Best Times to Call Brazil from the U.S. (Without Screwing It Up)
Trying to call someone in Brazil from the U.S.? It seems easy until you realize not all of Brazil is in the same time zone — and some parts change for daylight saving time while others don’t. If you want to get it right (and not interrupt dinner), this guide breaks down the best times to call.
This applies whether you’re calling for business, family, or to plan that dream trip to Rio.
🧠 Quick Answer: Best Time to Call Brazil from the U.S.
Most of Brazil uses Brasília Time (BRT), which is UTC -3. That puts Brazil about 1–2 hours ahead of most of the U.S. east coast, depending on the season.
| Your Location | Best Time to Call Brazil | Your Local Time |
|---|---|---|
| New York (EST/EDT) | 10 AM – 6 PM BRT | 9 AM – 5 PM EST/EDT |
| Chicago (CST/CDT) | 10 AM – 6 PM BRT | 8 AM – 4 PM CST/CDT |
| Los Angeles (PST/PDT) | 10 AM – 6 PM BRT | 6 AM – 2 PM PST/PDT |
👉 Pro tip: Brazil is usually just 1 to 3 hours ahead of you. That means calling during your late morning or early afternoon hits the sweet spot.
🌎 Not All of Brazil Follows the Same Time
Brazil spans four time zones, but most of the population lives in the eastern part of the country, including Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Brasília. These cities are all on BRT (UTC -3).
Some parts of western Brazil — like Mato Grosso and Amazonas — are on Amazon Time (UTC -4), so make sure you know which region you’re calling.
Also: Brazil stopped using daylight saving time in 2019, while the U.S. still changes clocks twice a year. This affects the time difference in spring and fall.
🛑 Worst Times to Call Brazil
- Before 8 AM BRT — too early for most people
- Between 12 PM – 2 PM — lunch break and nap time is real in parts of Brazil
- After 9 PM BRT — considered rude unless you’re close
💼 Best Times for Business Calls
If you’re scheduling a business call with someone in Brazil:
- 10 AM – 12 PM BRT is ideal for professional conversations
- 3 PM – 5 PM BRT works well for wrap-ups and sales calls
Avoid Friday afternoons — things tend to slow down and people check out early before the weekend.
🔗 Check the Time in Brazil Right Now
Use these pages to see the live clock for major Brazilian cities:
- 🕒 What Time Is It in São Paulo, Brazil Right Now?
- 🕒 What Time Is It in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Right Now?
- 🕒 What Time Is It in Brasília, Brazil Right Now?
- 🕒 What Time Is It in Salvador, Brazil Right Now?
- 🕒 What Time Is It in Fortaleza, Brazil Right Now?
✅ Final Thoughts
Calling Brazil is easier than most countries thanks to the small time gap — just keep in mind that lunch is sacred and evenings are personal time.
If you’re not sure, just ask:
“What time works best for you in Brazil?”
Simple question. Big impact.