10 Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro in August

Rio de Janeiro is an ideal city to visit all year round, as the climate remains pleasant and mild regardless of the season. In August, winter is at its peak, but the days are sunny and temperatures range from 19°C to 25°C. The main advantage is that it is one of the months with the fewest rainy days, so you can make plans to enjoy the outdoors. The only drawback is that it is high season, so the streets are crowded with tourists and prices rise considerably. September is an ideal month to take advantage of the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro. For example, you can enjoy the last soccer games of the season, sample Rio Gastronomia's culinary offerings, rock out at Rock in Rio, explore the seasonal harvests, or try the typical drink known as cachaça.

The soccer season in Brazil runs from February to August, so it's a must-see if you plan to visit the city. I recommend setting aside at least three days in Rio de Janeiro to enjoy this adrenaline-filled experience. The locals are passionate about the games, and it's an activity that became popular when the Maracanã Stadium was used as the venue for the iconic 1950 World Cup.

The stadium also hosted other sporting events during the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. The reason why the last local soccer games are played in August is because of the good weather. The mild temperatures and low chance of rain create the ideal conditions for enjoying a smooth outdoor game.

Sign up for a tour of the Maracanã Stadium

The Maracanã Stadium is an imposing building with years of sporting history, which has juicy secrets behind the scenes, such as the dressing room, the press room, and the field. As you venture on a tour of its facilities, you can discover at your own pace the curiosities of the home of soccer in the region. You can do it on your own, or take advantage of the best tours in Rio de Janeiro to see the trophies and collected objects up close.

These tours are available between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. You can take photos to remember your visit, without restrictions, and professional photography packages are available for purchase inside. This experience costs approximately €18 per person, but it is well worth it if you go with your family.

Experience the passion of soccer in Rio de Janeiro

Although the Maracanã Stadium is impressive when empty, nothing compares to the vibrant energy during a soccer game. August marks the end of the season, so these are the most sought-after games that no local wants to miss. It is the perfect month to take advantage of soccer activities in Rio de Janeiro, which involve Carioca rituals before, during, and after the sporting events.

The games last approximately six hours, so it is advisable to buy tickets in advance to get good seats, or to participate in a guided experience. In the middle of the game, you will hear the fans of each team chanting, and you will even see people waving flags. Some games are also held at Nilton Santos Olympic Stadium, which is a sports complex with modern facilities.

The price of the guided experience is usually around €105, but it is worth it as it generally includes tickets, transportation, comfortable seats in a covered area, and the advice of a local guide. It is advisable to attend games with professionals, as at these types of events there are stands where fans of different teams mix and arguments can occur.

August is the month for outdoor activities, so you can take advantage of exploring the Tijuca rainforest. It is one of the best excursions from Rio de Janeiro, as it is a nearby destination less than twenty minutes away, which you can access on your own or with a local guide. It is an urban green area with a variety of animal species, including monkeys, butterflies, and birds.

Additionally, in August there is little chance of rain and you can take advantage of jeep tours, as the terrain is safe. This phenomenon occurs mainly in Rio de Janeiro, due to its proximity to the Caribbean: in fact, other cities face a different type of climate. There are safe guided tours for tourists starting at €63, which usually include transportation, a professional guide, and recreational activities. Keep in mind that in the jungle you can enjoy:

• Visit Cachoeira dos Macacos or Monkey Falls, a hiking and trekking area ideal for beginners. Here you can cool off and discover local fruits.
• Climb to the Vista Chinesa viewpoint near the waterfall, which offers panoramic views of Christ the Redeemer and the bays of Ipanema and Copacabana.
• Pass through the Mata Atlântica, an Atlantic forest where endangered species can be found.
• Visit Mayrink Chapel, a chapel in the middle of the mountain with great historical value where mass is held only once a month.
• Explore the Emperor's Table stone viewpoint, which offers a complete view of the city.

Rio de Janeiro certainly has a unique way of doing things. In this Brazilian city, the best time to sunbathe and enjoy the beaches is not in the summer, but in the winter. In August, you are likely to enjoy sunny days and great weather, although you should keep in mind that the water is usually cold. Therefore, the best plan is to take advantage of the sun and cool off during the peak hours when the rays are strongest.

I recommend visiting Copacabana Beach, as in August there are usually short races organized by the sea, volleyball tournaments, and other activities to take advantage of the weather. In addition, you can climb up to the Copacabana Fort to enjoy the panoramic views.

You can also stop by the Copacabana Palace, the renowned hotel where Lady Gaga, Walt Disney, Princess Diana, and other celebrities have stayed. The hotel celebrates its anniversary every August 10 with music, exhibitions, food tastings, and more.

Another beach you can't miss is Ipanema Beach, where salsa rounds are organized by the sea, and it is surrounded by beach bars with a variety of cuisine. If you are looking for things to do in Rio de Janeiro at night, the nightlife of this bay will captivate you. Finally, to take advantage of the calm August winds and fly over the beaches, you can also join a tandem paragliding experience.

Rio Gastronomy is a massive annual event that reveals the secrets of Rio's cuisine. It's ideal if you plan to spend three days or more in Rio de Janeiro, as the festival lasts for about a week. It brings together the best local restaurants, as well as food trucks and traditional food stalls. Outdoor concerts, cooking workshops, and local tastings are also organized.

It is open to the public, so you can stay as long as you want. You will find free stands and other stalls where you will have to purchase the dishes you wish to sample.

If you plan to attend this food festival and after sampling Brazil's culinary delights, you will surely want to complement it by joining a cooking class in Rio de Janeiro to learn how to prepare Brazilian dishes such as picanha steak, farofa, brigadeiro, and more.

Rio de Janeiro is undoubtedly known for hosting the most famous carnivals in the world, featuring the flavor of samba. Unfortunately, they take place at the beginning of the year. However, in August there are replicas of this unmissable activity, which is undoubtedly in the DNA of the region. Get ready to experience Brazilian musical rhythms and dances at:

• Experience Carnaval: you can visit the samba factory and witness the preparations for the parade at the Rio de Janeiro Samba School. It is an ideal activity in August, as carnivals are approaching and you can be a spectator behind the scenes and other preparations, such as the making of the floats.
• Ginga Tropical Show: to soak up the culture of Rio, there's nothing better than attending a show in August with Brazilian music, dances such as samba, capoeira, forró, lambada, traditional costumes, orchestras, and other performances.

The vibrant atmosphere in August is ideal for running through the streets of the city. That's why the Rio de Janeiro Half Marathon is held every year. It's a sporting event where beginners and professional runners can participate, as it has a 5-kilometer route and a 21-kilometer route. To sign up, you must register in advance and reserve your race number.

There are various packages available, ranging from €22 to around €70 per person, with certain benefits included. The 5K race usually starts in Lapa and ends at Flamengo Beach, while the 21K race runs along the Copacabana beachfront. Along the way, you will find hydration points and transportation stations.

The Cachaça Fair is an extension of Rio Gastronomia, initially held exclusively in Paraty. This city is a five-hour drive from Rio de Janeiro, but fortunately in recent years it has begun to be organized in the center of the region. Cachaça is a Brazilian alcoholic beverage consumed in many cities around the world.

At this event, you can taste the famous cachaça and learn about the production process. The organization has food stalls, music, and cultural performances. After this event, you can continue exploring the city on one of the best tours of Rio de Janeiro and take a tour of the city's main bars. Without a doubt, when night falls, you can enjoy new experiences and taste the variations of this unique Carioca drink.

Rock in Rio is a music festival that comes to life in the city between August and September. It should not be confused with the event of the same name that takes place in Lisbon in June. An interesting fact is that it has gone international, with some editions taking place in Madrid, Las Vegas, and other cities around the world.

In fact, the first edition took place in 1985 in the Jacarepaguá neighborhood and featured the band Queen. Since then, bands and artists of different rock styles have performed every year. You can find tickets starting at 50 euros, as well as family passes for around 150 euros. Additionally, it is an ecological and sustainable event, where some funds are distributed to environmental causes.

Art is very important in Rio de Janeiro, which is why Theater Artist Day is celebrated every August 19. It is a special date that honors creative work, and recreational activities are organized that you won't want to miss. Throughout the month, you will find something to see, such as art exhibitions and opera performances. To learn more about the history of local art, you can check out the best museums in Rio de Janeiro.

Of course, the best place to experience this day is in the city's theaters. The price of tickets depends on the theater and the type of play. For example, there are affordable options ranging from €15 to €70. In general, I recommend visiting the Municipal Theater: it has an imposing facade and features renowned Brazilian artists. The plays on Theater Artist Day are magical, entertaining, and captivating.

From June to August, wine consumption increases in Rio de Janeiro, so I recommend going out in search of the most exquisite Brazilian wines in the region. For example, enjoying an evening of wine tasting is one of the best activities to do in Rio de Janeiro during this month, when temperatures are a little cooler in the evening. It's an ideal plan to keep warm and connect with Carioca traditions.

Brazilian wine is characterized by the use of European, African, and regional grapes. The most interesting thing is that you will learn more about the challenges faced by winemakers and learn about the production process. Another plan is to take advantage of the best excursions from Rio de Janeiro and visit local wineries, where the harvest festival is also celebrated in summer.