December is a festive time to visit Recife, Brazil, as it is the month of Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The city is adorned with colorful decorations, and there are many holiday-themed events and celebrations. For example, there is a large Christmas market in the city center where you can buy gifts and enjoy traditional Brazilian food. There are also many nativity scenes set up throughout the city, and you can even take a boat ride to see the city’s famous floating Christmas tree.
Weather In Recife During December
Average Temperature:
- Day: 28°C (82°F)
- Night: 24°C (75°F)
Typical Weather Conditions:
- Hot and humid: December is the hottest and driest month in Recife.
- High humidity: The average humidity is around 75%.
- Rainfall: December typically sees about 20mm (0.8 inches) of rain, making it one of the drier months of the year.
- Sunshine: Recife gets an average of 8 hours of sunshine per day in December.
Tips for Visiting:
- Dress in light, breathable fabrics to stay cool.
- Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Be prepared for occasional brief showers, but they are unlikely to last long.
- Consider visiting indoor attractions like museums or shopping malls during the hottest hours of the day.
Things To Do In Recife In December
Festivals and Celebrations Unique to December in Recife:
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Passarela do Carmo: A month-long celebration that takes place every evening in the historic Carmo neighborhood. It features live music, dance performances, and craft stalls.
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Recife Natal: The city’s annual Christmas celebration, held from early December to early January. It includes Christmas markets, nativity displays, choir performances, and fireworks shows.
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Boi de Natal (Christmas Bull): A traditional dance performance that combines Afro-Brazilian rhythms and costumes. It is common to see troupes performing in the streets during December.
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Noite da Virada (New Year’s Eve): A lively celebration featuring street parties, fireworks displays along the Boa Viagem beach, and live music performances.
Other Things to Do or See in Recife in December:
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Visit the Marco Zero Square: The city’s main square, where you can witness the convergence of four rivers and enjoy stunning views of Recife’s bridges.
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Explore the Olinda Historical Center: A UNESCO World Heritage Site just north of Recife, Olinda boasts colonial architecture, colorful streets, and charming churches.
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Stroll along the Boa Viagem Beach: A popular beach with a scenic promenade, offering opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing.
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Visit the Recife Carnival Museum: Learn about the origins and traditions of the world-famous carnival celebration held in February.
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Visit the Paço do Frevo: A cultural center dedicated to the frevo dance, a unique Recife rhythm. It offers dance lessons, exhibitions, and live performances.
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Go shopping at the Boa Vista Shopping Mall: A modern shopping mall with a wide variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
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Enjoy the local cuisine: Recife is known for its delicious seafood dishes, including moqueca (fish stew) and vatapá (a creamy stew made with shrimp, fish, and coconut milk).
Tourism In Recife, Brazil During December
December is a festive time in Recife, Brazil, as the city gears up for Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations. The streets are adorned with colorful decorations, and the air is filled with the sounds of music and laughter.
One of the most popular tourist attractions during December is the “Papai Noel do Recife” (Recife’s Santa Claus), a giant inflatable Santa Claus that is set up on the Boa Viagem beach. Visitors can take pictures with Santa and his elves, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Another popular activity during December is to visit the “Presépios de Olinda” (Olinda’s Nativity Scenes), a series of elaborate nativity scenes that are set up in the historic city of Olinda, just north of Recife. The nativity scenes are made from a variety of materials, including wood, clay, and paper, and they depict the birth of Jesus in a variety of settings.
For those who want to experience a more traditional Brazilian Christmas, there are a number of churches in Recife that offer special services and events. The Igreja da Madre de Deus (Church of the Mother of God) is one of the most popular churches to visit during December, as it is home to a beautiful nativity scene that is said to be one of the oldest in Brazil.
No matter what your interests are, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Recife during December. The city is a vibrant and festive place to be during the holiday season, and visitors are sure to have a memorable experience.