Between June and August, part of Brazil turns into a destination for genuinely chilly weather — complete with fireplaces, fondue, and mountain scenery. We rounded up the most sought-after destinations for anyone looking to escape the heat this time of year.
Most of these places are located in the South region and inland areas of São Paulo and Minas Gerais, where the temperature difference from the coast is quite noticeable during winter.
Ranking
The Most Sought-After Winter Destinations
- 01
Gramado and Canela, RS
The most traditional destinations of Brazilian winter, with European-inspired architecture, theme parks, and solid lodging options for cold weather.
- 02
Campos do Jordão, SP
Known as Brazil's Switzerland, it offers great mountain cuisine and araucaria-pine scenery, and it's the closest option for anyone leaving from São Paulo.
- 03
Urubici, SC
One of the coldest spots in the country, with a good chance of frost and mostly unspoiled mountain scenery.
- 04
São Joaquim, SC
A city known for its occasional snowfalls, as well as high-altitude wineries that operate year-round.
- 05
Monte Verde, MG
European-chalet vibes in inland Minas Gerais, with plenty of romantic inns and winter cuisine.
Seasonality
The Best Time to Travel
| Destination | Best Period | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Gramado and Canela, RS | June to August | High demand |
| Campos do Jordão, SP | June to August | High demand |
| Urubici, SC | June to August | Check the forecast |
| São Joaquim, SC | June to August | Check the forecast |
| Monte Verde, MG | June to August | Good flexibility |
Getting ready
What to Pack for Brazilian Cold Weather
- 1
Dress in layers
The temperature swing between morning, afternoon, and night tends to be big in these destinations, so layered clothing helps you adjust throughout the day.
- 2
Bring a heavier coat
Even though it's Brazil, the wind chill on some winter nights in these regions can get surprisingly low.
- 3
Book in advance
July is the busiest month because of school vacations, so lodging and tours sell out quickly.
- 4
Check the forecast before you fly
Events like frost or a sharp temperature drop are usually reported ahead of time and can be worth chasing for anyone after that experience.
Logistics
How to Get to These Destinations
Most of these destinations don't have their own airport, so access is usually through Porto Alegre, São Paulo, or Florianópolis, with a road transfer to the final city. Since July sees the highest demand for flights to these capitals, it's worth comparing fares ahead of time on Viajante Promo's search tool.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Does it really snow in these destinations?
Snowfall is rare and limited to a few spots, like São Joaquim. Frost and low temperatures are far more common than steady snow.
What's the best time to go?
June through August has the lowest temperatures, but also the highest tourist demand, especially in July.
Is it worth going outside of July?
It is, especially for travelers looking for lower prices and smaller crowds, even if the chance of intense cold is a bit lower.
Do I need a car to visit these destinations?
It depends on the destination. Cities like Gramado and Campos do Jordão have solid local transportation, while more rural areas may require a rental car.
Are these destinations expensive?
Prices rise a lot in July because of high demand, but outside that period they tend to be more affordable.
Who wrote this
Who wrote this
Sofia Matos
Covers mountain and highland destinations across Brazil and never turns down a good fondue after a full day of hiking in the cold.