They have warm/hot summers and mild, cool winters. It is typically warm, humid, and wet. It can get cold, not super cold but in the mountain areas it can get close to freezing.
This is a walking mission! You walk A LOT, so good, sturdy footwear is important. Most missionaries go through at least 3 pair. They do have good shoes that are available for sale there, though.
Elders: ECCO and Johnston & Murphy shoes are often recommended.
Sandals for Sisters are accepted in this mission, like Tevas and Chacos. You’ll also want a pair of warmer shoes.
Essentials: A jacket or coat that is waterproof with a zip out liner for winter. It can get cold in the mountain regions, so some warm pajamas and a few sweaters, some thermal garment bottoms, and for Sisters a couple of warm dresses. Most of the time, however, be prepared to sweat. You sometimes take multiple showers a day, so bring more garments than they say.
There are many places to buy clothing for Sisters that are inexpensive and fit the culture a lot better than ones purchased in the states.
Elders- you only need one suit (only worn to Church and zone meetings) and several pairs (like 6-8) of golf pants. They wear out with all the walking. The majority of your shirts should be short sleeved with a couple of long sleeved.
A GOOD rain jacket and Waterproof crossbody bag are essential.
Bring a couple of fast-drying towels. Sometimes it takes a couple of days to get laundry back after it is sent out for cleaning, and you will want an extra towel.
You don't need toothpaste, deodorant, floss or soaps, as they are available at the grocery chains and they carry a lot of American brands.
They do not have Reese's peanut butter cups there and everyone wants them.
Have a suggestion or correction for the Brazil Florianópolis Mission? Submit it here.
Most parents send their Elders with at least 1 suit (most countries in South America only wear suits to church and meetings) and around 8–10 golf pants. Families are sending more shirts because of heat and humidity — 12–14 is the average. Note for Sisters serving in Brazil: feminine hygiene products are expensive there and tampons are often considered taboo. Be prepared to send a good supply with your Sister Missionary.
This is a very comfortable, durable shoe that missionaries serving all over have loved!
In missions that allow open-toed sandals, these are mentioned quite often.
7 inch Rechargeable Fan. These have been recommended for missionaries serving in Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Africa. They help keep you cooler at night, but also help keep bugs like mosquitos off at night too.
The power goes out frequently, so it is nice to have a solar power fan.
This is a good rain jacket to have if you need the zip-out liner functionality.
Serve shirts have a ventilation panel in the side of the shirt making them noticeably more breathable. Missionaries serving in hot or humid places absolutely RAVE about this feature. The most popular shirt for hot-climate missions, for sure.