Climate in Peru by month: Coast, Andes and Amazon throughout the year
Peru can offer beach warmth, crisp highland air, and tropical humidity all in a single day, thanks to its three major natural regions: the coast, the Andes, and the Amazon. Planning by month works well if you understand the regional variations. This page summarizes Peru's climate throughout the year, supplemented with indicative values for Lima, Cusco, and Iquitos.
At a glance
- Biggest climate lever
- The altitude has a greater effect than the time of year: In the Andes, days often remain mild, but nights become cold.
- Typical coastal phenomenon
- Garúa means fog and fine dampness without classic rainfall, along with high humidity and little sun.
- Planning rule for round trips
- The route determines the best time to travel: highlands and trekking usually benefit from the Andean dry season, while beach plans are better suited to the coastal summer months.
- Extra factor El Niño
- An El Niño or El Niño Costero can make the coast significantly warmer and, in some years, bring unusually heavy rainfall.
Why the climate in Peru is so different
A combination of tropical location, the cold Humboldt Current, the Andes barrier, and the Amazon lowlands creates many climate types within a small area in Peru. The national weather service describes a particularly high degree of diversity because the Andes trap air masses and create altitudinal zones.
On the Pacific coast, cold seawater often causes a temperature inversion, fog, and drizzle. Despite this, it often feels cool and damp in the arid desert, even though rain remains infrequent. Behind the crest of the Andes, the situation reverses: moist air from the east brings frequent, sometimes heavy, rainfall to the Amazon region.
Overview of seasons and rainy seasons
Coast: warm in summer, grey and damp in winter
A typical coastal summer usually falls between December and April, with plenty of sunshine and pleasantly warm temperatures. Between May and November, fog, garúa (snow), and high humidity are common, especially on the central and southern coasts. Rain is usually infrequent, but clothing often feels slightly damp.
Andes (Sierra): two main seasons, large differences between day and night
In many highland regions, the rainy season roughly lasts between November and March. A dry season follows in many areas roughly between April and October, with clearer air and more stable weather. A significant drop in temperature in the evening is almost always present, as the air cools down quickly at higher altitudes.
Amazon (Selva): warm year-round, rain remains part of the program
A relatively wet season in large parts of the Peruvian Amazon often occurs between November and April. A drier season frequently follows between May and October, although the term "dry" is relative in the rainforest. A key difference arises from water levels: during the wet months, rivers rise, forest areas can be flooded, and boating routes become easier.
Peru weather month by month
January
Coastal towns often experience summer weather with warm days. In the highlands, the rainy season is frequently characterized by showers and clouds, while the valleys still retain a charming green appearance. The Amazon remains humid and rainy, and river levels are often higher.
February
Coastal holidays often remain a good option, while the highlands may reach their wettest point in many areas. Maintenance work on the classic Inca Trail frequently falls during this month, which can affect planning for multi-day treks. Amazon travel remains possible, and boat trips often benefit from higher water levels.
March
Coastal weather often remains warm. In the highlands, the rainy season is slowly coming to an end in many regions, but the ground can still remain soft and slippery. The Amazon continues to experience warm, humid weather.
April
Temperatures will drop slightly along the coast, but days will often remain pleasant. In the Andes, the drier season begins in many regions, and clear mornings become more likely. In the Amazon, rainfall often decreases somewhat, but humid air persists.
May
Coastal winters and garúa (cold, dry weather) can become established, especially around Lima and to the south. In the highlands, weather stability increases for excursions and mountain regions, and nights become cold. In the Amazon, the drier season often begins, and hiking trails become more frequently passable.
June
Coastal cities often appear cool and gray, with little chance of rain. In the Andes, the dry season is often in full swing, with clear days and cold nights. The Amazon often shows lower water levels than at the beginning of the year, though rain remains possible.
July
Coastal winter persists, with sunshine appearing changeable depending on the region. Highland nights often reach their coldest temperatures of the year, while daytimes are usually pleasant. In the Amazon, July is often one of the drier months, though rain doesn't disappear completely.
August
Coastal towns often remain cool, and fog is typical. In the Andes, the dry season usually persists, and clear visibility becomes more likely. In the Amazon, it remains warm, and relatively drier conditions favor activities on solid ground.
September
Along the coast, the weather may slowly transition to spring-like conditions, although fog remains possible. In the Andes, the dry season continues in many places, but towards the end of the month, the chance of the first showers increases, depending on the region. In the Amazon, a transition to more rain often begins.
October
Coastal spring often brings a bit more sunshine. In the Andes, the chance of rainfall increases again in many regions, especially later in the month. In the Amazon, rain usually increases, and the rivers begin to rise.
November
Coastal weather often becomes more pleasant and warmer. In the Andes, the rainy season starts more noticeably in many areas, often with afternoon rain. In the Amazon, the wet season often begins at this time.
December
Coastal summer is arriving in many regions, making the sea and beaches more inviting. Rain is increasing in the Andes, turning the landscape a vibrant green. The Amazon remains warm and rainy, with higher water levels.
Reference values: Lima, Cusco, Iquitos
These values serve as a rough guide to typical conditions at three reference locations. Microclimate, altitude, north-south orientation, and current weather conditions may differ significantly.
| Month | Lima (Coast) Ø Max/Min | Cusco (Andes) Ø Max/Min | Cusco rainfall | Iquitos (Amazon) Ø 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 (rain) and cloud cover can characterize the winter. In the highlands, most of the rain typically falls during the warmer half of the year, with relatively constant daily high temperatures. In the Amazon, it remains warm year-round, and rainfall is still noticeable even in drier months.
Best time to travel depending on interests and region
Round trip with a focus on the highlands
The Andean dry season, roughly between April and October, often brings more stable weather, clearer visibility, and better conditions for mountain passes, excursions, and longer journeys. An early dry season in April and May is often pleasant because the landscape still retains some greenery from the rainy season.
Beach, coastal towns, Pacific Ocean
The coastal summer often falls between December and April. Swimming plans are particularly advantageous from January to March, as the sea and air are warmest in many coastal areas. A quieter travel period on the coast often occurs in April and early May, before the garúa season intensifies.
Amazon with lodges and boats
A drier period between roughly May and October often facilitates activities on land routes. A wetter period between roughly November and April can make boat trips through high river levels more attractive because more waterways become accessible.
Fewer crowds
The transitional months often offer a good compromise between weather and occupancy. April, May, as well as September and October, are frequently described as having a balance between usable conditions and less crowding.
Clothing and equipment by region
coast
- A light outfit for warm summer days is suitable for December to April.
- A windproof layer helps during the Garúa season because fog and humidity cool down quickly.
- A fabric that dries quickly feels more pleasant because the humidity remains high.
To the
- A layered system works well because sun and shade can create strong differences.
- A warm location for evenings and early mornings prevents surprises during cold nights.
- Rain gear is essential during the rainy season, as are non-slip shoes.
Amazon
- Light, airy clothing in long cuts protects against insects and sun.
- Reliable rain protection is worthwhile all year round, even in drier months.
- Waterproof bags protect electronics and papers during boating and showers.
Weather risks: rain, cold, heat and El Niño
Rain and landslides in the highlands
During the Andean rainy season, heavy showers can make paths muddy, temporarily disrupt roads, and render some routes impractical. Flexible daily planning is helpful, as rain is more common in the afternoon in many regions.
Garúa on the coast
Garúa feels like a weather trick, not wet enough for an umbrella and not dry enough for a t-shirt. A period of fog can significantly reduce the sunshine, even though almost no measurable rain falls.
Humidity in the Amazon
High humidity is the norm there. Taking breaks, drinking enough water, and structuring the day with less activity during the hottest part of the day often prove beneficial.
El Niño and El Niño Costero
An El Niño event can warm coastal waters, thereby altering weather and rainfall patterns. Strong events are associated with unusually high rainfall along the coast. Therefore, when planning a trip, it's important to consider seasonal forecasts and warnings in addition to the monthly calendar.
FAQ
When is the rainy season in Peru?
In many Andean regions, the rainy season roughly falls between November and March. In the Amazon region, a wet period often occurs between November and April, although rain can occur year-round. The coast often remains very dry, although garúa (rainy downpours) are common between approximately May and November.
Which months are best for visiting Machu Picchu and Cusco?
Many plans work well during the Andean dry season, roughly between April and October, because rain is less frequent and visibility is often better. Transitional months like April, May, and September can offer a good balance between weather and occupancy.
What role does altitude play in the perception of temperature?
A large difference between day and night is normal in the Andes. Sunny middays often feel pleasant, while evenings and nights can be cold, even without winter in the European sense.
Why does Lima feel cold in winter, even though it hardly rains?
Fog, high humidity, and garúa reduce sunlight and make the air feel colder. Measurable precipitation often remains low, yet the feeling of damp cold persists.
Which months are best for the Amazon?
A drier period between roughly May and October often facilitates activities on established trails. A wetter period between roughly November and April supports boat trips and excursions into flooded forest areas because water levels are higher.
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 (Monthly Values)
- Amazon River Expeditions: Information on the rainy and dry seasons in the Peruvian Amazon
- US Embassy Lima: Weather warning regarding the Inca Trail closure in February
- Journal of Climate: Study on rainfall on the coast of Peru during strong El Niño events
- Technical article (PMC): Analysis of the extreme coastal El Niño 2023