Brazil in August

While it’s still Brazil’s low season, and winter in the southern hemisphere, the country does get busier in August during school holidays. It’s still relatively cool but dry in much of the south of Brazil, although pleasantly warm in Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte for those coming from northern Europe. You can still find sunshine at the beaches, including glamorous Buzios, dubbed the St Tropez of Brazil.

And if you prepare for chilly mornings, it’s a great month for a more active visit to the Iguazu Falls, whether that’s hiking the trails around the waterfalls or cycling. Water levels are still reasonably high this month, to experience the crashing power of the cascades.

It’s also one of the best months to visit the Amazon. No chance of being chilly here, with hot, humid days but generally drier weather for walking in the forest and spotting animals. Or head to the Pantanal for more amazing wildlife, including a chance to spot jaguar and an impressive array of birdlife, whether you visit the southern Pantanal or northern Pantanal.

While the rains are starting to ease in north-eastern Brazil, you can still expect it to be wet if you’re looking at a visit to the beaches around Bahia, or a visit to Salvador. The weather in the Chapada mountains is ideal for hiking too, although as it comes towards the end of the dry season here, the waterfalls aren’t always at their best.

Festivals: The Festival de Cachaca in Paraty transforms this quiet, historic town into party central, with a celebration of Brazil’s national spirit, made from sugar cane. As well as plenty of chances to sample the different varieties, the festival shows off Brazil’s party spirit, with samba, traditional food and plenty of fun to be found.

Best for: The Amazon, wildlife in the Pantanal, the cities and beaches of the south