This study aimed to analyze how meteorological conditions such as temperature, humidity and rainfall can affect the spread of COVID-19 in five Brazilian (São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Manaus and Fortaleza) cities. The cities selected were those with the largest number of confirmed cases considering data of April 13. Variables such as number of cumulative cases, new daily cases and contamination rate were employed for this study. Our results showed that higher mean temperatures and average relative humidity favored the COVID-19 transmission, differently from reports from coldest countries or periods of time under cool temperatures. Thus, considering the results obtained, intersectoral policies and actions are necessary, mainly in cities where the contamination rate is increasing rapidly. Thus, prevention and protection measures should be adopted in these cities aiming to reduce transmission and the possible collapse of the health system. Display omitted •This study attempts to model the effects of meteorological factors in COVID-19 spread in Brazil•High mean temperatures influenced the COVID-19 transmission rate•Intermediate relative humidity influenced the COVID-19 transmission rate•Correlation of meteorological conditions with COVID-19 spread is presented for five Brazilian cities•This study aims to support decision-makers to avoid deaths by the collapse of health-care systems