Brazil South Brazil’s mountains and beaches

When's the best time to visit south Brazil?

The states of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul have summers that are hot and winters mild, but a bit too cool for the beach. There is sunshine all year round however, with most rain falling in late Dec-Mar – the local holiday season when beaches are packed. Whales may be spotted offshore Jun-Oct.

In the mountains, the seasons are more sharply defined the further south you go and frost and snow is not unknown in the far south in winter. It can be very hot (40C) in summer, Dec-Mar.

What's the official language of south Brazil?

Brazilian Portuguese, a more languid and musical version of Portugal’s mother tongue.

How do I get local currency in south Brazil?

Brazilian Real. Notes can be withdrawn from the many ATMs of Banco do Brasil, Bradesco and HSBC in Florianópolis using a UK credit or debit card. Limits may be lower than your UK bank allows. ATMs close at 10pm.

What's the time difference between south Brazil and UK?

UTC -3 hours. Daylight saving Oct- end Feb (approx) was discontinued in 2019.

What places combine well with beaches of S Brazil?

A holiday in Argentina: relax on a beach after visiting Buenos Aires (direct flight to Florianópolis, 2 hours) the Iguazú Falls, or maybe even travels further afield, to Patagonia; the Serra Verde train ride from Curitiba (38mins by air from Florianópolis) to Morretes.

How do I get to south Brazil?

There are domestic flights from Rio (1hour 40mins), São Paulo (1hour 15mins) and Curitiba (38mins) to Florianópolis. It's just under two hours' flight from Rio to Porto Alegre,

What are the festivals, cultural and sports events in south Brazil?

Farra de Boi: Florianópolis, Easter. A festival dedicated to the bull, which has great significance in Brazilian celebrations.