When to Visit the Amazon: The Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Rainforest All Year Round

Discover the best time to visit the Amazon and plan the perfect trip. Learn how the flood and dry seasons offer unique ways to experience the most biodiverse forest on the planet.

Photo: Gui Gomes

If you’re planning a trip to the Brazilian Amazon, timing can truly shape your experience. In this practical guide, we’ll reveal the best time to explore the rainforest—whether you want to paddle through lush igapós during the flood season or hike along river beaches in the dry season. Get ready for a deep dive into Amazonian biodiversity!

The Amazon offers two distinct seasons, each with its own charm. The flood season (December to May) is ideal for exploring flooded forests by canoe, while the dry season (June to November) opens up forest trails. Both provide unforgettable contact with Amazonian flora and fauna. The best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for.

* Igapós are areas of the Amazon rainforest that are seasonally flooded by rising rivers. These unique ecosystems are rich in biodiversity and feature vegetation adapted to aquatic conditions.

Flood Season (December to May): An Immersive, Water-Rich Amazon

Photo: Gui Gomes

During this period, the river levels rise significantly, flooding the forest and creating the iconic igapós—underwater forests where life thrives in surprising ways.

Highlights of the flood season:

• Canoe rides through flooded forests, with high chances of spotting animals in the treetops

• Exceptional birdwatching opportunities and abundant wildlife

• Stunning photo opportunities in a unique aquatic setting

• Mild climate: average temperatures range from 24°C to 28°C, with frequent rainfall

This is the best time for those who want to navigate through the forest and experience the Amazon at its most liquid, melodic, and mysterious.

Dry Season (June to November): Trails, River Beaches, and Forest Adventures

Photo: Gui Gomes

As rainfall decreases, water levels recede, revealing forest trails, sandbanks, and temporary river beaches.

Highlights of the dry season:

• Guided hikes through the forest offer direct immersion in Amazonian biodiversity

• Temporary river beaches appear along the Solimões and Japurá rivers

• Field activities take place on foot, allowing for a deeper connection with the ecosystem

• Warm, dry climate: temperatures can reach up to 30°C, with more sun and less rain

This is a great time for those interested in forest trekking, educational activities, and getting closer to the ground-level beauty of the Amazon.

So, When is the Best Time to Travel to the Amazon?

Photo: Gui Gomes

Both seasons offer unforgettable experiences. The ideal time depends on your main interest:

• Want to explore flooded forests and spot birds from the water? Choose the flood season.

• Prefer hiking trails and walking through the jungle? Visit during the dry season.

• Looking for wildlife observation? Birds are easier to spot in the flood season, while the dry season offers better visibility of land vegetation and greater chances of seeing mammals foraging for water.

Click here  to explore amazing 3-, 4-, and 7-night itineraries available in both seasons.

Practical Travel Tips for Visiting the Amazon:

• How many days should I stay? We recommend at least 4 nights—or up to 7 days for a more immersive experience.

• Where to stay in the Amazon? Choose sustainable options that offer authentic experiences. Uakari Lodge is a floating lodge managed by local communities and recognized for its responsible tourism model.

• What to pack for the Amazon? Lightweight, quick-drying clothes, rain gear, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a spirit of curiosity.

• Do I need vaccines? The yellow fever vaccine is recommended. Check with your doctor before traveling.

• What about climate change? Changes in rainfall patterns are already affecting the Amazon’s flood cycles. Check weather updates and plan responsibly, prioritizing sustainable travel.

Experience the Amazon with Purpose

Photo: Gui Gomes

Visiting the Amazon rainforest is more than a trip—it’s a chance to reconnect with nature and with ways of life that teach us about respect, care, and belonging.

At Uakari Lodge, you’ll find a sustainable travel experience aligned with values of environmental preservation, community empowerment, and citizen science. A journey that’s meaningful, authentic, and transformative—any time of the year.

Every experience is grounded in the principles of community-based tourism and biodiversity conservation, honoring the environment and the cultures of those who live here.

Located in the Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve, Uakari Lodge offers year-round experiences that adjust to the natural rhythms of the forest and the local communities. The Tefé region, in the heart of the Amazon, is a gateway to responsible ecotourism and real connection.

Choose the season that suits you best — and come experience the Amazon in full.

For more on accommodations, guided tours, and immersive activities in the Amazon, visit our website. And follow us on Instagram to stay connected. We can’t wait to welcome you!