When people think of Brazil, they often conjure images of lush rainforests, beautiful beaches, and vibrant carnivals. However, Brazil is a diverse country with various climatic zones. But does it snow in Brazil? Generally, it doesn’t snow in Brazil, but it does occasionally. Let’s explore everything you need to know about snowing in Brazil.
Does it snow in Brazil?
It does now in Brazil in the highlands of the country’s Southern Region, including Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and Paraná. Brazil receives an average of 64.2 inches (1630.68 millimeters) of snow each year.
When Does It Snow in Brazil?
Snow in Brazil primarily occurs during the winter months of June, July, and August. These months mark when temperatures drop significantly in the Southern Region, creating the ideal conditions for snowfall. In winter, Sao Joaquim has the most snow days in Brazil, attracting 13,000 tourists from other parts of the country.
Where Does It Snow in Brazil?
Snow in Brazil is predominantly confined to regions with high latitudes and large areas of high altitude, primarily in the South Region. Despite being concentrated at higher elevations, some reports mention snow at lower elevations, such as Ijuí and Porto Alegre.
Snow in the South Region of Brazil
The South region is the coldest in Brazil due to its high altitude. Snow tends to occur more regularly in southern municipalities like São Joaquim, Cambará do Sul, and Urubici. During wintertime in the southern region, tourism increases significantly when people visit cities like Gramado e Canela for winter festivals and low temperatures.
For snow to occur, temperatures need to reach negative degrees Celsius, which is more common in the mountain regions of the South. The phenomenon occurs because this region receives cold air masses from the South Pole during the winter in Brazil.
Since 2005, Brazil has been experiencing snow in the South every year, but only sometimes in the same cities. Significant snowfall events in the Southern Region have occurred in recent years. In 2013, more than 140 cities in the region, including the capital, Curitiba, experienced snowfall, marking a historic episode after 38 years.
Snow in Other Regions of Brazil
While the Southern Region takes the spotlight for snow in Brazil, snowfall has also been registered in southeastern states like São Paulo (last reported in Apiaí in 1975), Rio de Janeiro (last recorded at Itatiaia, Pico das Agulhas Negras, in 1985), and Minas Gerais. Additionally, there have been two occurrences in Paranhos, Mato Grosso do Sul (1975 and 2013).
However, it’s crucial to note that the remaining states, including the entire North and Northeast regions, have climates characterized by low latitude and altitude, making snow virtually impossible. There have been no snow reports, even at the highest point in Brazil, Pico da Neblina.
Brazil Snowfall History
| Date | Location | Snowfall Amount |
| August 7, 1879 | Vacaria, Rio Grande do Sul | 2 meters (79 inches) |
| July 20, 1957 | São Joaquim, Santa Catarina | 1.3 meters (51 inches) |
| June 15, 1985 | Pico das Agulhas Negras, Itatiaia, Rio de Janeiro | 1 meter (39 inches) |
North and Northeast states have tropical and semi-arid climates and low latitudes and altitudes, making snow (virtually) impossible. Pico da Neblina, the country’s highest point, has not received any snowfall.
Where to Experience Snow in Brazil?
You need to know that even though snow occurs every winter in Brazil, only some cities listed below experience it yearly. Nonetheless, if you want to experience snow in Brazil, these cities have the highest chance of this phenomenon occurring. Among the cities in this list, Gramado is the most tourism-focused city, with an excellent infrastructure of hotels, restaurants, transport, attractions, and landmarks.
- Bom Jardim da Serra – Santa Catarina
- Lauro Müller – Santa Catarina
- Cambará do Sul – Rio Grande do Sul
- Palmas – Paraná
- Urubici – Santa Catarina
- São Joaquim – Santa Catarina
- Urupema – Santa Catarina
- Bom Jesus – Rio Grande do Sul
- São José dos Ausentes – Rio Grande do Sul
- Gramado – Rio Grande do Sul.
Winter in Brazil (July-August)
South: Chilling Temperatures and Snow
In states like Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, and Santa Catarina, winter is marked by freezing temperatures. Temperatures can drop below zero, resulting in frost and occasional snowfall. Popular winter destinations include Gramado, Canela, and Curitiba, which are known for charming towns and local cuisine.
Southeast: Milder Temperatures and Dry Days
States like Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Espírito Santo experience milder winters. Average temperatures range from 15ºC to 17ºC, with occasional rainstorms. Teresópolis, Tiradentes, and Serra Negra offer serene getaways with historical sites and natural wonders.
North and Northeast: Mild and Humid
In regions like Bahia, Ceará, and Pernambuco, winters are mild and humid. Occasional rain showers occur, but temperatures remain warm (18ºC to 32ºC).
Off-season travel offers lower prices, with warm beaches and chilly ridge areas.
Central-West: Dry and Pleasant
States like Brasília, Goiás, and Mato Grosso experience a dry and pleasant winter. Average temperatures range from 15ºC to 24ºC, with sunny days and cool nights.
Activities include sunset views in Brasília, swimming in warm rivers in Bonito, and exploring Jalapão’s natural wonders.
Ski Resort in Brazil
Ski Mountain Park is located in São Roque, a city in the state of São Paulo in southeastern Brazil. While the resort may not boast extensive slopes like traditional ski destinations, it offers approximately 0.4 kilometers of ski slopes. It is worth noting that the ski slopes here are relatively limited in length. Ski Mountain Park provides skiers with 2 ski lifts to access the slopes.
The ski resort reaches an altitude of up to 1,230 meters, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to experience winter sports in Brazil’s subtropical climate.
Setting expectations is essential when planning a ski trip to Brazil. The country’s ski resorts, including Ski Mountain Park – São Roque, offer a limited skiing experience compared to renowned international ski destinations. However, for those in Brazil or travelers looking for a unique winter adventure in an unexpected location, Ski Mountain Park can provide a fun and memorable skiing experience.
Conclusion
Brazil’s snow primarily graces the Southern Region’s high plains. Before going on vacation, check out the weather forecast and plan to enjoy snow and snow activities in Brazil. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of snowfall events in the Southern Region, drawing both tourists and locals to experience the enchantment of a snow-covered landscape.
