Ipanema Sea Temperature Today

Beaches

Ipanema Beach runs for about 2 km from the rock of Arpoador to the Jardim de Alah canal, where Leblon Beach continues west. Lifeguard towers, called postos, divide the sand into sections, and each has its own crowd; the area around Posto 9 is a lively meeting point, especially at weekends. The Atlantic surf can be strong, with rip currents, so swim near a lifeguard post and follow the flags. Arpoador, at the eastern end, is a popular surf spot, and Copacabana is a short walk away, beyond the Forte de Copacabana headland.

Things to do

On clear evenings, crowds gather on the rock at Arpoador to watch the sunset, with Dois Irmãos framing the view, and often applaud as the sun disappears. The statue of Christ the Redeemer stands on Corcovado mountain inside Tijuca National Park and can be reached by a cog railway or by road, and a cable car climbs Sugarloaf Mountain above Botafogo Bay. The Botanical Garden lies near the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon, and on Sundays the Hippie Fair fills Praça General Osório in Ipanema with crafts and food stalls. Rio's mix of mountains, forest and bays is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage cultural landscape.

Weather and best time to visit

At Ipanema the sea stays above 21 °C / 70 °F all year, even in the coolest month.

Rio de Janeiro has a tropical climate. Summer, from December to March, is hot and humid, with heavy afternoon storms, while winter, from June to August, is milder and drier and the sea feels cooler. Demand for accommodation rises around New Year's Eve and Carnival, in February or March, so book ahead. Take little of value to the beach at Ipanema.

Hotels and where to stay

Hotels in Ipanema line Avenida Vieira Souto, the beachfront road, and the streets just behind it. Leblon, to the west, is quieter, and Copacabana, to the east, has a larger number of hotels in every price range.

Signature hotels: Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro (Ipanema) · Arena Ipanema Hotel (Ipanema)

Airport and getting there

Rio de Janeiro/Galeão International Airport (GIG) is about 30 km north of Ipanema, usually 40 to 60 minutes by taxi depending on traffic, and Santos Dumont Airport (SDU), used mainly for domestic flights, is about 15 km away in the city centre. General Osório and Nossa Senhora da Paz metro stations serve Ipanema on the through-running Line 1/4 towards Leblon and Barra da Tijuca.