November is a transition month in Rio: the heat is back, the rainy season begins and the city has not yet switched into year-end festivities mode. It also has three national holidays, which change opening hours for shops and transportation. This guide tells you what to expect and how to plan your trip.
At a glance
- Weather: heat and the start of the rainy season, which according to the Sistema Alerta Rio runs from November to April.
- National holidays in 2026: Monday the 2nd (Finados), Sunday the 15th (Proclamação da República) and Friday the 20th (Dia Nacional de Zumbi e da Consciência Negra).
- Long weekends: October 31 to November 2, and November 20 to 22.
- Advantage: it is not yet the summer high season, nor Réveillon or Carnival.
- Plan B: keep indoor activities on hand for rainy afternoons.
What the weather is like
The Sistema Alerta Rio climate report ↗, from the city government, analyzes rainfall from 1997 to 2024 and temperature from 2014 to 2024. For November, the useful points are:
- Rain: November opens the rainy season, which lasts until April. The report singles it out as a month with many rainy days on average.
- Heat: the highest temperatures in the series, above 43 °C, were recorded in October and November. That is not the temperature of every day, but it shows there can be very hot days.
These are averages to guide you, not a forecast. A week before your trip, check the forecast; and if a very hot day comes up, check the heat level the city publishes, as we explain in heat in Rio.
The month's holidays
According to the official 2026 calendar ↗ from the Ministério da Gestão, November has three national holidays:
| Date | Holiday | Day of the week in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| November 2 | Finados | Monday |
| November 15 | Proclamação da República | Sunday |
| November 20 | Dia Nacional de Zumbi e da Consciência Negra | Friday |
November 20 has been a national holiday since Lei 14.759/2023 ↗. On holidays, the metro runs on its Sunday schedule (7 a.m. to 11 p.m., according to MetrôRio ↗), some shops close and beaches and outings get busier. You will find the full calendar in holidays in Rio 2026 and 2027.
What to do in November
- Beach, early: go in the morning, before the strongest sun, and check the INEA bulletin before swimming, as we explain in how to tell if a beach is safe for swimming.
- Viewpoints and trails, with some leeway: choose mornings and check the day's forecast. If it has rained hard, wait for the paths to dry.
- Museums and cultural centers: they are the plan for rainy afternoons. Ideas in Rio when it rains.
- Rodas de samba and nights out: long weekends tend to be livelier; confirm each venue's program.
The November 2026 events calendar is not complete yet. To see what is confirmed, check close to your dates the calendar of RIOEVENTOS ↗, the city government's events company, and that of Riotur ↗.
Bookings and prices
November comes before summer and the year-end festivities. Even so, long weekends attract domestic travelers: if you are traveling around the 2nd or the 20th, book ahead. To compare with the rest of the year, see Rio in the low season and the guide to the best time to visit.
Frequently asked questions
Does it rain all day?
Not necessarily. The averages point to more rainy days than in winter, not to constant rain. Plan the important things for the morning and keep the afternoon flexible.
Is November or December better?
November tends to be quieter and free of year-end festivities. December adds summer weather and the run-up to Réveillon, with more demand. Compare in Rio in December.
What is open on holidays?
It depends on each place: some attractions open with special hours and others close. Check their official website before going.
Sources: Sistema Alerta Rio: climate report ↗, Ministério da Gestão: 2026 holidays ↗, Lei 14.759/2023 ↗, MetrôRio ↗ and RIOEVENTOS ↗, accessed October 27, 2026.