flood and the weather is slightly cooler, with an average temperature of 25,8 ºC (78 ºF).
Rainstorms hit the forest daily, but your trip won’t be negatively affected, since they only last about an hour per day. When the sky clears, you can go back outside and enjoy yourself.
Another impressive feature of the rainy season is the igapós. The intense rainfall causes some areas of the forests to become flooded. Depending on river levels, the water can reach up to 10 meters in height, transforming the vegetation into a natural pool that delights underwater animals and humans alike.
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Amazonian winter
While the rest of Brazil heats up with spring and summer, the Amazonian winter (December to March) affects the Northern states.
Despite its name, the season is really not about temperature — which remain high, as usual —, but the intensity of rainfall that causes rivers to rise and forests to flood. In the Amazonian winter, it’s possible for the amount of rain that would normally fall in an entire month to fall in two or three days.
This phenomenon happens for a few reasons:
- Lack of well-defined season in the North
- Oscillation of a band of cloudiness over the Equator
- Transport of humidity from the North Atlantic
- Specific climatic phenomena, such as La Niña
Your travel experience isn’t negatively affected by this, but some activities are more favorable than others during this time, as detailed below.
What to do during the wet season in the Amazon Rainforest?
This is the perfect season for water-related itineraries. Due to the heavy rainfall, you don’t walk through the forest, you navigate through it:
- Igapós (flooded forests): Canoe, swim or go on aquatic hikes between treetops, orchids, bromeliads and other plants at eye level.
- Wildlife watching: Terrestrial animals tend to climb to the treetops when the forest floods, making it much easier to spot sloths and monkeys. Various species of birds and the famous Amazon pink dolphins are also frequently seen.
- Destinations for the Amazon rainy season: Anavilhanas National Park, Mamirauá Reserve and Alter do Chão are some of the top places to travel during this period. Explore water labyrinths, admire the wildlife and join canoe trips.
- River cruises: Sailing across the Amazon, Negro or Solimões rivers on 3-floor vessels is a wonderful way to experience nature from a whole new perspective.
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👉 Read more: Best Amazon River Cruises in Brazil
Visiting the Amazon in the dry season
June, July, August, September, October and November
Between June and November, the dry season makes the temperature warmer, with an average of 27,9 ºC (82 ºF). It still rains, but it’s less frequent and the water volume is lower. This allows the floods to drain, unblocking various hiking trails that were previously submerged — although there still are a considerable amount of flooded areas.
Less rain also means reduced rivers and a better look at different species of fish and even Amazon pink dolphins. When the water recedes, aquatic animals have less space to swim around, so their occupation is concentrated in smaller zones.
Keep in mind: from October to December, extended dry seasons are becoming more frequent, causing rivers to shrink, limiting access to a few areas and potentially reducing encounters with some species of animals and plants. The rivers are expected to slowly start rising by November and December. The conditions are much better by January, so the recommendation is to book your tour from this month onwards.
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What to do during the dry season in the Amazon Rainforest?
Land-based itineraries are the highlights of the dry season, but it’s still very much possible to do incredible aquatic activities:
- River beaches: Known as the Caribbean of the Amazon, Alter do Chão is the main destination for visiting river beaches, though Anavilhanas and the Manaus region are also great spots.
- Jungle hiking: This is the perfect time for modest hikes or long treks in the forest — including caves and waterfalls —, as well as camping and night walks.
- Night spotlight: As the flooded area shrinks drastically, caimans gather on the banks of the main rivers and the remaining lakes. At night, “spotting” (shining flashlights into their eyes) reveals hundreds of bright spots in the water. With some luck, you might see other nocturnal creatures, too.
- Amazon river cruises: Cruises are one of the most versatile activities in the Amazon, as they can be enjoyed during both the rainy and dry seasons.
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👉 Read more: Best Places to Visit in the Amazon, Brazil
High and low seasons in the Amazon, Brazil
The high season is the time of year when the greatest number of people visit a certain destination. Increased demand doesn’t harm the travel experience, but it can affect aspects such as higher prices, more visitors, and reduced availability in the best Amazon jungle lodges.
The following months are usually the busiest:
- December and January: Holidays, vacations, and work/school breaks cause people to travel more.
- February: Carnival is one of the most important holidays in Brazil. After four days of festivities, tourist activity in the Amazon tends to grow (usually in the second half of February, depending on the annual calendar).
- June, July and August: School break in Brazil, and North American and European countries.
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The low season occurs during the months not mentioned above. If you are looking for more peacefulness, exclusivity, and affordable prices, this is the best time to go to the Amazon!
Amazon Rainforest weather
The Amazon in Brazil is big enough to reach eight different states, but we’ll focus on three: Amazonas, Pará and Mato Grosso. All of them, of course, have their own features, travel options and weather patterns.
To help you decide when is the best time to go to the Amazon, check the widgets below to see how the weather is right now in these locations.
👉 Read more: How to get to the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil?
Manaus, Amazonas
Manaus is the capital of Amazonas, the state in which the forest occupies the largest portion – about 29% of the Brazilian Amazon, ranging 1.450.00 km². It’s bigger than the entire country of Peru (1.285.216 km²)!
That’s why Amazonas is the most seeked out destination for a lot of people who want to immerse themselves into the Amazon Rainforest. Makes sense, huh?
Belém, Pará
Pará sits right beside Amazonas, in the North of Brazil. The Amazon takes up a smaller area here, with “only” 930.00 km². It’s almost as big as Tanzania (947,303 km²), in Africa.
See below how the weather is right now in Belém, the capital of Pará.
Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso
Alta Floresta is a town in Mato Grosso with a population of over sixty-two thousand people, located in the north of the state and the south of the Amazon. The rainforest takes up 470.000 km² — larger than the California area (423,967 km²).
Take a look at the current weather in Alta Floresta:
The best time to visit the Amazon in Brazil is whenever you want!
As a year-round destination, the Amazon allows for incredible experiences at any time — it all depends on your schedule and preferences.
Now all you have to do is choose the most convenient date to plan your trip with PlanetaEXO, the ecotourism platform specialized in Amazon Rainforest tours in Brazil that works with the best local partners. Our team will help with everything you need to make your vacation one of the best moments of your life. Contact us now!
