If you've got just 5 days I suggest you go to Rio de Janeiro (3days) and then to the Iguaçu Water Falls (2days).

Brazil is very large and has many different weather zones. There are mountain areas, jungle, coast and desert. They have Winter as we have Summer and eac hof those zones will see a different effect. As most people visit the coast though, it should be fine year round, since it lies somewhat close to the equator. But as I said Brazil is large and it mostly depends on where you are going.

The weather near the coast will be very pleasant right now.

As for things to see in Brazil, I would recommend you start out with a guidebook. You are running out of time and you may have to book flights in Brazil as it is so incredibly large.

You probably should visit Rio de Janeiro, Iguacu Falls, Salvador and maybe the Amazon Jungle. Check with your local health insurance provider what areas are safe to travel. You may need a lot of vaccinations like yellow feaver and in certain areas Malaria. They will know what you need, but beware, some of those have to be taken at least 4 weeks before travelling.

Seems like you are really running out of time on your planning.

Andre

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I would definitely check out Rio, but I would also consider Buijos, about 3 hours
north of Rio....it is kinda like a Key West, it is a series of islands, and they are
all different types of beaches, snorkeling, shopping, fine dining, etc.

But definitely Rio is a must!

Larry

I am sure that you will visit Rio but there are other places that you can go to with lots of beaches ,  Florianopolis is one of the best places to go to . 

Rio is probably a must-see, but a few days should be enough. Be careful there, Rio and Sao Paolo are dangerous. I am not talking about the normal crime level in big cities, there are serious safety problems related to organized crime. Talk to the locals, and listen to their advice - they are normally much more careful than tourists, and they know why. That said, away from the big cities, Brazil is quite safe, especially in the south. But Rio... I really prefer living in Buenos Aires, which is so much safer.

Found a great new hotel on a trip to Sao Paulo for business recently. Melia Jardim Europa, http://www.meliajardimeuropa.com,  they have a rooftop pool, pretty great

If u guys r in Rio and looking 4 a work opportunity, just chekc this out www.sunshinetefl.com

they r great!

Is Brazil as dangerous as they say? What kind of precautions are required?