Brazil in January

It’s midsummer in Brazil this month, with the seasons reversed for the southern hemisphere, so you can enjoy one of the warmest periods across the country. Whether you’re hitting the beaches, exploring the cities like Rio de Janeiro or venturing off the beaten tourist track to discover a few hidden corners of Brazil, you’ll have sun almost everywhere.

You can expect to have to share those world-famous beaches and attractions with plenty of others during peak season though. If you’re looking to escape the packed stretches of sand like Copacabana, venture south to Ilha Grande. Once home to pirates and some of the country’s most notorious prisoners, this laid-back island makes a tempting alternative to the busy city beaches. Or consider escaping further north to the protected Fernando de Noronha archipelago where daily numbers are limited, but the snorkelling and scenery are a little slice of heaven.

Once you’ve ticked off the highlights like Sugarloaf mountain and Corcovado, discover some less visited parts of Brazil, including gold rush history at towns like Ouro Preto and Tiradentes. Or head south to colonial Paraty, where you can wander the historic cobbled streets before finding more quiet coves to relax in.

The hotter months of the year are also wetter, so wildlife watching in the Pantanal is all but ruled out in January because of the rain. It’s the start of the wet season in the Amazon rainforest too, although with rainfall year-round, your choice really is between wet and wetter here. With water levels rising, it means some paths on land are off limits, although on the flipside you can now canoe into parts of the rainforest that aren’t accessible during the dry season. With fruit on the lush green trees and bushes, it’s also a good chance to spot monkeys and birds feasting away.

Festivals: New Year starts with a bang in Rio de Janeiro with Reveillon, with millions of people joining the celebrations. Copacabana beach is the heart of the festivities, where you can watch fireworks over the sea and hear live music, as well as grabbing a caipirinha or three.

Best for: Warm weather nationwide, exploring the cities, New Year celebrations