Located in São Paulo state, this Brazilian city of 714,599 people is a regional economic center and the seat of a Roman Catholic diocese in the Rio Preto microregion.
São José do Rio Preto is a major city in northwestern São Paulo state. You can watch performances at the International Theater Festival held at the Municipal Theater, see Brazilian folk art at the Primitivist Art Museum, or join guided walks through the Cerrado savanna to spot local birds and plants. The city's universities and research centers organize public lectures and technology exhibitions year-round.
Climate and Natural Setting
São José do Rio Preto sits between the Grande, Paraná, and Tietê rivers at an elevation of 475 meters. The tropical climate brings hot summers with regular rainfall and mild winters with less precipitation. Average temperatures hover around 23°C (73°F), with annual rainfall between 1,300 and 1,500 mm. Local guides lead nature walks and bird watching tours through the Cerrado (Brazilian savanna) and Atlantic Forest areas, where you can see native plants and wildlife.
Cultural Life and Events
The Municipal Theater Humberto Sinibaldi Neto and Municipal Theater Paulo Moura host theatrical performances, concerts, and dance shows. The International Theater Festival (FIT) brings performers from across Brazil, while the Book Biennial connects writers with readers through literary events. The Primitivist Art Museum (MAP) and the Naif Art Museum display collections of folk art and contemporary works.
Education and Research
IBILCE conducts research in biosciences, languages, and exact sciences, and welcomes visitors to public lectures and exhibitions. At FATEC, you can attend technology fairs that demonstrate current projects in applied sciences. The presence of these institutions and several private colleges creates regular academic events and exhibitions open to the public.
Transportation Links
From São José do Rio Preto Airport, three airlines fly to São Paulo, Campinas, Guarulhos, Cuiabá, and Porto Seguro. Regular bus services run to São Paulo city (440 km away). Highways connect the city to Araçatuba and Ribeirão Preto. The city's location makes it practical for exploring the northwestern region of São Paulo state.
