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 mild regardless of the season. Winter is at its peak in August, 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 outdoor plans are possible. The only downside is that it is high season, so the streets get crowded with tourists and prices go up considerably.

It is an ideal month to take advantage of the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro. For example, you can take advantage of the last football activities of the season, enjoy the tastings of Rio Gastronomy, vibrate with Rock in Rio, explore the seasonal crops or try the typical drink, better known as cachaca.

From February to August is the football season in Brazil, so it's a must-see if you plan to visit the city. I recommend booking at least 3 days in Rio de Janeiro for this adrenaline-filled experience. The locals are passionate about the games and it's an activity that became popular when the Maracana stadium was used as the venue for the iconic 1950 World Cup.

It is also a stadium that hosted sporting events of other categories at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Also, the reason why the last local football games are played in August is because of the good weather. Mild temperatures and a low chance of rain create the ideal conditions to enjoy an outdoor match without a hitch.

Take a tour of the Maracana Stadium

The Maracana Stadium is an imposing building with years of sporting history, which has juicy behind-the-scenes secrets such as the dressing room, the press room and the pitch. By venturing 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.

This type of tour can be done between 9:00 and 16:00. There are no restrictions on taking souvenir photographs and professional photography packages are available for purchase inside. This experience costs approximately 18 euros per person, but it's totally worth it if you're going with your family.

Experience the passion of football in Rio de Janeiro

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

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

The price of the guided experience is usually around 105 euros, but it's well worth it as it usually includes tickets, transport, comfortable seats in a covered area, as well as advice from a local guide. It is advisable to attend matches with professionals, as at such events there are stands where fans of different teams mix and arguments can occur.

August is the month for outdoor plans, so take the opportunity to explore Rio's 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 in the company of a local guide. It is an urban green area with a variety of animal species, including monkeys, butterflies and birds.

Additionally, in the month of August there is little chance of rain and you can take advantage of a jeep ride, as the terrain is safe. This is a phenomenon that occurs mostly in Rio de Janeiro, due to its proximity to the Caribbean: in fact, all other cities face a different type of weather. Safe guided tours for tourists are available from 63 euros and usually include transfer, professional guide and recreational activities. Note that in the rainforest you can take advantage of:

• Visit Cachoeira dos Macacos or the Monkey Waterfall, a hiking and trekking area ideal for beginners. Here you can refresh yourself and get to know the local fruits.
• Climb 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 are found.
• Visit Mayrink Chapel, a chapel in the middle of the mountain of high historical value where only one mass is held every month.
• Explore the Emperor's Table stone lookout, which offers a complete perspective of the city.

Without a doubt, Rio de Janeiro has a peculiar way of doing things. In this Brazilian city, the best time to get a tan and enjoy the beaches is not summer, but winter. In August you are likely to enjoy sunny days and great weather, although you should keep in mind that the water is usually cold. Therefore, the best plan is to take advantage of the tan and cool off during the peak hours when the rays intensify.

I recommend a visit to Copacabana beach, as in August there are usually short races along the shore, volleyball tournaments and other activities to take advantage of the weather. You can also climb the Forte de Copacabana 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 August 10th with music, exhibitions, food tastings and more.

Another beach not to be missed is Ipanema beach where they organise salsa rounds by the sea, and is surrounded by beach bars with a variety of food. If you're looking for things to do in Rio de Janeiro at night, this bay's nocturnal atmosphere is sure to catch your eye. Finally, to take advantage of the calm winds of August and fly over the beaches, you can also join a tandem paragliding experience.

Rio Gastronomy is a massive annual event that involves the secrets of Rio's cuisine. It is ideal if you plan to be in Rio de Janeiro for 3 days or more, as the festival has an estimated duration of one week. It brings together the best local restaurants, as well as fast food trucks and traditional food stalls. There are also open-air 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 buy the dishes to taste.

If you plan to attend this gastronomic festival and after tasting the culinary delights of Brazil, you will surely want to complement it and join a cooking class in Rio de Janeiro, to learn the preparation of 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 region's DNA. Get ready to experience the musical rhythms and Brazilian dances:

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

The vibrant August weather is ideal for running through the streets of the city. That is why the Rio de Janeiro Half Marathon is held every year. It is a sporting event in which 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.

Participation packages are varied and range from 22 euros to around 70 euros per person, with certain benefits included. Generally, the 5k race starts from Lapa to Flamengo beach, while the 21k runs along the shore of Copacabana beach. Along the way you'll find hydration points, as well as transport stations.

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

In this event you can taste the famous cachaça, as well as learn about the process of elaboration. There are 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. As night falls, you will undoubtedly be able to live new experiences and taste the variations of this peculiar carioca drink.

Rock in Rio is a music festival that comes to life in the city between August and September. Not to be confused with the event of the same name that takes place in Lisbon in June. A curious fact is that it has become international and some editions have been held in Madrid, Las Vegas and other cities around the world.

In fact, the first edition took place in 1985 in the neighbourhood of Jacarepaguá and featured the band Queen. Since then, every year bands and artists of different rock styles are presented. You can find tickets from 50 euros, as well as family passes for around 150 euros. Additionally, it is an ecological and sustainable event, where some funds are distributed to environmental causes.

In Rio de Janeiro art is very important, that's why every August 19th the Theatre Artist's Day is celebrated. It is a special date where creative work is honoured, therefore recreational activities are organized that you can't miss. Throughout the month you'll find something to see, such as play samples and opera performances. To learn more about the history of local art, you can take a look at 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 the performances will depend on the theatre and the type of play. For example, there are cheap options from 15 euros to 70 euros. In general, I recommend you to go to the Municipal Theatre: it is an imposing façade, where well-known Brazilian artists perform. The plays on the Theatre Artist's Day are magical, fun and engaging.

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 things to do in Rio de Janeiro during this month, where temperatures are a little cooler from the evening onwards. It is an ideal plan to keep you 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 of the winemakers, and you will get to know 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 the summer.