Brazil in May

The weather stays dry in the south of Brazil this month, with temperatures dropping a little further –if you’re looking for a holiday in Brazil without the heat, humidity and crowds of peak season, it’s a perfect time to explore. The dry weather continues in the Pantanal as well this month, with some fantastic wildlife-spotting whether you’re exploring the quiet southern Pantanal, fancy a wetlands safari in the northern Pantanal, or want to mix snorkelling and some downtime with a safari.

Shoulder season is a great time to see some of Brazil’s highlights, as Rio de Janeiro is quieter this year, as is the Iguazu Falls, while still being warm enough to explore. May is also a good time to hit the beaches of the south-east, with pleasantly warm temperatures in the mid-20s at Ilha Grande and Buzios. Or take a trip through Brazil’s history, discovering the 17th century gold rush in Ouro Preto or UNESCO World Heritage Site Paraty, which also boomed during the gold trade.

The weather is finally getting drier in the Amazon too – this is a rainforest, so always be prepared for showers though. As river levels drop, it can be a good time to see wildlife as the animals seek out water, while you can also consider jungle trekking in the forest along with a cruise on the Amazon river.

It’s still rainy in north-eastern Brazil, with the wettest month of the year in Salvador as well as enough drizzle to put you off the beaches at Bahia.

Festivals: The Cavalhadas festival takes place around Pentecost, and the celebrations have been named as Intangible Cultural Heritage. The highlight is the recreation of a battle between Christian knights and Arabs, especially in the city of Pirenopolis near Brasilia, but you can also experience it in Guarapuava, Pocone in the Pantanal and elsewhere in Brazil.

Best for: Exploring without the crowds, a safari in the Pantanal, Iguazu Falls, the beaches of the south-east, the Amazon