Peru climate - another beautiful sunset

Peru climate

The Peruvian winter (June – September) is the driest season and therefore the best time of year to travel, especially if you are planning to visit Cuzco area and trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. 

The Peruvian summer (November – March) is the wettest season and with frequent heavy showers. The temperatures are higher than in summer, but the nights can get very cold.

Spring (April – May) and autumn (October) are the most unpredictable seasons with varying weather conditions much like the British spring and autumn. The weather can be quite good at this time of year and it’s a lot less busy than the Peruvian winter months.

Our advice: wear lots of layers as the temperatures can change quite quickly when the sun comes out or gets cloudy. If you’re travelling in the rainy season bring a waterproof jacket or poncho.

Peru climate: along the coast

Due to the cold Humboldt current in the Pacific Ocean and the Andes mountains to the east, the coastal landscape from Ecuador to Chile is barren and dry. The Atacama desert in southern Chile is the driest place on earth. From May – September Lima is shrouded in a dense fog called La Garua; a thick layer of low-hanging clouds paired with low temperatures and gloomy drizzle. The further away from Lima you travel along the coast, the sun gradually begins to break through the mist. The Ecuadorian and Chilean coast has perpetual sunshine and temperatures around 30C. November – March are the summer months in Peru. At this time of year Lima is hot and humid while further along the coast its warm and sunny and the temperature of the ocean is great for swimming.

Our coastal modules:
Coastal road to Nazca, Sea lions and sand dunes, Palm oasis and Pacific Ocean, Huarez - Cordillera Valley Trekking (climate only applies to Trujillo extension).

Peru climate: the Andes

The Andes highlands have two seasons: wet and dry. April – November it rarely rains and the days of endless sunshine offer an even better view of the rugged mountain peaks against a clear blue sky. Mid-November to March sees some very heavy showers and temperatures can drop quickly when the sun disappears behind the clouds. It’s best not to plan a trek in the Andes at this time of year. Note that temperatures can vary considerably depending on altitude.

Our Andes modules:
Condors in the Canyon, Cruising the Canyon by 4x4, Remote Colca trail and all Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu treks, Llamas and Rickshaws, Typically Titicaca, Titicaca Island Hopping.

Peru climate: the jungle

The rainforest of Peru has a sub-tropical climate and from November - April it rains most of the time. Nights can get cool. During the dry season temperatures can soar to 35C or higher. Not surprisingly, humidity in the rainforest is high throughout the year. 

Travel tip:  plan a visit to the Peruvian jungle at the end of your trip. After you've visited Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, it's just a 30-minute flight from Cuzco to Puerto Maldonado. From there you can get a direct flight back to Cuzco and Lima.

Take a look at our Peru Amazon Jungle Lodge for more.

Peru Climate Chart

 

Average temperature 
autumn (April-May)
Average temperature
winter (June - September)
Average temperature
spring (October)

Average temperature
summer (November-March)

 Lima

23°C

 18°C 

 18°C

 25°C

 Huacachina

 30°C

 26°C

 27°C

 30°C 

 Arequipa

 23°C

 22°C

 24°C

 25°C

 Colca Canyon

 20°C

 19°C

 21°C

 18°C

 Puno

 15°C

 14°C

 17°C

17°C

 Cuzco

 20°C

19°C

 22°C

20°C

 Huaraz

 24°C

 24°C

 25°C

 24°C

 Jungle

 30°C

 29°C

 33°C

 32°C

 

Start building your trip with our Peru tours
 
Return to the
Peru Travel Plan homepage

 



Follow Rickshaw Travel and be inspired...Follow us on Twitter  Like us on Facebook