When to go — Iguazu & South

Iguazu and Southern Brazil is ideally visited from April to October (dry season for Iguazu, pleasant temperate climate for the South). This period offers the best climatic, falls-flow and attendance balances.

At Iguazu, falls are impressive year-round but experience varies. April-June: powerful flow after summer rains, pleasant climate (18-26 °C), ideal golden light for photography, moderate crowds. July: Brazilian tourist peak (school holidays), heavy crowds but still excellent conditions. August-October: optimal conditions, declining crowds, drier climate. November-March (Brazilian rainy season): maximum flow after rains (more spectacular cascades), but high heat and humidity (28-33 °C), heavy international crowds, rare risk of partial walkway closures in case of exceptional flood (as in June 2014, March 2023).

At Curitiba and Florianópolis, the climate is more temperate than the rest of Brazil (latitude 25-27° South, equivalent to northern Mexico). April-October: cool temperatures (10-22 °C in Florianópolis, cooler in Curitiba), cold nights June-August (10-15 °C, fleece useful), cool sea for swimming (18-21 °C), reduced crowds, attractive rates. November-March (austral summer): perfect climate (24-30 °C, unlike crushing-hot Rio), warm sea (24-28 °C), full beaches, festive vibe, rising rates (x2 during New Year and Carnival in Florianópolis).

Our recommendation: May-June or August-September for optimal windows (Iguazu at its best + Florianópolis outside crowds but sea still acceptable in May). December-February for travellers seeking full beach atmosphere (warm sea, festive vibe) but tolerating heat, humidity and crowds. Avoid July (maximum Brazilian crowds) if seeking tranquillity.