Sao Joao del Rei Travel Guide – Attractions & Tours

Featured Lists

São João del Rei Essentials

This collection highlights the colonial heritage of São João del Rei, a city known for its unique tradition of communicative bell-ringing. The selection features landmark Baroque and Rococo churches, including the Aleijadinho-designed Church of Saint Francis of Assisi. Visitors can explore the 19th-century Maria Fumaça steam train station, the final resting place of President Tancredo Neves, and preserved cobblestone streets like Rua Santo Antônio, which showcase the architectural evolution of Minas Gerais.

10 places

Ricardo André Frantz / CC BY 3.0

Historic Churches

São João del Rei's historic center preserves a dense collection of 18th-century religious architecture, representing the peak of the Brazilian gold cycle. This selection includes the Cathedral Basilica, featuring gold-laden woodcarvings, and the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi, a masterpiece of Rococo design. These sites showcase the work of prominent colonial artists and the distinct styles of different religious orders, from the ornate interiors of the Third Order of Mount Carmel to the historically significant churches built by local brotherhoods.

5 places

Federal University of São João del-Rei

Established in 1987, the Federal University of São João del-Rei (UFSJ) is a major public institution in Minas Gerais. This collection highlights the Santo Antônio campus, which serves as the university's administrative and historical heart. The campus houses the central rectory, the main academic building, and specialized departments, all integrated into the urban landscape of this historic colonial city.

5 places

Nature & Parks

Explore the natural landscape of São João del-Rei, where the Serra de São José provides a backdrop for limestone caves and clear waterfalls. This collection features historical landmarks like Cachoeira do Bom Despacho on the Estrada Real alongside urban green spaces. From the traditional bandstands of colonial-era squares to the hiking trails leading to hidden cascades, these sites highlight the region's geological diversity and its preserved 18th-century urban planning.

10 places

Sao Joao del Rei — Map

Climate & when to visit

Best time to visit: April, May, June, July, August

Select a month

Typical weather in January

Fair

27° (feels like 28°) · extremes 16°–31°
18° at night
23 rainy days
8 sunny days
6 hours of sunshine per day
Muggy, humid air
Calm winds
UV index 11 · extreme

Typical weather in February

Fair

27° (feels like 28°) · extremes 16°–31°
18° at night
18 rainy days
10 sunny days
7 hours of sunshine per day
Muggy, humid air
Calm winds
UV index 11 · extreme

Typical weather in March

Fair

27° (feels like 28°) · extremes 15°–30°
18° at night
18 rainy days
11 sunny days
7 hours of sunshine per day
Muggy, humid air
Calm winds
UV index 10 · very high

Typical weather in April

Great

27° · extremes 13°–30°
16° at night
9 rainy days
14 sunny days
7 hours of sunshine per day
Humid air
Calm winds
UV index 8 · very high

Typical weather in May

Great

26° (feels like 25°) · extremes 9°–30°
13° at night
5 rainy days
15 sunny days
7 hours of sunshine per day
Comfortable humidity
Calm winds
UV index 6 · high

Typical weather in June

Great

26° (feels like 24°) · extremes 9°–29°
12° at night
3 rainy days
17 sunny days
7 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Calm winds
UV index 5 · moderate

Typical weather in July

Great

26° (feels like 24°) · extremes 8°–30°
12° at night
2 rainy days
20 sunny days
8 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 6 · high

Typical weather in August

Great

29° (feels like 26°) · extremes 9°–33°
13° at night
4 rainy days
20 sunny days
8 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 7 · high

Typical weather in September

Good

30° (feels like 29°) · extremes 11°–35°
15° at night
7 rainy days
15 sunny days
8 hours of sunshine per day
Comfortable humidity
Light breeze
UV index 8 · very high

Typical weather in October

Fair

30° (feels like 29°) · extremes 12°–36°
16° at night
14 rainy days
10 sunny days
7 hours of sunshine per day
Comfortable humidity
Light breeze
UV index 9 · very high

Typical weather in November

Fair

28° · extremes 13°–33°
17° at night
20 rainy days
7 sunny days
6 hours of sunshine per day
Humid air
Light breeze
UV index 10 · very high

Typical weather in December

Fair

27° (feels like 28°) · extremes 15°–31°
18° at night
24 rainy days
7 sunny days
6 hours of sunshine per day
Muggy, humid air
Light breeze
UV index 10 · very high

Climate data: NASA POWER (MERRA-2) · 1996–2025

Practical information

Currency: Brazilian Real BRL · Card payments · Widely accepted
Emergency numbers: 188
Electricity: Type C / Type N
127 V · 60 Hz

Languages: Portuguese
Tap water: Drink with caution
Driving side: Right
Calling code: +55

Learn more

Tours & Activities

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Sao Joao del Rei

Featured Lists

São João del Rei Essentials

Historic Churches

Federal University of São João del-Rei

Nature & Parks

Sao Joao del Rei — Map

Climate & when to visit

Typical weather in January

Typical weather in February

Typical weather in March

Typical weather in April

Typical weather in May

Typical weather in June

Typical weather in July

Typical weather in August

Typical weather in September

Typical weather in October

Typical weather in November

Typical weather in December

Practical information

Tours & Activities

Sao Joao del Rei – Plan Your Days

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