Weather
The hot weather starts to ease in April, as Brazil moves into the dry season with less rain and humidity. The sky gets bluer and brings warm weather to the coasts, and it gets a bit more chilly in some of the southern parts of the country. April marks the beginning of fall in Brazil, and you can expect temperatures around 65-80°F. It is warmer in the beginning of the month, and temperatures drop closer to May.
Crowds & Costs
Easter draws a big crowd to Brazil, with both national and international visitors flocking to cities and beaches. It is one of the biggest celebrations of the year and prices rise steeply, so book early on. Except for the Holy Week celebrations, April is considered a shoulder month and is much calmer than the previous summer months.
If you are looking for a quieter vacation, with fewer tourists, this is the time to go. Some of the cities that tend to get busier are São Paulo and Porto Alegre, with great weather and a lot of festivals, such as the International Art Festival of São Paulo. Since the weather is perfect for surfing here, a lot of adventurous travelers decide to visit in April as well.
Where to Go
From April and onwards, it is a great time to visit the world's largest wetlands of the Pantanal. The fascinating inland wetland is located in the southwest and central Brazil, and the weather improves during this month, making visiting in April a must.
São Paulo is called Brazil's largest urban jungle and is a seasonal destination, with April being one of the best months to visit. The city has a lot to offer, especially during this month, with more than 100 museums, the International Art Festival, São Paulo Fashion Week, and a diverse food scene.
While Easter celebrations take place all over the country, you should visit Ouro Preto in Minas Gerais. Here, you will experience one of the most colorful and famous festivals that has made a mark on the cultural map of Brazil—the laying of carpets. The festival dates back to 1698 and is one of the most notable customs of Holy Week. In Ivoti down the coast, families paint dogs and cats blue or pink to let their children know that Easter—“the sweetest time of the year,” is coming.
Visit Niterói, across the bay from Rio de Janeiro, and the Serra da Tiririca State Park—a haven for tropical flora and fauna. Here, you will find wonderful hiking trails and rock climbing with panoramic ocean views. Make a stop at the Parque da Cidade de Niteroi (Niterói City Park), one of the best viewpoints in the city. You can rent a car for the trip, bike, or walk on foot. The hilly terrain is steep but will reward you with a breathtaking view of Guanabara Bay and the spiky peaks of Rio de Janeiro.
What to Do
Take part in the Easter celebrations in April and witness the tradition of laying carpets in Ouro Preto. Head to the beaches for some downtime and experience the International Art Festival of São Paulo in the first week of April. Visit the historical municipal theatre—Teatro Municipal de São Paolo—and enjoy the beautiful street art, particularly in the city center and Vila Madalena.
Get inspiration during the São Paolo Fashion Week and visit the Museum of Art (MASP). Continue your sightseeing with a visit to the famous Ponte Estacada Bridge. Enjoy surfing in Porto Alegre, one of the best spots in April for this activity, as the winds are in your favor. If you are visiting Rio de Janeiro, don't forget to stop by the Niterói Contemporary Art Museum and hike to the Parque da Cidade de Niteroi.
Events in April
Good Friday & Easter Sunday (beginning to mid-April). Easter (Páscoa) falls on the day after the culmination of Holy Week, and many Brazilians spend holidays with family. Religious processions are held throughout the country.
Tiradentes Day (April 21). In Brazil, this date commemorates the execution of Brazilian national hero Joaquim Jose da Silva Xavier. He was a revolutionary who fought for independence from the Portuguese empire, and the day is a highly celebrated holiday among the Brazilians.
Traveling to Brazil in April? Check out these great itineraries.
Birdwatching in the Pantanal - 7 Days. Travel to Brazil's Pantanal region for an exotic birdwatching adventure in the world's largest tropical wetland. Avid birders will spot the iconic jabiru—the symbol of the Pantanal—as well as the blue hyacinth macaw, and the roseate spoonbill, and dozens of others. Learn the secrets of this fascinating environment through its abundant wildlife and stunning marsh landscapes.
Paraty Beach Trek from Rio - 3 Days. The Paraty wilderness trek is one of Brazil's favorite beach hikes. With endless beaches, cascading waterfalls, and sweeping ocean views, you will hike 20 miles (32 km) over three days, camp overnight in local fishermen's houses, and enjoy dinner and sunset on the beach each night.