Winter in Rio de Janeiro is usually associated with fewer tourists, cooler, drier temperatures, bundled up residents and the exodus of the wealthy en route for skiing resorts abroad. This year, however, has been a bit different.

This July, the temperatures have been higher than usual, reaching 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) on some days. As a result, people are flocking to the beaches more than they usually do in the winter, and the hotter climate is attracting more Brazilian tourists. Hotel occupancy is around 75%, though during this time of year, the low season, it usually ranges from 50-60%.

Also, last Saturday, tourists and Cariocas alike got a pleasant surprise when a large school of dolphins appeared off the coast of Ipanema. Colder water currents send dolphins closer to land in search of food in the winter. To see the “dolphin ballet” on Globo, click here.