Brazil December Packing List: The Ultimate Guide to What to Wear in the Southern Summer

December in Brazil marks the start of summer—hot, humid, and full of energy. It’s a festive season with beach days, lively cities, and year-end celebrations like Christmas and New Year’s Eve, especially along the coast. Think sunshine, samba, and swimsuits.

Whether you’re exploring Rio, relaxing in Bahia, or venturing into the Amazon, your packing list should prepare you for heat, sudden rain showers, and vibrant social scenes. Light, breathable clothing and water-friendly accessories are your best friends.

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📝Note: This article is all about what to pack for Brazil in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!

Weather & Travel Context 🌦️

• ☀️ Rio de Janeiro: 24°C to 33°C (75°F to 91°F), hot and humid.
• 🌦️ São Paulo: 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), warm with sudden rain.
• 🌴 Salvador: 25°C to 31°C (77°F to 88°F), tropical and sunny.
• 🌧️ Rain is common—especially in the afternoons.

What to Pack for Brazil in December

🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools

• 🧳 Lightweight suitcase – Easy to carry and summer-friendly.
• 🎒 Day backpack – For day trips and beach essentials.
• 🧩 Packing cubes – Great for sorting beachwear and casual outfits.
• 👟 Shoe bags – Store sandals or muddy shoes separately.
• 🧼 Toiletry kit – Heatproof, spill-proof container.
• 📂 Document pouch – Protect against moisture or theft.
• 👜 Reusable tote – For beach or markets.
• 🧺 Mesh laundry bag – Great for airing damp swimsuits.
• ⚖️ Luggage scale – Light clothes = easy to overpack.
• 🔒 TSA lock – Keep items safe in hostels or public transit.
• 🎒 Waterproof pouch – For beach, boat trips, or rain.
• 🧻 Compact towel – Quick-drying for beaches or pools.
• 💤 Neck pillow – For long bus rides or flights.
• 😴 Eye mask – Great for midday naps or travel days.

👗 Clothes

• 👚 Tank tops & camis (3-5) – Lightweight and breathable.
• 👕 T-shirts (2-3) – Casual and sun-friendly.
• 👗 Summer dresses (2-3) – Great for beach towns or dinner.
• 👙 Swimsuits (2-3) – Essential for beaches and waterfalls.
• 🩱 Cover-up/sarong – Must-have for beach days.
• 🩳 Shorts (2-3) – Linen or athletic, depending on activities.
• 🧢 Sun hat or cap – Protect against tropical rays.
• 👖 Lightweight pants – For evenings or mosquito protection.
• 🧤 Light jacket or shawl – For buses or sudden rain.
• 🧦 Light socks – For sneakers or hikes.
• 🩲 Underwear (5-7) – Breathable fabric preferred.
• 🧴 Bras – Sports and regular for day/night.
• 👘 Pajamas – Light cotton for warm nights.

💆 Skincare

• 🧴 SPF 50 sunscreen – Absolutely essential.
• 💦 Cooling toner – Refresh from heat.
• 🧼 Gel cleanser – Clears sweat and sunscreen buildup.
• 🧴 Lightweight moisturizer – Non-greasy formula.
• 🧽 Makeup remover wipes – Easy and compact.
• 🎭 After-sun gel – For sun-exposed skin.
• 💄 Lip balm with SPF – Prevent sunburned lips.
• 👁️ Eye cream – For puffy, hot days.
• 🌫️ Facial mist – Cool off mid-day.
• 💊 Spot treatment – Heat = clogged pores.
• 🧴 Exfoliator – Use 1–2 times a week.

💄 Makeup

• 🧴 Tinted sunscreen – Skin + sun protection.
• 🖌️ Concealer – For heat-induced blemishes.
• 🧼 Translucent powder – Control shine.
• 💗 Cream blush – Natural sun-kissed effect.
• ✨ Highlighter – Glowy tropical vibe.
• 🟤 Bronzer – Skip if you tan easily.
• 🎨 Minimal palette – Keep it light and bright.
• ✒️ Waterproof eyeliner – Rain and sweat tested.
• 👁️ Waterproof mascara – Must-have in the humidity.
• 🧴 Brow gel – Lightweight shaping.
• 💄 Lip tint – Hydrating and colorful.
• 💦 Setting spray – Use one with cooling effect.
• 🖌️ Minimal brushes – Just the basics.

💇 Hair Care

• 💇 Wide-tooth comb – For wet beach hair.
• 🧷 Hair ties & clips – Keep it cool and up.
• 🧴 Shampoo/conditioner – Moisturizing + UV protection.
• 🌬️ Dry shampoo – If showers aren’t available.
• 🔥 Heat protectant – Use only if styling.
• 🧴 Curl cream or leave-in – For humidity control.
• 💨 Travel hair dryer – Not always provided.
• 🪞 Flat iron – Optional, depending on hair.
• 💧 Hair serum – Smooth frizz and protect from saltwater.
• 🎀 Headbands or wraps – Style + sweat control.

👟 Shoes & Accessories

• 👟 Sneakers – For walking tours or light hikes.
• 🩴 Flip-flops – Beach, showers, streets.
• 🥿 Sandals – Breathable and cute for dinners.
• 🧢 Hat or visor – Essential sun protection.
• 🕶️ Sunglasses – Polarized if possible.
• 👜 Anti-theft crossbody – Protect valuables in crowded cities.
• ⌚ Waterproof watch – Useful for beach days.
• 💍 Minimal jewelry – Avoid flashy pieces.
• ☂️ Compact umbrella – For surprise showers.

📑 Documents & Essentials

• 🛂 Passport + copies – Always keep one on you.
• 📄 Proof of vaccinations – Some tours or hotels may ask.
• 🎟️ Bus/flight/train confirmations – Especially for domestic travel.
• 💳 Cards + small amount of cash – Not all places accept cards.
• 📒 Emergency contact info – Local and international.
• 🗺️ Offline maps app – Works even with weak signal.

🚑 First Aid

• 🩹 Band-aids – For flip-flop blisters.
• 🧻 Wipes – For hands or cuts.
• 💊 Painkillers – Heat headaches are real.
• 🌡️ Thermometer – Monitor any illness quickly.
• 🧽 Cotton pads + Q-tips – Small but useful.

🧼 Health & Hygiene

• 💊 Prescriptions – Bring plenty for remote areas.
• 💢 Pain relief + anti-inflammatory – For travel fatigue.
• 🦟 Bug spray – Absolute must for tropical regions.
• 🧴 Hand sanitizer – Use frequently.
• 🧻 Toilet paper pack – Some public restrooms lack it.
• 🧽 Feminine hygiene – Your preferred brand may be hard to find.
• 🪥 Toothbrush + paste – Tropical flavors optional 😄
• 🧴 Deodorant – Long-lasting in the heat.
• 🌬️ Body spray – Freshen up in the humidity.

📱 Tech & Electronics

• 📱 Phone + charger – Use offline mode often.
• 🔌 Brazil adapter (Type N) – Many hotels still use older types too.
• 🔋 Power bank – Essential for long travel days.
• 📸 Waterproof camera – For snorkeling or boat trips.
• 💻 Tablet or e-reader – Great for bus journeys.
• 🎧 Headphones – Music and podcasts for flights.
• 📶 Local SIM card – Easy to get and very useful.

🎧 Entertainment

• 📖 Tropical beach read – Bonus if it’s Brazilian lit!
• 🎧 Samba/MPB playlists – Set the mood.
• 📝 Journal – So much sensory beauty to record.
• 🎲 Small game – Great for guesthouses or travel buddies.

🎁 Extras

• 🍫 Snacks – For buses, treks, or cravings.
• 💧 Water bottle – Hydration is non-negotiable.
• 🛍️ Foldable shopping bag – For street markets.
• 🧺 Laundry detergent sheet – For swimsuit refreshes.
• 🧵 Sewing kit – Fix your festival outfit on the go.
• 🧦 Cooling towel or neck wrap – Instant refreshment.
• 👃 Shoe spray – Tropical foot care 101.

🌍 Travel Tips

• 📲 Download Google Translate + Maps offline.
• 💳 Avoid flashy jewelry in public areas.
• ☀️ Wear light colors to beat the heat.
• 🧼 Stay clean and hydrated—humidity is intense.
• 🎉 Wear white on New Year’s Eve—it’s tradition!

🛂 Visa Tips

• 📄 Check Brazil’s visa policy for your country.
• 📸 Carry printed return ticket and hotel confirmation.
• 💉 Proof of yellow fever vaccine (if required).

⭐ Must-Haves

• 🛂 Passport + travel documents.
• 🧴 Sunscreen, bug spray, lip balm.
• 👙 Swimwear + cover-up.
• 🧢 Sunhat + sunglasses.
• 👟 Comfortable walking sandals or sneakers.
• 📱 Phone + SIM or offline maps.

👍 Good-to-Have

• 💤 Eye mask + neck pillow for buses.
• 🔖 Extra tote for souvenirs.
• 🧤 Light raincoat or poncho.
• 🎧 Headphones + journal.