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Peru climateThe 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 coastDue 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. |
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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. |
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. |
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Peru Climate Chart
| Average temperature autumn (April-May) | Average temperature winter (June - September) | Average temperature spring (October) | Average temperature |
| 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 |
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