Climate in Peru by Month
Peru can deliver beach warmth, crisp highland air, and tropical humidity all in a single travel day. The coast, Andes, and Amazon follow their own rules.
Peru can deliver beach warmth, crisp highland air, and tropical humidity all in a single travel day, because three major natural regions are stacked together: the coast, the Andes, and the Amazon. Planning by month works well if the regional logic is clear.
At a Glance
Coast
Summer usually December to April. Garúa, fog, and high humidity often characterize May to November.
Andes
Rain usually November to March. Dry season usually April to October, with clear days and cool nights.
Amazon
Warm and humid all year round. The drier phase is often between May and October.
Planning rule: The route determines the best travel time. Highlands and trekking usually benefit from the Andean dry season, while beach plans benefit more from the coastal summer months.
Why the climate in Peru is so different
A combination of its tropical location, the cold Humboldt Current, the Andean barrier, and the Amazon lowland creates many climate types in Peru in a small area. The national weather service describes a particularly great diversity because the Andes block air masses and create altitude zones.
On the Pacific coast, cold ocean water often causes a temperature inversion, fog, and drizzle. Behind the Andean crest, the picture changes: humid air from the east brings frequent, sometimes heavy rainfall to the Amazon region.
Seasons and rainy seasons at a glance
Coast
A classic coastal summer is usually between December and April, with more sun and pleasantly warm temperatures. Between May and November, fog, garúa, and high humidity often dominate the picture.
Andes
A rainy season occurs in many highland regions roughly between November and March. A dry season follows in many areas roughly between April and October, with clear air and more stable days.
Amazon
A rather wet phase in large parts of the Peruvian Amazon often occurs between November and April. A rather drier phase frequently follows between May and October.
Peru Weather Month by Month
January
Coastal towns are often in summer mode with warm days. In the highlands, the rainy season often shows with showers and clouds. The Amazon remains humid and rainy.
February
Beach holidays often continue to work well, while the highlands in many places can reach their wettest period. Maintenance of the classic Inca Trail often falls in this month.
March
Coastal weather often remains warm. In the highlands, the rainy season is slowly approaching its end in many regions. Humid-warm weather continues in the Amazon.
April
Temperatures drop slightly on the coast. In many regions of the Andes, the drier season begins. In the Amazon, rain often decreases somewhat.
May
Coastal winter and Garúa can establish themselves. In the highlands, stability for excursions and mountain regions increases. In the Amazon, the drier phase often begins.
June
Coastal cities often appear cool and gray. In the Andes, the dry season is often in full swing, with clear days and cold nights.
July
Coastal winter remains present. Highland nights often reach the coldest values of the year. In the Amazon, July is often one of the drier months.
August
Coastal towns often remain cool, fog is typical. In the Andes, the dry season usually continues. In the Amazon, it remains warm.
September
On the coast, the weather can slowly move towards spring. In many areas of the Andes, the dry season is still present. In the Amazon, a transition to more rain often begins.
October
Coastal spring often brings a bit more sun. In many regions of the Andes, the chance of precipitation increases again. In the Amazon, rain usually increases.
November
Coastal weather often becomes friendlier and warmer. In many areas of the Andes, the rainy season begins more noticeably. In the Amazon, it is often the beginning of the wet phase.
December
Coastal summer kicks off in many regions. In the Andes, rain increases. In the Amazon, it remains warm and rainy.
Reference Values: Lima, Cusco, Iquitos
The values serve as a rough guide for typical conditions in three reference locations. Microclimate, altitude, north-south location, and current weather patterns can vary significantly.
Lima
Coastal climate with mild temperatures. Rain remains rare; Garúa and cloud cover characterize the winter in particular.
Cusco
Highland climate with cool nights. Most rain typically falls in the warmer half of the year.
Iquitos
Amazonian climate with year-round warmth and high humidity. Rain remains a factor throughout the year.
Show monthly values
| Month | Lima Max/Min | Cusco Max/Min | Cusco Precipitation | Iquitos Max/Min | Iquitos Precipitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26/20 °C | 17/7 °C | 107 mm | 31/23 °C | 241 mm |
| February | 27/21 °C | 17/7 °C | 97 mm | 31/23 °C | 231 mm |
| March | 27/20 °C | 17/7 °C | 66 mm | 31/23 °C | 257 mm |
| April | 24/18 °C | 18/5 °C | 28 mm | 31/23 °C | 257 mm |
| May | 22/17 °C | 18/2 °C | 5 mm | 31/23 °C | 213 mm |
| June | 21/16 °C | 18/1 °C | 3 mm | 30/22 °C | 152 mm |
| July | 19/16 °C | 18/0 °C | 3 mm | 30/22 °C | 122 mm |
| August | 19/15 °C | 18/2 °C | 3 mm | 31/22 °C | 127 mm |
| September | 19/16 °C | 18/4 °C | 13 mm | 32/22 °C | 147 mm |
| October | 21/16 °C | 18/6 °C | 33 mm | 32/23 °C | 193 mm |
| November | 22/17 °C | 18/6 °C | 48 mm | 32/23 °C | 206 mm |
| December | 24/18 °C | 18/7 °C | 81 mm | 31/23 °C | 224 mm |
Coastal rain remains rare in Lima, while Garúa and cloud cover can characterize the winter. In the highlands, most rain typically falls in the warmer half of the year. In the Amazon, it remains warm year-round.
Best travel time by interest and region
Highlands & Round Trip
The Andean dry season, roughly between April and October, often provides more stable days, clearer visibility, and better conditions for passes, excursions, and longer routes.
Beach & Coast
Coastal summer often falls between December and April. Beach plans particularly benefit from January to March.
Amazon
A drier period between approximately May and October often facilitates activities on land routes. A wetter period can make boat tours more attractive.
Quieter Travel Time
April, May, as well as September and October, are often described as a balance of usable conditions and fewer crowds.
Clothing and equipment by region
Coast
- Light outfit for warm summer days from December to April.
- Windproof layer for the Garúa season.
- Quick-drying fabrics for high humidity.
Andes
- Layering system due to strong differences between sun and shade.
- Warm layer for evenings and early mornings.
- Rain protection during the rainy season and non-slip shoes.
Amazon
- Light, airy clothing in long cuts.
- Reliable rain protection all year round.
- Waterproof bags for electronics and documents.
Weather Risks:
Rain, Cold, Heat, and El Niño
Rain
Rain and Landslides
During the Andean rainy season, heavy showers can soften roads, temporarily affect traffic, and make individual routes impractical for a while.
Garúa
Garúa on the Coast
Garúa can significantly reduce the sun, even though there's almost no measurable rain. This often feels cooler and more humid than the readings suggest.
Heat
Humidity in the Amazon
High humidity is normal there. Breaks, sufficient water, and a daily structure with less activity during the hottest part of the day are often advisable.
El Niño
El Niño and El Niño Costero
An El Niño can warm coastal waters, thereby changing weather and precipitation. Therefore, planning a trip also requires looking at seasonal forecasts and warnings.
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Follow PeruMagazinFAQ
When is the rainy season in Peru?
In many Andean regions, the rainy season is roughly between November and March. In the Amazon region, a wet phase often occurs between November and April.
Which months are good for Machu Picchu and Cusco?
Many plans work well during the Andean dry season, roughly between April and October. Transitional months like April, May, and September can offer a good balance.
What role does altitude play in perceived temperature?
A big difference between day and night is normal in the Andes. Sunny midday hours often feel pleasant, while evenings and nights can get cold.
Why does Lima feel cool in winter, even though there is hardly any rain?
Fog, high humidity, and garúa reduce sun and make the air feel colder. Measurable precipitation often remains low.
Which months are good for the Amazon?
A drier period, roughly between May and October, often facilitates activities on solid paths. A wetter period supports boat trips and excursions into flooded forest areas.
Sources
- SENAMHI: Mapa Climático del Perú, reference to 38 climate types
- Wikipedia: Climate of Peru, Garúa and Humboldt Current
- WeatherSpark: Average Weather in Lima, Cusco, Iquitos
- Amazon River Expeditions: Information on rainy and dry seasons in the Peruvian Amazon
- U.S. Embassy Lima: Weather advisory on Inca Trail closure in February
- Journal of Climate: Study on precipitation on the coast of Peru during strong El Niño events
- Academic article: Analysis of the extreme coastal El Niño 2023