Heading to Rio de Janeiro this December? You’re in for a tropical, sun-soaked getaway! December marks the start of summer in Brazil, with festive vibes, beach parties, and plenty of samba energy. Packing right means you’re prepped for beaches, rain showers, and nightlife.
Expect high humidity, tropical rain, and average temps around 27°C (81°F), but it can feel hotter. Lightweight clothing and smart organization are key. Whether you’re sightseeing at Christ the Redeemer or sunbathing on Copacabana Beach, we’ve got your packing checklist covered.
📝 Note: This article is all about what to pack for Rio de Janeiro 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 averages 24–31°C (75–88°F) in December
- 🌴 High humidity and tropical climate
- 🌧️ Expect short but intense afternoon rain showers
- 🌊 Summer = peak beach season, pack accordingly
What to Pack for Rio de Janeiro in December
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
- Carry-on suitcase – 🧳 light and durable for beach + city
- Daypack or tote – 👜 ideal for beach days or tours
- Packing cubes – 🧩 keep hot-weather outfits organized
- Toiletry bag – 🪥 waterproof in case of beach spills
- Travel laundry kit – 🧺 summer clothes = frequent washes
- Luggage lock – 🔒 stay safe at hostels and hotels
- Digital scale – ⚖️ handy if shopping in markets
- Neck pillow & sleep mask – 😴 for long flights
👗 Clothes
- Lightweight tees & tanks (4–6) – 👕 breathable fabrics
- Linen or cotton tops – 🌼 stylish & sweat-friendly
- Shorts & skirts (3–4) – 🩳 stay cool during the day
- Flowy dresses (2–3) – 👗 perfect for nights out
- Swimsuits (2–3) – 👙 for daily beach dips
- Cover-up/sarong – 🧣 doubles as a towel or wrap
- Activewear – 🏃 for hiking or dancing in Lapa
- Pajamas – 🛌 light and cozy for humid nights
- Underwear & bras (5–7) – 🩲 quick-dry preferred
- Light rain jacket – 🌧️ sudden showers common
💆 Skincare
- SPF moisturizer – 🌞 daily protection is a must
- Sunscreen (reef-safe) – 🧴 high SPF for beach days
- Aloe gel or after-sun – 🌿 soothing post-sun care
- Face mist – 💧 refresh during humid days
- Lip balm with SPF – 💋 don’t forget the lips!
💄 Makeup
- Tinted moisturizer w/ SPF – 🧴 light and protective
- Waterproof mascara – 💦 pool and beach safe
- Multi-use palette – 🎨 cheeks, lips, eyes in one
- Blotting paper – 🧻 fight shine from humidity
💇 Hair Care
- Hair ties & clips – 🧷 manage sweaty beach hair
- Dry shampoo – 🌀 helps between beach dips
- Anti-frizz serum – 🌬️ humidity = hair drama
- Mini shampoo/conditioner – 🚿 tropical formula preferred
- Wide-tooth comb – 💇 gentle on wet hair
👟 Shoes & Accessories
- Flip flops – 🩴 for beach & hostel showers
- Stylish sandals – 👡 day-to-night friendly
- Comfy sneakers – 👟 for walking tours
- Sunglasses – 🕶️ strong UV protection
- Sun hat – 👒 shade from intense sun
- Light scarf or shawl – 🧣 versatile for breeze or modesty
- Crossbody bag – 👜 safe and hands-free
📑 Documents & Essentials
- Passport + copies – 🛂 always carry a copy
- Travel insurance – 📄 cover for illness or theft
- Local currency + card – 💳 Brazil uses Brazilian Real
- Offline maps – 🗺️ signal can be spotty
- Hotel & tour confirmations – 📃 paper backup helps
🚑 First Aid
- Band-aids – 🩹 for blisters from walking
- Hydration tablets – 💦 stay ahead of dehydration
- Bug bite relief – 🐜 common near greenery
🧼 Health & Hygiene
- Hand sanitizer – ✋ public transit is packed
- Toilet paper packets – 🚻 handy for remote beaches
- Deodorant – 🧴 humidity = more sweat
- Razor – 🪒 beachwear ready
- Toothbrush/paste – 🪥 freshen up after caipirinhas
📱 Tech & Electronics
- Phone + waterproof pouch – 📱 pool + beach safety
- Universal adapter – 🔌 Brazil uses types C and N
- Portable charger – 🔋 stay powered during tours
- Camera or GoPro – 📸 capture the views
🎧 Entertainment
- Books or Kindle – 📚 beach reading essential
- Music playlists – 🎶 samba + bossa nova!
🎁 Extras
- Reusable water bottle – 🚰 keep hydrated
- Foldable shopping bag – 🛍️ beach markets galore
- Beach towel – 🏖️ most Airbnbs don’t supply them
🌍 Travel Tips
- 📱 Download ride apps (Uber, 99)
- 🧳 Pack essentials in carry-on
- 📸 Take photos of bags in case they’re lost
🛂 Visa Tips
- 📝 US, EU, and others often don’t need visas for short stays
- 📄 Confirm entry rules before travel
- 📸 Bring extra passport photos just in case
⭐ Must-Haves
- Passport – 🛂 always with you
- Travel insurance – 🩺 non-negotiable
- Water bottle – 💧 fight the heat
- SIM or Wi-Fi access – 📶 stay connected
- Daypack – 🎒 perfect for day trips
👍 Good-to-Have
- Sleep mask – 😎 for long flights or naps
- Laundry detergent – 🧼 re-wear light clothing
- Bug spray – 🦟 tropical annoyances
- Light blanket – 🛏️ AC can be freezing
