University of California, Education Abroad Program

University of California, Education Abroad Program

Student Guide for Brazil

Climate and Clothing-Brazil

When traveling always carry your passport, visa, ticket, prescription medications and money on your person or in your carry on bag. Never put valuables in your checked luggage. Leave extra credit cards at home.

Carry your host country consulate about taking specific items (cameras, computers, etc.) into the country.
Climate

The winter in southern Brazil is from June to August, and the summer season is from December to February. Although there are variations in rainfall, rain can occur year-round throughout Brazil.

Because of its location on the Atlantic coast, Rio's climate is humid tropical. Temperatures average about 80°F most of the year. From December to March it is quite hot and very humid, with temperatures ranging from the 70s to the upper 90s. Evenings are somewhat cooler. Rains can be frequent and heavy. In the fall (March to May), temperatures range from the low 60s to highs in the 80s with less humidity, and less rain. Winter weather (June to August) ranges from the mid 60s to low 80s with some rainfall. Although Petr6polis is only an hour from Rio, it is at a higher elevation and is somewhat cooler than Rio. Rains during the ILP in Petr6polis should be expected.

Clothing

Take comfortable, light clothing. Since it is so damp in Brazil, your clothes may not dry well. It's important that the clothes you take are lightweight and breathable. Dress is informal, although university students dress neatly and more formally than UC counterparts. For the most part people in Brazil wear dressy or casual Bermuda shorts, and in the winter they wear jeans. In smaller towns near Rio people may dress more conservatively. Sunglasses and umbrellas are recommended. Rain gear should be lightweight and breathable (such as Goretex).

For men and women, your present wardrobe should suffice. You should take one dressier outfit for more formal occasions. To avoid unwelcome attention, women should not wear scanty attire, halter tops, and revealing clothing off the beach. Clothes, including shoes and other leather goods, cost about the same or more in Brazil in comparison with the U.S. Formal clothing is very expensive, as are imported sweaters and sports shoes.

Take warmer clothes for the winter months, especially if you intend to travel farther south or into the interior highlands. You may want to dress in layers, so that you can add or remove clothing as conditions change. Take warm sleepwear for the colder months, including warm bedroom slippers. You will be doing a lot of walking in Brazil, so be sure to take comfortable walking shoes, including boots and tennis shoes.