Brasilia in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Brasilia

26.7°C (80°F) High Temp

17.8°C (64°F) Low Temp

226 mm (8.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Peak rainy season creates lush green landscapes and full waterfalls at Parque Da Cidade - the 420-hectare (1,038-acre) urban park looks spectacular with busy cerrado vegetation
Cooler evening temperatures of 18°C (64°F) make outdoor dining and sunset watching at TV Tower (224m/735ft high) extremely comfortable
March marks the end of congressional recess, bringing cultural vitality back to the city with gallery openings, theater performances, and live music venues fully operational
Hotel rates are 30-40% lower than dry season (May-September) as this is considered low season, with excellent availability at top properties

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms occur 10 days out of 31, typically lasting 45-90 minutes between 2pm-6pm, potentially disrupting outdoor architectural tours
High humidity at 70% combined with intermittent rain makes walking the expansive Monumental Axis (8km/5 miles long) more challenging than in dry months
Some outdoor events and festivals are postponed or moved indoors due to unpredictable weather patterns during peak rainy season

Best Activities in March

Oscar Niemeyer Architecture Tours

March's dramatic cloud formations create impressive backdrops for photographing Brasilia's UNESCO-listed modernist buildings. The cooler morning temperatures (18-22°C/64-72°F) before 11am are perfect for walking tours of the Monumental Axis. Rain provides excellent opportunities to experience the buildings' interiors, including the National Congress and Cathedral of Brasilia, which many visitors skip in dry season.

Booking Tip: Book morning slots (8am-11am) to avoid afternoon storms. Architecture-focused walking tours typically cost R$80-120 per person and should be booked 5-7 days ahead. Look for guides certified by the Institute of Architects of Brazil (see current tour options in booking section below).

Cerrado National Park Wildlife Watching

The rainy season brings the cerrado savanna to life with blooming native plants and active wildlife. March is prime time for spotting maned wolves, giant anteaters, and over 300 bird species as animals gather near water sources. The 65,000-hectare (160,617-acre) park is just 120km (75 miles) from central Brasilia.

Booking Tip: Early morning departures (6am-7am) maximize wildlife sightings and avoid afternoon rains. Full-day eco-tours range R$180-280 per person including transport. Book with certified environmental guides through ICMBio-approved operators (see current options in booking section below).

Indoor Cultural District Exploration

March's return of government workers revitalizes Brasilia's cultural scene. The Cultural Complex of the Republic houses temporary exhibitions, while the JK Memorial offers climate-controlled exploration of Brazil's capital construction. Perfect rainy day activities with world-class air conditioning during humid afternoons.

Booking Tip: Museums offer combined tickets for R$25-40 covering multiple venues. Wednesday afternoons often feature special programming for returning government workers. No advance booking needed for most attractions, but check current schedules online.

Pontão do Lago Sul Waterfront District

The artificial Paranoá Lake reaches its highest levels in March from seasonal rains, creating beautiful waterfront views from this entertainment complex. Evening temperatures drop to comfortable 20°C (68°F), perfect for lakeside dining and live music venues that operate year-round with covered areas.

Booking Tip: Restaurants and bars don't require reservations except weekends. Boat tours around the lake cost R$45-80 per person but may be cancelled during storms - morning departures are more reliable. Live music venues charge R$20-50 cover after 9pm.

Brasilia Shopping and Indoor Markets

March's unpredictable weather makes covered shopping areas ideal. The Conjunto Nacional (Brazil's first shopping mall) and Feira da Torre TV feature local crafts, cerrado honey, and regional foods. Climate-controlled environments provide comfort during humid afternoons while supporting local artisans.

Booking Tip: Weekend craft fairs (Saturday-Sunday 9am-6pm) at TV Tower offer better selection but higher prices. Weekday shopping provides more personal attention from vendors. Budget R$50-200 for quality cerrado crafts and regional products.

Pirenópolis Colonial Town Day Trips

This UNESCO World Heritage colonial town 165km (102 miles) from Brasilia offers covered cultural attractions perfect for March's variable weather. Stone churches, covered markets, and traditional restaurants provide authentic Goiás culture experiences while staying dry during afternoon storms.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost R$120-180 per person including transport and guide. Departure at 8am returns by 6pm, avoiding evening rush hour. Book 7-10 days ahead during March as domestic tourism increases (see current tour options in booking section below).

March Events & Festivals

Mid to Late March

Festival de Inverno de Bonito

While not directly in Brasilia, this major regional festival attracts performers who often stop in the capital. Features live music, regional cuisine, and cultural performances that showcase Central Brazil's artistic heritage during the transitional season.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry rain jacket with hood - afternoon storms drop temperatures 8-10°C (14-18°F) suddenly and rain lasts 45-90 minutes

Breathable cotton or linen shirts - avoid polyester in 70% humidity, which becomes uncomfortable quickly

Comfortable waterproof walking shoes - Brasilia's distances require lots of walking on potentially wet concrete surfaces

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even on cloudy days due to 1,172m (3,845ft) altitude

Lightweight umbrella - more practical than rain jackets for short walks between air-conditioned buildings

Insect repellent with DEET - increased mosquito activity during rainy season, especially near Paranoá Lake

Light sweater for evenings - temperatures can drop to 18°C (64°F) in air-conditioned restaurants and cultural venues

Portable phone charger - frequent use of weather apps and indoor navigation during storms drains batteries faster

Cash in small bills - many local vendors and craft markets prefer cash, especially during weekend events

Reusable water bottle - staying hydrated is crucial in variable humidity, and Brasilia's tap water is excellent

Insider Knowledge

Government workers return from summer recess in early March, so restaurant reservations become necessary again after 6pm on weekdays - book morning or early afternoon meals to avoid crowds

The Rodoviária (central bus station) offers covered walkways to major attractions and is the best way to stay dry while exploring during storms - locals use it as a climate-controlled navigation hub

Hotel rates increase sharply after March 20th when congress fully resumes - book before mid-March for significant savings of 25-35% on business-class accommodations

Many locals escape to their weekend homes during March storms, making popular restaurants like those in Asa Sul surprisingly quiet on weekends - perfect timing for visitors

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor architectural tours after 1pm - 60% of March afternoons bring thunderstorms that make the expansive Monumental Axis uncomfortable and potentially dangerous

Underestimating walking distances in Brasilia's car-centric design - the city spans 25km (15.5 miles) end-to-end and many attractions are 2-3km (1.2-1.9 miles) apart with limited shade

Assuming all outdoor activities are cancelled due to rain - most storms are brief and intense, followed by clear skies and comfortable temperatures perfect for sightseeing