Peru weather
WEATHER
Peru has three main climatic zones: the tropical Amazon jungle to the east; the arid coastal desert to the west; and the Andean mountains and highlands in the middle of the country.
In the Andes, which have altitudes over 3500m, average daily temperatures can be seen in the table below, bearing in mind that it can fall below 10°C (50°F) overnight temperatures. Travellers flying straight into Cuzco (3326m) should allow time to acclimatize.
From June to August is the dry season in the mountains and plateau; the wettest months are from December to March. It rains all the time in the hot and humid rainforest, but the driest months there are from June to September. However, even during the wettest months from December to May, it rarely rains for more than a few hours at a time. Along the arid coastal strip, the hot months are from December through March. Some parts of the coastal strip rarely see rain, if at all. From April to November, Lima and other areas by the Pacific Ocean experience coastal fog, mist or drizzle.
Peru’s climate has two main seasons – wet and dry, though the weather varies greatly depending on the geographical region. Temperature is mostly influenced by elevation: the higher you climb, the cooler it becomes. Generally when the sun shines it is warm and when it doesn't, it is cool.
The Coast (Lima, Nasca, Arequipa)
December to April
This is summertime on the coast where the weather is hot and dry and ideal for swimming and getting a tan. Temperatures on average range from 25 to 35°C. There is little or no rain during these months.
May to November
From May to November the temperature drops a bit and you'll find blankets of sea mist engulfing the coast from the south right up to about 200 km north of Lima. At this time of year only the northern beaches such as Mancora and Punta Sal are warm enough to provide pleasant swimming.
The Mountain Highlands (Cusco, Lake Titicaca)
April to October
This period is the dry season, with hot, dry days and cold, dry nights, often hovering just above freezing, particularly in June and July? May is perhaps the best month with the countryside exceptionally lush, yet with superb views and fine weather. You'll find the flowers in full bloom, the grass green and the streams full.
The high tourist season is from June to August. Generally you’ll find Cusco to be a cosmopolitan city with tourists from all over the globe uniting on Machu Picchu.
November to April
This is the wet season with most rain in January and February. It's usually clear and dry most mornings with outbursts of heavy rain in the afternoons. The daily temperatures are typically mild with only a small drop at night.
The Inca Trail is much less crowded during this period. Streams and rivers flow much stronger and during this period, be well equipped for the rain.
Many of Peru’s major festivals such as Carnival and Easter Week take place during this period.
Peru has three main climatic zones: the tropical Amazon jungle to the east; the arid coastal desert to the west; and the Andean mountains and highlands in the middle of the country.
In the Andes, which have altitudes over 3500m, average daily temperatures can be seen in the table below, bearing in mind that it can fall below 10°C (50°F) overnight temperatures. Travellers flying straight into Cuzco (3326m) should allow time to acclimatize.
From June to August is the dry season in the mountains and plateau; the wettest months are from December to March. It rains all the time in the hot and humid rainforest, but the driest months there are from June to September. However, even during the wettest months from December to May, it rarely rains for more than a few hours at a time. Along the arid coastal strip, the hot months are from December through March. Some parts of the coastal strip rarely see rain, if at all. From April to November, Lima and other areas by the Pacific Ocean experience coastal fog, mist or drizzle.
Peru’s climate has two main seasons – wet and dry, though the weather varies greatly depending on the geographical region. Temperature is mostly influenced by elevation: the higher you climb, the cooler it becomes. Generally when the sun shines it is warm and when it doesn't, it is cool.
The Coast (Lima, Nasca, Arequipa)
December to April
This is summertime on the coast where the weather is hot and dry and ideal for swimming and getting a tan. Temperatures on average range from 25 to 35°C. There is little or no rain during these months.
May to November
From May to November the temperature drops a bit and you'll find blankets of sea mist engulfing the coast from the south right up to about 200 km north of Lima. At this time of year only the northern beaches such as Mancora and Punta Sal are warm enough to provide pleasant swimming.
The Mountain Highlands (Cusco, Lake Titicaca)
April to October
This period is the dry season, with hot, dry days and cold, dry nights, often hovering just above freezing, particularly in June and July? May is perhaps the best month with the countryside exceptionally lush, yet with superb views and fine weather. You'll find the flowers in full bloom, the grass green and the streams full.
The high tourist season is from June to August. Generally you’ll find Cusco to be a cosmopolitan city with tourists from all over the globe uniting on Machu Picchu.
November to April
This is the wet season with most rain in January and February. It's usually clear and dry most mornings with outbursts of heavy rain in the afternoons. The daily temperatures are typically mild with only a small drop at night.
The Inca Trail is much less crowded during this period. Streams and rivers flow much stronger and during this period, be well equipped for the rain.
Many of Peru’s major festivals such as Carnival and Easter Week take place during this period.
Although you are not visiting the Amazon Jungle on your Tour, this is the general weather pattern for it.
The Amazon Jungle
April – October
This is the ‘dry’ season with daily temperatures averaging 30–35°C. However, cold fronts from the South Atlantic are common and the temperatures can drop to 15°C during the day and 13°C at night. The dry season is the best time to visit the jungle regions - there are fewer mosquitoes and the rivers are low, exposing the beaches. It’s also a good time to see nesting and to view the animals at close range, as they stay close to the rivers and are more easily seen.
November – March
This is the wet season, hot and humid, when you can expect heavy rain at any time. It only rains for a few hours at a time, so it’s not enough to spoil your trip. Wellington boots are a must though, as some of the jungle trails can become small rivers.
The Amazon Jungle
April – October
This is the ‘dry’ season with daily temperatures averaging 30–35°C. However, cold fronts from the South Atlantic are common and the temperatures can drop to 15°C during the day and 13°C at night. The dry season is the best time to visit the jungle regions - there are fewer mosquitoes and the rivers are low, exposing the beaches. It’s also a good time to see nesting and to view the animals at close range, as they stay close to the rivers and are more easily seen.
November – March
This is the wet season, hot and humid, when you can expect heavy rain at any time. It only rains for a few hours at a time, so it’s not enough to spoil your trip. Wellington boots are a must though, as some of the jungle trails can become small rivers.
