Weather in Peru
What can you expect weather-wise for your trip to Peru? The good news is that Peru is a year-round destination, meaning there’s technically no bad time to visit Peru. However, there is a best time to visit each region. We’ll give you the run-down:
Essentially, Peru’s climate can be divided into its geographic regions including mountains, coastal desert, and rainforest. Each region has it’s own fairly predictable weather patterns. Here’s what to expect:
The Mountains
The driving factor here is rainy season vs. dry season. The rainy season picks up steam during the months of December through March and tends to fizzle out by April. This means rain is likely every day but that temperatures are at their warmest for the year. The dry season occurs from April to November and coincides with the highlands winter. Temperatures can drop to just below freezing at night, especially during the months of June and July.
Dry Season: April to November
Daytime Temperatures: 18-25º C / 65-77º F
Nighttime Temperatures: -5-5º C / 23-41º F
Rainy Season: December to March
Daytime Temperatures: 20-26º C / 68-79º F
Nighttime Temperatures: 0-10º C / 32-50 º F
Best Time to Go: April to October
Destinations in this Region: Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Arequipa & the Colca Canyon, the Cordillera Blanca, Cajamarca, Ayacucho, and Chachapoyas.
The Coastal Desert
Summer in Peru is from December through February and the coast of Peru experiences this season to its fullest. Days can be very hot and humid, especially during the months of January and February. Unlike North American summers, there’s typically no rain along the coast due to its desert geography. Expect warm temperatures year-round, with the warmest temperatures being along the northern beaches of Mancora. Lima experiences its coolest months from May to October when days are typically overcast.
Daytime Temperatures: 23-28º C / 74-82º F
Nighttime Temperatures: 12-18º C / 54-64º F
Best Time to Go: December to January
Destinations in this Region: Trujillo, Chiclayo, Ica, Nazca, Mancora, Lima, Paracas
The Rainforest
Although it rains year-round in the rainforest, there is still a distinct wet and dry (read: less wet) season. The wettest months for the rainforest are December through May. The driest are June to August. September through November is an optimal time to visit the jungle as it’s between wet and dry seasons and wildlife are more active.
Average Temperature: 21-30º C / 70-86º F
Best Time to Go: September to November
Destinations in this Region: Manu National Park, Tambopata National Reserve, Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado
