To be well prepared for your travels to Peru, it is important to know what the weather in Peru is like. The climate of Peru varies dramatically due to the numerous microclimates throughout the country. Preparing for your trip to Peru will depend on whether you are planning to visit the Andean highlands (Cusco, Puno, Arequipa), the Peruvian coast (Lima, Trujillo, Ica, Nazca, Máncora), or the Peruvian jungle (Iquitos, Manu, Tambopata).

Climate in the Peruvian Andes

In the Andean highlands, there are only two seasons: the rainy season and the dry season.

Rainy Season in the Andes

In Cusco, and in other cities in the highlands, the rainy season starts in December and ends in April. During the rainy season, the average temperature during the day is around 18 degrees Celsius. At night, the temperature drops to around 7 degrees Celsius. It typically rains hard for a few hours throughout the day, followed by partly sunny skies. Thunderstorms and lightning are also very common during this season. As most of Cusco is paved with cobblestones, be careful on slippery streets when it rains.

Dry season in the Andes

The dry season in the highlands lasts from May until November. In this season, the weather is more variable, with temperatures differing greatly between day and night. During the day, the average temperature is approximately 20 degrees Celsius, but it can drop as low as 2 degrees Celsius at night. May, June, and July are the coldest months in Cusco, despite being the sunniest, with clear blue skies. Warm clothes and dressing in layers are advisable, as there is no built-in heating in most hostels, agencies, cafes, pubs, or any buildings in Peru.

Climate on the Peruvian Coast

The weather on the Peruvian coast is very different from the Andes. Coastal areas have a sub-tropical climate with high humidity and very little rainfall. The warmest months on the coast are January and February, characterized by hot, humid, and sunny conditions, with occasional afternoon and nocturnal rain showers. The farther north you go, the more frequent the rain showers. The lowest average temperature in summer is between 20 and 22 °C (68.0 and 71.6 °F), and the highest between 24 and 29 °C (75.2 and 84.2 °F). Winter in Lima is characterized by cloudy conditions. Inland from the coast, a thick layer of fog occurs in winter. High temperatures in winter range between 15 and 21 °C (59.0 and 69.8 °F), and lows between 8 and 15 °C (46.4 and 59.0 °F).

The coast is generally dry, with cool to cold nights and warm to hot days. During the winter months, there is often mist and light drizzle. In the southern deserts, there is essentially no precipitation. In Lima, temperatures range on average between 12°C/54°F and 28°C/82°F throughout the year. Expect to use a lot of sunblock and light clothing during the day but warm clothing at night. Bring a swimsuit and sandals for the beach and a good hat!

Climate in the Rainforest of Peru

The climate of the Amazon region in Peru is hot and rainy most of the year. Temperatures range between 18–36 °C (64.4–96.8 °F) year-round, with rain showers varying between 1,000 and 4,000 mm (39.4 and 157.5 in) per year. In the region around Manu National Park and Tambopata Reserve, there are two seasons: the dry season from May to September, and the wet season from October to April. Be aware that there are more mosquitoes in the wetter months, so hikes and explorations of the rainforest are better done in the dry season.

The Amazon jungle is wet year-round, with the wettest months from December through April. Daytime temperatures are very warm, but fall slightly at night. After spending the day in the sun, the temperature drop at night can feel greater than it actually is, so you might want a light jacket or long sleeves. In Iquitos, the biggest city in the jungle, average temperatures range between a high of 30°C/88°F and a low of 21°C/70°F.