verão

Verão is the warmest season of the year in the Portuguese-speaking world. Its timing depends on the hemisphere: in the Northern Hemisphere it typically includes June, July, and August, while in the Southern Hemisphere it spans December through February. The season is associated with longer days, more sunlight, and patterns of heat and rainfall that affect climate, agriculture, and daily life.

The term verão originates from Latin veranum and is related to the spring season in older linguistic forms; cognates include Spanish verano, French été, and Italian estate. In Portuguese, the word is used in Portugal, Brazil, and other Portuguese-speaking regions, with variations such as veraneio (summer vacation) and veranear (to spend the summer).

Geography and climate vary across the Portuguese-speaking world, so the character of verano differs by location. In tropical and subtropical regions, verano often brings hot weather and, in many areas, a pronounced rainy or dry season. In temperate zones, temperatures rise but can be moderated by coastal influences. Urban areas may experience heat waves during the season.

Cultural and social aspects: verano influences leisure, travel, and culture. Holidays, beach activities, and outdoor festivals are common, as are agricultural practices tied to seasonal cycles. In Brazil, for example, férias de verão refer to the summer vacation period, and veranear denotes spending the season away from work or school.