What to Pack for Rio de Janeiro

Packing for Rio de Janeiro requires a balance between beach-ready comfort and practical city-smart choices. The city enjoys a tropical climate with average temperatures between 25–35°C (77–95°F) from December to March (summer) and a milder but still warm 20–28°C (68–82°F) from June to September (winter). Rain can arrive quickly, especially during summer afternoons, so a light rain jacket is essential in the wet season.

Rio is a casual city — Cariocas dress comfortably and stylishly without being overly formal. Flip-flops (Havaianas are a local icon) are acceptable almost everywhere except upscale restaurants. However, safety-conscious packing is equally important: avoid flashy jewelry, carry a waterproof phone pouch for the beach, and consider a money belt for crowded areas.

What you need depends on your season, travel style and planned activities. A backpacker in summer spending two weeks hiking and surfing needs very different gear from a luxury traveler on a five-day winter city break. Select your season below to generate a personalised checklist, then check off items as you pack or print the list.

Pro tip: Buy sunscreen and Havaianas in Rio — they're cheaper and better quality than imported brands. The local sunscreen brand Sundown is excellent and widely available. And don't forget insect repellent — mosquitoes are active at dusk, particularly near the lagoon and in Santa Teresa.