As a destination heavily influenced by climate conditions, learn everything you need to know about seasons and the weather before you plan your Pantanal trip!
The best time to visit the Pantanal is from May to October, covering the intermediate and dry seasons. However, this is an all-year round destination, since its seasons present different opportunities for activities amongst ever-changing landscapes.
Just like other wetlands around the world, the annual rise and fall of water levels in the Pantanal provides the foundation for its ecological system. Although the region’s climate and wildlife behavior is heavily influenced by these seasons, they’re becoming more unpredictable each day due to climate change — which can cause variations in forecasts.
Photo: Felipe Castellari, Caiman
Seasons and the Pantanal weather by month
The Pantanal has four well-defined main seasons: rainy, wet, intermediate and dry seasons.
Due to its location in the Brazilian Highlights, temperatures remain relatively consistent year-round, averaging 27°C (80°F). In this guide, we’ll explain the differences between each season and the best time to book your Pantanal safari.
Pantanal Rainy Season (November and December)
The rainy season begins in November and lasts until December, bringing the first rains and transforming the landscape into a vibrant green. It marks the start of the regeneration cycle, with the flora growing and wildlife beginning to spread out again.
The abundant food sources draw in hundreds of bird species, who take the opportunity to teach their young how to fly. Flocks of macaws and storks are often spotted, but sightings of mammals have become less frequent.
The average temperature in November and December in the Pantanal ranges from 23°C to 28°C (73°F to 82°F), with increasing humidity as the rains commence.
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Pantanal Wet Season (December, January, February and March)
The wet season in the Pantanal is also characterized by rainfall. During this period, the plains flood and the rivers overflow, creating a vast aquatic environment.
January and February in the Pantanal are the months with the most rainfall during this season, making the landscapes even more dynamic and lush. It’s an ideal time to explore the biome by boat, as the waterways expand and offer access to remote areas.
The wildlife — including caimans, capybaras, and countless species of birds — thrive in this atmosphere, but access to some areas may be limited due to high water levels.
With high humidity, the average temperature during the wet season ranges from 24°C to 29°C (75°F to 84°F).
Photo: Aleksandrs Orlovs
Pantanal Intermediate Season (April, May and June)
From April to June, the intermediate season marks the transition from the wet to the dry season. As the water levels start to drop and more land is exposed, the animals that had scattered with the flood return to the plains once again.
This time is excellent for birdwatching, as many species gather in the remaining waters. The landscape begins to dry, but the vegetation remains lush and green, offering a beautiful visual contrast.
April brings starry skies and a milder weather that can make night expeditions even more delightful. By May, temperatures are consistently pleasant — great for Pantanal safaris during the day!
Average temperatures range from 22°C to 27°C (72°F to 81°F), providing a slightly fresh, yet comfortable climate for exploration.
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Pantanal Dry Season (July, August, September and October)
The dry season is arguably the best time for wildlife watching. As water sources diminish, Pantanal animals tend to cluster around the remaining watering holes, making them easier to spot.
August, in particular, is known for clear skies and very little rain, ideal for safaris and photographic tours. It’s also a great time for horseback riding and walking tours, as the dry paths make exploration more accessible.
The average temperature during ranges from 20°C to 26°C (68°F to 79°F), making it the most pleasant season for outdoor activities.
Photo: VisitMS
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- Photo: Keith Ladzinski, Caiman
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- Photo: Layla Motta, Caiman
When is the best time to see jaguars in the Pantanal?
In North Pantanal — aka the best place in the world to see jaguars —, the animals begin to concentrate on the riverbanks as the water level starts to drop, between the intermediate season (May to June), and continue to gather until October, during the dry season.
This significantly increases the chances of spotting jaguars, making this the best time to go to the Pantanal for many travelers, who can enjoy unforgettable moments on boat safaris in Porto Jofre to watch these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
However, in South Pantanal, there is a hidden gem: an ecological refuge that offers the Luxury Jaguar Safari. Here, visitors can see jaguars at any time of the year, regardless of the season, as they are protected in preserved areas and are accustomed to the presence of humans. Safaris are done by 4×4 vehicles, providing an exciting and immersive experience.
Photo: Henk-Bogaard
👉 Read more: North or South Pantanal: which is best to visit?
North Pantanal weather
Porto Jofre, in the municipality of Poconé, Mato Grosso, is the Northern Pantanal main town, where most of the lodges are located. See what the weather is like right now:
South Pantanal weather
Corumbá, in Mato Grosso do Sul, is one of the surrounding towns of the Southern Pantanal. Aquidauana and Miranda are also important getaways for the wetlands. This is the current weather:
👉 Read more: How to get to the Pantanal, Brazil
Book your Pantanal trip with PlanetaEXO
Now that you know when is the best time to visit the Pantanal in Brazil and learned a little more about the weather and the seasons, let’s start planning your vacation!
PlanetaEXO specializes in Pantanal tours and works with the best local operators to make sure your travel and stay experiences are unlike any other. Contact us now!
