Weather

Santa Maria experiences a subtropical climate and is known for the notable temperature variations, even within the same day. Be prepared for both high and low temperatures, as well as a mix of sunny and rainy days.  

The months with the highest temperatures are November, December, January, February, and March (spring-summer), with temperature highs ranging from 30ºC to 27ºC (86ºF to 80.6ºF). On the other hand, June and July (winter) are the coldest months, averaging around 10ºC (50ºF), with a maximum temperature of 19ºC (66.2ºF). However, experiencing higher temperatures during these months is not uncommon. In April, May (fall), August, September, and October (winter-spring), temperatures usually range from 11ºC to 25ºC (51.8ºF to 77ºF).  

Culture

The weather in Rio Grande do Sul significantly influences its culture, setting it apart from the rest of Brazil. While Brazil is known for its tropical climate, ideal for beach visits, outdoor sports, and samba music gatherings, Rio Grande do Sul, as the coldest state in the country, hosts different cultural traditions. Although summers can be very hot, beach outgoings are not easily accessible for everyone. For instance, Santa Maria is approximately 450 km (about 280 miles) away from the popular beaches in Rio Grande do Sul. 

The cold weather influences the culture in Rio Grande do Sul in several ways. On extremely cold days, it is common to spend more time at home or to go out for dinner in restaurants with fireplaces. In addition, Rio Grande do Sul is known for the chimarrão culture, a hot drink that warms us during cold days, although it is enjoyed at any temperature. Made from mate tea, it is shared in a circle of friends. The preparation and consumption of chimarrão are considered a social ritual, promoting interaction, friendship, and respect. Offering chimarrão to visitors is common as a sign of hospitality. 

Another aspect influencing the cultural traditions of Rio Grande do Sul is gastronomy. Our typical food is churrasco, a meal that represents a unique way of preparing and appreciating meat. Characterized by large cuts of meat, especially beef, seasoned with coarse salt, and slowly grilled over firewood or coal, churrasco is a social activity frequently shared in significant family events or among friends. Chimarrão is also a part of the churrasco event, representing a celebration of the culture and tradition of Rio Grande do Sul. This tradition is so common that almost every apartment, even the smallest ones, has a built-in barbecue.  

Italian immigration has also brought additional gastronomic traditions for our region. From hearty pasta dishes and artisanal pizzas to delectable desserts like tiramisu and cannoli, you’ll find an abundance of Italian-inspired delights in the city’s eateries. Local markets provide an assortment of fresh produce and Italian ingredients. From olive oils and cheeses to aromatic herbs, these markets showcase the influence of Italian culinary traditions, providing a feast for your senses. 

Finally, it is important to highlight the hospitality culture of Santa Maria. Besides UFSM, the city is home to other reputable universities and research institutions. For this reason, many university students come to study and live away from their hometowns, building strong connections with their classmates, roommates, and friends. Many spots in the city cater to this university public, such as bars, cafeterias, and nightclubs with accessible prices.  

Banking system

The banking system in Brazil consists of various banks that provide financial services like checking and savings accounts, loans, and credit cards. Nowadays, it is very common to conduct all the transactions online through the banks’ apps, including bill payments and transfers to other accounts. Additionally, the PIX system is available for any bank account, allowing instant money transfers between individuals and businesses, whether using the same or different banks, with no fees.  

Sockets and voltage

The current official standard for plugs and sockets is the three-prong outlet, but you can also find two-prong outlets in some places. The voltage in the city of Santa Maria is 220 volts, so make sure your devices are designed to use this voltage or are dual voltage.

Telephone and internet services

To get a mobile phone service in Brazil, you can subscribe to plans offered by providers such as Vivo, Claro, TIM, or Oi. Simply purchase a SIM card and select a plan at a local store or kiosk. Prepaid plans are prevalent, allowing you to pay in advance for a certain amount of talk time and data, though postpaid plans are also an option. 

For internet access, you can choose between fixed broadband and mobile data. Fixed broadband is provided by companies like NET, Vivo Fibra, or Oi Velox. They offer different plans with varying speeds and data limits, which can be reviewed on the companies’ websites. Once you have selected the plan that suits your needs, the necessary equipment will be set up for you. Mobile data plans are available through your mobile phone provider, and you can conveniently choose the best plan simultaneously with your mobile phone service.