10 Best Things To Do In Rio When It Rains

WHAT TO DO IN RIO WHEN IT RAINS?

Rain may not be the first thing that springs to mind when thinking of Rio de Janeiro, the city famous for its sun, sea, and sand. Rain in Rio de Janeiro is common. The city receives more than 46 inches of rainfall a year, which is more than double that of London.

So the question is, what can you do on a rainy day in Rio de Janeiro? As someone who has lived through her fair share of rainy Rio days, I can attest that there are a bunch of things to do if the sun decides to take a break for the day.

When is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro? The rainiest month of the year is December, but that isn’t the only Rio de Janeiro rainy season. The city experiences the Aguas de Março or the Waters of March during the Autumn months, which are notoriously wet.

However, as Rio is a tropical city, the rain clouds are never too far away. Here’s my guide to things to do in Rio de Janeiro when it rains (without having to get wet).

10 Best Things To Do in Rio When It Rains

So, what to do in Rio de Janeiro when it rains? Here are the ten best things to do in Rio de Janeiro if it rains ☔️.

1. Visit Cool Cafes

Understandably for a city obsessed with coffee, Rio has some fantastic cafes to while away a soggy afternoon and enjoy people-watching. The stunning Confeitaria Colombo in Centro has been around for 120 years and is arguably the most beautiful place to escape a downpour.

Indulge in their extensive cake and pastry selection whilst soaking up the splendor of the stained glass windows and Belle Époque decor. A particular recommendation is a Belgian waffle, which stands out as one of the best in Rio for those with a sweet tooth.

⭐️Fun fact, the Confeitaria Colombo Bakery Rio has a 2nd location, the Confeitaria Colombo – Café do Forte. It’s located in the Forte de Copacabana and has some of the best views of Copacabana Beach.  

A more hipster option is Sofá Café in Copacabana, known for its friendly staff, great coffee, and tasty snacks. The free wifi is a bonus for those looking to for a place to get a bit of work done without resorting to a Starbucks.

Things to do in Rio When it Rains

2. Treat Yourself To A Spa Day

A spa day is a perfect option on a rainy day in Rio; not only can you escape the rain but also the hustle and bustle of the city. W Spa in Barra offers a comprehensive massage menu using ingredients sourced from all over the world.

Then there is the Shine Spa at the Sheraton Rio Hotel, a beachfront spa that offers a wide range of services, including massages and facial and body treatments. If you want extra luxury, there is the Belmond Experience at the Copacabana Palace Spa, which is a 5-hour session that even includes a meal. Or the Spa Fasano, another luxury hotel that offers various treatments as well as a beautiful view from the rooftop Vichy Shower Room.

Lastly, Viver Zen Spa in Zona Sul offers a half-day package, which is the perfect option to completely de-stress yourself on a rainy day in Rio.

Things to do in Rio When it Rains

3. Watch a Match at Macarena

What better way to spend a rainy than watching an epic football game in the iconic Maracana stadium? Guided by a local expert, you’ll join the throngs of fans in one of the city’s bustling stadiums to root for a home team. As you learn the unique chants and anthems, your guide will share insights on the historical and cultural nuances of ‘futbol’ in Rio.

The experience includes a general admission ticket and round-trip transportation from your hotel. This is the best way to live the Brazilian way and participate in an electrifying football match as Rio’s top-notch teams face off.

Things to do in Rio When it Rains

4. Read All About it

For all the bookworms out there, Rio has some beautiful libraries to explore. The neoclassical Biblioteca Nacional, or National Library, is the largest in Latin America, housing over 9 million volumes and some rare treasures such as two copies of the 1492 Mainz Psalter Bible. Cultural exhibitions are sometimes held here. Guided tours about the history of the library and its international importance are available in English.

The Real Gabinete Português de Leitura (Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading) is a library that was built in 1887 in the Gothic style that has been frequently described as a building that wouldn’t look out of place in a Harry Potter film.

Started by three Portuguese immigrants, it is home to the largest collection of Portuguese works outside Portugal and is a vital collection of that country’s history. Book lovers can enjoy exhibits such as the first edition of Machiavelli’s ‘The Prince’, complete with his scribbles in the margin. Guided tours are available daily in English.

Things to do in Rio When it Rains

5. Visit a Museum

History buffs will love whiling away a soggy day at the Museu Histórico Nacional, or National History Museum. Housed in the 1764 colonial arsenal, this excellent museum has over 350,000 different artifacts that depict life in Brazil from colonization to its start as a republic. For anyone interested in the history of Brazil, this museum is a must.

Then there is the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil, also known as CCBB, an institution dedicated to art, theater, music, cinema, and education, hosting a variety of exhibitions, film screenings, theatrical performances, seminars, and educational programs.

Rio has a wealth of culture and history within its many museums, and they shouldn’t be missed from any visitor’s itinerary. However, they are perfect to explore on a rainy day. One of the most famous is Museu do Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow), which, with its astonishing architecture, has become one of Rio’s most popular tourist destinations. Its digital displays explore ideas of sustainability and how the future will be affected. Enlightening and intriguing, it should not be missed.

Things to do in Rio When it Rains

6. Swim with the Fishes at AquaRio

AquaRio is the largest aquarium in South America and is home to 10,000 residents of 360 species from Brazil and the world, divided into more than 40 enclosures – or rather, homes. 

The aquarium is located at Porto Maravilha (the docks area) in the city of Rio de Janeiro (steps from the Museum of Tomorrow and the famous mural on the Olympic Boulevard) and is open every day from 10 to 6pm. (Last entrance at 5 pm.) This is one of the best family things to do in Rio de Janeiro – whether it

Things to do in Rio When it Rains

7. Shop ‘til the rain stops

Want to go shopping in Rio de Janeiro? What better time to go and explore the city’s various shopping malls than when it’s raining.

Barra Shopping is one of the largest malls in Rio and has almost everything you could wish for. From bikinis to homewares to a really good gelato, you can easily spend a day (and all your money) wandering around this labyrinthine mall. The mall is also home to numerous restaurants and a movie theatre, which has a large selection of movies that are played in their original language with Portuguese subtitles.

🛍️ Getting to Barra Shopping can be a little tricky. Shoppers can either take an UBER (which should cost around R$40 – R$60 / one way) or take the metro to Jardim Oceanico and any BRT bus in the direction of Recreio (most BRT buses will stop right in front of Barra Shopping).

For something closer to the center of town with a beautiful view across Guanabara Bay, try Bossa Nova Mall. Right next to Santos Dumont Airport and with a terrace bar, it’s a great spot to watch planes take off from the short runway known affectionately as ‘the aircraft carrier’.

Other malls include Rio Sul in Botafogo, and if you are looking for a more luxurious experience, then there is also Leblon Shopping, Village Mall (in Barra), and Fashion Mall (in Sao Conrado).

Things to do in Rio When it Rains

8. See A Show at the Theatro Municipal in Rio

The Theatro Municipal, a key cultural center for fine arts, is an ideal retreat when Rio is in the rain. Established in 1909, this architectural masterpiece mirrors the Paris Opera House’s style and elegance. Known for hosting high-profile operas, ballets, and concerts, it’s a melting pot of rich Brazilian culture.

Amidst Rio’s rainfall, this indoor haven provides a captivating cultural experience, blending architectural grandeur and performance artistry. Undoubtedly, visiting Theatro Municipal is among the top activities in Rio de Janeiro Brazil, especially for those seeking cultural immersion away from the weather.

Things to do in Rio When it Rains

9. Go to a Restaurant And Eat Brazilian Food

Another Rio de Janeiro Brazil things to do when it rains is to go to a restaurant. Brazil’s culinary scene is as diverse as its landscape, offering a tantalizing array of dishes that beautifully encapsulate the country’s rich culture and history.

Amid the pitter-patter of raindrops, the warm, inviting ambiance of a local eatery provides the perfect setting to enjoy a leisurely meal, making it a must-do activity when in Rio.

My favorite restaurants? Junta Local, Satyricon, Pavāo Azul, Cipriani, The Gringo Cafe, and Restaurante Fasano (to name a few).

🫘 If you are looking to have the classic Brazilia feijoada, a black-bean stew that is served with beans, rice, farofa, and orange slices, I recommend heading to Santa Teresa and spending the afternoon at the famous Bar do Mineiro.

Things to do in Rio When it Rain

10. Have a Caipirinha (or Two) at a Bar

This renowned cocktail is made with cachaça, a Brazilian spirit derived from sugarcane juice, fresh lime, sugar, and crushed ice. The ingredients are muddled together and served in a short glass, delivering a refreshing balance of sweet, sour, and strong flavors.

Even if you aren’t craving a caipirinha, there are plenty of amazing bars in Rio de Janeiro that can serve any type of cocktail or drink that you are craving. Some of my favorite bars include Canastra Bar, Le Pule, Boteco Belmonte, Bar de Serginho, Explorer Bar, and Pavāo Azul.

Is it raining on a Saturday? Head to Mercado Da Pulga for a night of samba. The event is called Samba dos Guimarães and is located in the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa.

Things to do in Rio When it Rains: FAQs

Despite occasional showers, outdoor activities and events are plentiful.

Final Thoughts: Things to Do in Rio When It Rains

Even during the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro, the Marvelous City brims with a number of activities that ensure your visit is as enriching as it is memorable. Whether it’s diving into the local cuisine or experiencing high culture at Theatro Municipal, exploring unusual things to do in Rio when it rains can reveal a different, yet equally captivating, side of the city.

Always remember to review your options according to the day’s forecast, ensuring that rain in Rio de Janeiro doesn’t dampen your adventure. So, come rain or shine, there’s always something to see and explore in Rio, adding a silver lining to every cloud that hovers over this vibrant city.