Brazil in July

July is one of the coolest months in much of Brazil, especially in the south, although if you’re looking to have the sights to yourself and don’t mind wrapping up warm in the mornings and evenings, it can still be a good time to discover some of the country’s highlights, including the Iguazu Falls, Rio de Janeiro, Paraty and Ouro Preto.

It’s not the best month to enjoy the beaches, either in the cooler south-east or the north-east, where it’s still rainy this month. But it is officially the start of the dry season in the Amazon – although there’s never any guarantee you’ll escape rain altogether in a rainforest – where it’s hot and humid year-round. Great for jungle trekking and some guaranteed warmth.

The dry season continues in the Pantanal too, although it can get quite cool at night this month. Bird-watchers should flock there as much of the area’s birdlife is building nests this month and easier to spot, while low water levels and vegetation means you have more chance of spotting some of the wetland’s elusive creatures, including jaguars.

Water levels are still high in the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, with the lagoons sparkling amid the dunes, but with dry days to appreciate them.

Best for: Cool weather, Lencois Maranhenses National Park, wildlife spotting