Weather

Santa Maria has a subtropical climate and is known for considerable 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 highs normally ranging from 27ºC to 30ºC (80.6ºF to 86ºF). Conversely, June and July (winter) are the coldest months, averaging around 10ºC (50ºF), with maximum temperatures of 19ºC (66.2ºF). However, it is not uncommon to experience higher temperatures during these months as well. 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 shapes its culture and sets it apart from the rest of Brazil. While Brazil is known for its tropical climate, ideal for beach trips, outdoor sports, and samba music events, Rio Grande do Sul has the coldest climate in the country, leading to different cultural traditions. Rio Grande do Sul is known for chimarrão, a hot tea that warms you up on cold days, although it is enjoyed throughout the year. Made from mate tea, people often drink it while sitting in a circle and passing it around. The preparation and consumption of chimarrão are considered a social ritual, promoting friendship and chit-chat. Offering chimarrão to visitors is a common sign of hospitality.

Gastronomy is another unique cultural tradition in Rio Grande do Sul. Our most typical food is churrasco, a unique type of barbeque. Characterized by large cuts of meat, especially beef, seasoned with coarse salt, and slowly grilled over firewood or coal, churrasco is a common social activity for family events or among friends. This tradition is so common that almost every apartment has a built-in barbecue grill.

Italian and German immigration has also brought additional culinary traditions to our region. From hearty pasta dishes and artisanal pizzas to delectable desserts like German kuchen, you’ll find an abundance of Italian and German-inspired delights in the city’s eateries and local markets. 

Finally, it is important to highlight the warm hospitality 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, cafés, and nightclubs with accessible prices.

Banking system

Several Brazilian banks provide financial services like checking and savings accounts, loans, and credit cards. Nowadays, it is very common to conduct all 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 with no fees between individuals and businesses, whether using the same or different banks.

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 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 very commonplace, 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 consulted 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.