10 Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro in August

Rio de Janeiro is an ideal city to visit all year round, as the climate remains pleasant and temperate regardless of the season. In August, winter is at its peak, but the days are sunny and temperatures range from 19° to 25°. The main advantage is that it is one of the months with the fewest rainy days, so you can make plans to enjoy the outdoors. The only drawback is that it is high season, so the streets are crowded with tourists and prices rise considerably.

This is an ideal month to take advantage of the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro. For example, you can enjoy the last football matches of the season, sample Rio Gastronomia's culinary delights, rock out at Rock in Rio, explore the seasonal harvests or try the typical drink, better known as cachaça.

The football season in Brazil runs from February to August, so it's a must-see if you're planning to visit the city. I recommend setting aside at least three days in Rio de Janeiro to enjoy this adrenaline-filled experience. The locals are passionate about the games, and it's an activity that became popular when the Maracanã Stadium was used as the venue for the iconic 1950 World Cup.

The stadium also hosted other sporting events during the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. The reason why the last local football matches are played in August is because of the good weather. The mild temperatures and low chance of rain create the ideal conditions for enjoying an outdoor match without any setbacks.

Sign up for a tour of the Maracanã Stadium

The Maracanã Stadium is an imposing building with years of sporting history, which has juicy secrets behind the scenes, such as the changing rooms, the press room and the pitch. As you venture on a tour of its facilities, you can discover the curiosities of the home of football in the region at your own pace. You can do it on your own, or take advantage of the best tours in Rio de Janeiro to see the trophies and collected objects up close.

These tours are available between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. You can take photos as a souvenir without restrictions, and professional photography packages are available for purchase inside. This experience costs approximately £16 per person, but it is well worth it if you are visiting with your family.

Experience the passion of football in Rio de Janeiro

Although the Maracanã Stadium is impressive when empty, nothing compares to the vibrant energy during a football match. August marks the end of the season, so these are the most sought-after matches that no local wants to miss. It is the perfect month to take advantage of football activities in Rio de Janeiro, which involve Carioca rituals before, during and after the sporting events.

The games last approximately six hours, so it is advisable to buy tickets in advance to get good seats, or to take part in a guided experience. In the middle of the match, you will hear the fans of each team chanting, and you will even see people waving flags. Some games are also held at the Nilton Santos Olympic Stadium, which is a sports complex with modern facilities.

The price of the guided experience is usually around £90, but it is worth it as it generally includes tickets, transport, comfortable seats in a covered area, and the advice of a local guide. It is advisable to attend matches with professionals, as at these types of events there are stands where fans of different teams mix and arguments can occur.

August is the month for outdoor activities, so you can take advantage of exploring the Tijuca rainforest. It is one of the best excursions from Rio de Janeiro, as it is a nearby destination less than twenty minutes away, which you can access on your own or with a local guide. It is an urban green area with a variety of animal species, including monkeys, butterflies, and birds.

Additionally, in August there is little chance of rain and you can take advantage of jeep tours, as the terrain is safe. This phenomenon occurs mainly in Rio de Janeiro, due to its proximity to the Caribbean: in fact, other cities face a different type of climate. There are safe guided tours for tourists starting at £63, which usually include transport, a professional guide and recreational activities. Keep in mind that in the jungle you can enjoy:

• Visit Cachoeira dos Macacos or Monkey Falls, an ideal hiking and trekking area for beginners. Here you can cool off and discover local fruits.
• Climb up to the Vista Chinesa viewpoint near the waterfall, which offers panoramic views of Christ the Redeemer and the bays of Ipanema and Copacabana.
• Pass through the Mata Atlântica, an Atlantic forest where endangered species can be found.
• Visit Mayrink Chapel, a chapel in the middle of the mountain with great historical value where only one mass is held per month.
• Explore the Emperor's Table stone viewpoint, which offers a complete perspective of the city.

Rio de Janeiro certainly has a unique way of doing things. In this Brazilian city, the best time to sunbathe and enjoy the beaches is not in summer, but in winter. In August, you are likely to enjoy sunny days and great weather, although you should bear in mind that the water is usually cold. Therefore, the best plan is to sunbathe and cool off during the peak hours when the sun's rays are strongest.

I recommend visiting Copacabana Beach, as in August there are usually short races organised by the sea, volleyball tournaments and other activities to make the most of the weather. You can also climb up to the Copacabana Fort to enjoy the panoramic views.

You can also stop by the Copacabana Palace, the renowned hotel where Lady Gaga, Walt Disney, Princess Diana and other celebrities have stayed. The hotel celebrates its anniversary every 10th of August with music, exhibitions, food tastings, and more.

Another beach you can't miss is Ipanema Beach, where salsa sessions are organised by the sea, and it is surrounded by beach bars offering a variety of cuisine. If you are looking for things to do in Rio de Janeiro at night, the nightlife in this bay will captivate you. Finally, to take advantage of the calm August winds and fly over the beaches, you can also join a tandem paragliding experience.

Rio Gastronomy is a massive annual event that reveals the secrets of Rio's cuisine. It's ideal if you plan to spend three days or more in Rio de Janeiro, as the festival lasts for about a week. It brings together the best local restaurants, as well as fast food trucks and traditional food stalls. There are also outdoor concerts, cooking workshops and local tastings.

It is open to the public, so you can stay as long as you like. You will find free stands and other stalls where you will have to purchase the dishes you wish to sample.

If you plan to attend this food festival and after sampling Brazil's culinary delights, you will surely want to complement your experience by joining a cooking class in Rio de Janeiro to learn how to prepare Brazilian dishes such as picanha steak, farofa, brigadeiro and more.

Rio de Janeiro is undoubtedly known for hosting the world's most famous carnivals, featuring the flavour of samba. Unfortunately, they take place at the beginning of the year. However, in August there are replicas of this unmissable activity, which is undoubtedly in the DNA of the region. Get ready to experience Brazilian music and dance at:

• Experience Carnaval: you can visit the samba factory and witness the preparations for the parade at the Rio de Janeiro Samba School. It is an ideal activity in August, as carnivals are approaching and you can be a spectator behind the scenes and other preparations, such as the making of the floats.
• Ginga Tropical Show: to soak up the culture of Rio, there's nothing better than attending a show in August with Brazilian music, dances such as samba, capoeira, forró, lambada, traditional costumes, orchestras and other performances.

The vibrant atmosphere in August is ideal for running through the streets of the city. That's why the Rio de Janeiro Half Marathon is held every year. It's a sporting event where beginners and professional runners can participate, as it has a 5-kilometre and a 21-kilometre route. To sign up, you must register in advance and reserve your race number.

There are various packages available, ranging from €22 to around €70 per person, with certain benefits included. Generally, the 5k race starts in Lapa and ends at Flamengo Beach, while the 21k race runs along the Copacabana beachfront. Along the way, you will find hydration points and transport stations.

The Cachaça Fair is an extension of Rio Gastronomy, initially held exclusively in Paraty. This city is a five-hour drive from Rio de Janeiro, but fortunately in recent years it has begun to be organised in the centre of the region. Cachaça is a Brazilian alcoholic beverage consumed in many cities around the world.

At this event, you can taste the famous cachaça and learn about the production process. The organisation has food stalls, music and cultural performances. After this event, you can continue exploring the city on one of the best tours of Rio de Janeiro and take a tour of the city's main bars. Without a doubt, when night falls, you can enjoy new experiences and taste the variations of this unique Carioca drink.

Rock in Rio is a music festival that comes to life in the city between August and September. It should not be confused with the event of the same name that takes place in Lisbon in June. An interesting fact is that it has gone international, with some editions taking place in Madrid, Las Vegas and other cities around the world.

In fact, the first edition took place in 1985 in the Jacarepaguá neighbourhood and featured the band Queen. Since then, bands and artists of different rock styles have performed every year. You can find tickets from £45, as well as family passes for around £135. Additionally, it is an ecological and sustainable event, with some funds being distributed to environmental causes.

Art is very important in Rio de Janeiro, which is why Theatre Artist Day is celebrated every 19th of August. It is a special date that honours creative work, and recreational activities are organised that are not to be missed. Throughout the month, you will find something to see, such as exhibitions and opera performances. To learn more about the history of local art, you can check out the best museums in Rio de Janeiro.

Of course, the best place to experience this day is in the city's theatres. The price of tickets depends on the theatre and the type of play. For example, there are affordable options ranging from £15 to £70. In general, I recommend visiting the Municipal Theatre: it has an imposing façade and hosts performances by renowned Brazilian artists. The plays on Theatre Artist Day are magical, entertaining and captivating.

From June to August, wine consumption increases in Rio de Janeiro, so I recommend going out in search of the most exquisite Brazilian wines in the region. For example, enjoying an evening of wine tasting is one of the best activities to do in Rio de Janeiro during this month, when temperatures are a little cooler in the afternoon. It is an ideal plan to keep warm and connect with Carioca traditions.

Brazilian wine is characterised by the use of European, African and regional grapes. The most interesting thing is that you will learn more about the challenges faced by winemakers and discover the production process. Another plan is to take advantage of the best excursions from Rio de Janeiro and visit the local wineries, where the grape harvest festival is also celebrated in summer.