Peru is made up of eight natural regions: Chala or coast, yunga, Quechua, suni, puna, janca or mountain range, high jungle and low jungle. In these there are a diversity of climates and microclimates ranging from the arid and warm coastal, passing through the inter-Andean valleys of the temperate, frigid and polar type to those of the warm and rainy type of the jungle.
There are three factors that basically determine the weather in Peru: the country’s situation in the intertropical zone, the altitude changes introduced by the Andes mountain range and the Peruvian or Humboldt Current, whose waters run along the coasts of the country.
What is Peru’s climate and weather like?
Peru has 38 types of climates, according to the climate classification method of Warren Thornthwaite – SENAMHI (2020), as a result of the interaction between the different climatic factors that affect it and its geographical position in the tropics, to the Andes mountain range, which configures a complex physiography. Among the climates of greater extension we have arid and temperate on the coast, rainy and cold in the mountains, and very rainy and warm in the jungle.
What kind of climate does Peru have?
The climate in Peru mainly highlights the following type:
1. Very dry semicalid climate:
Average temperature is 19ºC. – 66.2ºF. This climate occurs in almost the entire coastal region, from Piura to Tacna and from the sea coast to 2,000 meters above sea level. (6,060 feet). The Peruvian current of cold waters transmits its coldness to the coast, and is the cause of the absence of rains throughout the year.
2. Very dry hot climate:
Average temperature is 24ºC. – 75.2ºF. This climate occurs on the northern coast of Peru from Piura to Tumbes and from the sea coast to areas at 1,000 meters above sea level. (3,030 feet), presence of heavy rains from December to April, and very dry from May to November, due to the influence of the El Niño marine current.
3. Temperate subhumed climate:
Average temperature is 20ºC. – 68ºF., With seasonal rains. This climate occurs in the Andean zone and mainly occurs in the inter-Andean valleys located between 1,000 and 3,000 meters above sea level. (3,030 and 9,090 feet).
4. Cold or boreal climate:
Average temperature is 12ºC. – 53.6ºF., Rainy summers and dry winters with strong frosts, this climate corresponds to the Andean zone between 3,000 and 4,000 meters above sea level. (9,090 12,121 feet).
5. Cold weather:
Average temperature is 6ºC. – 42.8ºF., With very cold and dry summers, this climate corresponds to the Andean zone between 4,000 and 5,000 meters above sea level. (12,121 and 15,151 feet).
6. Snow climate:
Average temperature is 0ºC. – 32ºF. or minors. This climate corresponds to the Andean zone from 5,000 meters above sea level. (15,151 feet) to more. The climate is influenced by the great masses of snow and ice that normally form in the high Andean peaks; In this area the lagoons and glaciers originate that give rise to the rivers of the Pacific or Amazon basins.
7. Very humid semicalid climate:
Average temperature is 22ºC. – 71.6ºF., With a tendency to increase in territories of lower heights, permanent rainfall throughout the year, this climate corresponds to the high jungle, located on the eastern Andean zone between 1,000 and 400 meters above sea level. (3,030 and 1,212 feet).
8. Warm humid climate:.
Average temperature is 25ºC. – 77ºF., Without notable differences in temperature throughout the year, this climate corresponds to the low jungle, located on the Amazon plain between 400 and 80 meters above sea level. (1,212 and 242 feet).
When is the best time to visit Peru?
The weather in Peru is highly variable due to its large size, with significant differences in height between the different parts of the country.
In general, it is an arid subtropical climate with little rainfall, except for the Amazon area.
The best time to visit Peru is from July to September since it corresponds to the dry season of the year.
Now, if you are going to visit the coastal area, you will find the best climate between December and March; the sunniest months and free of the cold fog that exists during the rest of the year.
If you will book a Machu Picchu tour package, you should also know that the high tourist season runs from June to AugustThis period coincides with the dry season in the Altiplano and the forests of the eastern region. So, take this into account when you book your vacation packages in Peru.
The middle season, on the other hand, occupies the months of September and November, as well as March to May. These months are ideal to travel without too many tourists. During this time it is spring and autumn in the Altiplano area.
For its part, the low season, which lasts between December and February, coincides with the rainy season in the Altiplano and in the Amazon. It should be added that the rainy season in the Amazon lasts well into May, and finally, you should know that the Inca Trail is usually closed in February.
When to travel to Peru according the weather?
As you can see, the climatic variety of Peru is quite neat, so if you don’t know when to travel to Peru, it is best to decide based on the region you want to visit.
When to travel to Cusco?
If there is a perfect month to visit Cusco, that is the month of May, as there is hardly any rain, and the mountainous landscapes are greener and more exuberant. You will also benefit from a lower influx of travelers during that month. So, if you want to visit Machu Picchu with good temperature and without problems, choose the month of May, or any other of the dry season.
When to travel to Iquitos?
To visit the Amazon of Peru, it is best to travel between June and November, in the dry season. The temperatures will be more pleasant, yes, it has a high percentage of humidity.
Between December and May, on the other hand, it is the rainy season, so they are not good months to visit the jungle. The average temperature will be 30ºC, and the humidity will be 90%, it is also likely that the forest is flooded, and it is more difficult to access the trails.
When to travel to the Colca Valley?
To begin with, it can be said that the Colca can be visited at any time of the year, however, between March and June would be the best months for the trip.
On the other hand, the climate in the Colca Valley is high mountain, so be prepared for quite cold nights. The days are sunny, with temperatures between 18ºC and 25ºC, while, at night, the thermometer drops to 4ºC.
January and February are the months with the greatest amount of rainfall, so it is not a good idea to choose them to travel to Colca.
Peru weather and Seasons
Two important factors influence Peru’s climate: the Andes Mountains and the cold Humboldt current, also known as the Peruvian current.
Therefore, the seasons of the year in Peru are distributed as follows:
- Summer: starts on December 21 and ends on March 20.
- Fall: starts on March 20 and ends on June 21.
- Winter: starts on June 21 and ends on September 22.
- Spring: starts on September 22nd and ends on December 21st.
Weather in Peru in summer
During this season, solar radiation is very present every day. The temperatures are high, in some regions exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, in the areas of the mountains it usually rains during these days and, generally, the drizzles come to occur during the afternoon hours.
The lowest temperatures during the summer season are registered in the month of December, reaching a minimum of 19 degrees Celsius, however, during the month of March the minimum can reach 21 degrees.
Weather in Peru in fall
The season’s climate is characterized by being pleasant and cool, its temperatures are mild, so it is a time that the population takes advantage of to do outdoor activities.
The average temperature of the station decreases as the months go by and can reach between 19 and 24 degrees Celsius.
In the month of April, the wind is present during the hours of the night, later during the month of June the temperature begins to drop, with occasional rains throughout the region.
Weather in Peru in winter
The main characteristic of the winter season is humidity, during this time of year, morning rains, fog and cold winds usually dominate.
Average temperatures for this season are around 15 degrees Celsius.
In the Peruvian highlands, temperatures are lower, reaching between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius, however, during the night temperatures can drop to 5 degrees.
Weather in Peru in spring
It is a season with a cool and very pleasant climate, although in the first months the cold of winter can still be felt and sporadic and unpredictable rains can appear.
As the months go by, temperatures rise, and the sun’s rays can be seen. The cold breeze accompanies the nights and this season is considered one of the most unstable compared to the others.
The average spring temperature in Peru can be between 19 and 22 degrees Celsius.
Weather in Peru by month
Peru’s weather is temperate and its temperatures are mild throughout the year, so any season is excellent to travel to the Andean country.
Next, we analyze all the climate data and offer you a recommendation on the best months to visit Peru during your vacations.
| Month | Weather | Description |
| Peru weather in January | Rainy season in Peru | Humid in many places, but not in the Pacific Ocean |
| Peru weather in February | Rainy season in Peru | Humid in many places, but not in the Pacific Ocean |
| Peru weather in March | Rainy season in Peru | Humid in many places, but not in the Pacific Ocean |
| Peru weather in April | End of the rainy season | Time is still unstable |
| Peru weather in May | Best time to travel | Ideal for the Andes (Macchu Pichu) and the rainforest |
| Peru weather in June | Best time to travel | Ideal for the Andes (Macchu Pichu) and the rainforest |
| Peru weather in July | Best time to travel | Ideal for the Andes (Macchu Pichu) and the rainforest |
| Peru weather in August | Best time to travel | Ideal for the Andes (Macchu Pichu) and the rainforest |
| Peru weather in September | Best time to travel | Ideal for the Andes (Macchu Pichu) and the rainforest |
| Peru weather in October | Good travel time | The most pleasant weather of Peru |
| Peru weather in November | Beginning of rainy season | Mostly unstable weather |
| Peru weather in December | Rainy season in Peru | Humid in many places, but not in the Pacific Ocean |
Best time to travel for regions:
Find the best travel time for the regions (Peru) in the overview below.
| Location | Best time to travel |
| Lima | January, February, March and December |
| Iquitos | May, June, July, August, September and October |
| Machu Picchu | April, May, June, July, August and September |
Climate in Peru: average temperatures
| Minimum Temperature | Maximum Temperature | |
| Peru weather in January | 20ºC | 26ºC |
| Peru weather in February | 21ºC | 27ºC |
| Peru weather in March | 21ºC | 27ºC |
| Peru weather in April | 19ºC | 24ºC |
| Peru weather in May | 17ºC | 22ºC |
| Peru weather in June | 16ºC | 21ºC |
| Peru weather in July | 16ºC | 19ºC |
| Peru weather in August | 16ºC | 19ºC |
| Peru weather in September | 15ºC | 19ºC |
| Peru weather in October | 16ºC | 21ºC |
| Peru weather in November | 17ºC | 22ºC |
| Peru weather in December | 19ºC | 24ºC |
Weather in Cusco Peru:
The climate in Peru varies to the area where you are, for example, in Cusco the climate is relatively temperate, with cold nights and sunny days, in reality this varies depending on the season in which you come to visit Cusco. It has two well-marked seasons, we talk about the rainy season and the dry season.
What is the best season to travel to Cusco?
The best time to get to Cusco is during the dry season between the months of April to the beginning of October, because the weather in Cusco Peru is ideal to enjoy the tour you choose to take in the city.
Temperature:
The average temperature varies between 13ºC. (55.4ºF) and 15ºC. (59ºF)
Weather in Lima Peru:
The department of Lima is the capital of Peru, it is located in the region of the Pacific Ocean Coast. Initially, it was known by the name of the City of the Kings, because it was the capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru, over time it came to adopt the name by which we now know the capital of Peru, Lima.
Lima has atypical microclimates, such as the subtropical, cool, desert and humid climate, thanks to the Humboldt current.
The weather in Lima Peru has a summer and a winter season. Weather in Lima Peru during summers are hot, muggy, arid, and somewhat cloudy. Ideal for visiting the best beaches in the capital of Peru. Weather in Lima Peru during winters are long, cool, dry, windy. During this season you can see a somewhat clear sky.
Temperatures are highest on average in February, around 23.0 ° C. At 15.3 ° C on average, August is the coldest month of the year.
Temperature:
The temperature in Lima ranges from 15 ° C to 27 ° C and rarely drops below 14 ° C or rises above 29 ° C.
What is the best season to travel to Lima?
Lima is one of the departments that best stands out with its beautiful climate in Peru. If we talk about the tourist issue, the best season to visit Lima is during the months of April to October, because the weather is hot and conducive to visits.
Weather in Machu Picchu Peru:
Machu Picchu is located in a sub-tropical area, located between the Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountains, protected by the Salkantay mountain to the south and the Verónica to the north. This rugged geography gives Machu Picchu Peru a very peculiar, cool and warm weather, with sunny and rainy days, depending on the time in which you decide to travel; All this climatic variation makes the Machu Picchu Sanctuary a wonderful place, with an enormous biodiversity, which inhabits one of the richest ecosystems on the planet.
What is the best season to travel to Machu Picchu?
The weather in Machu Picchu Peru is clearly marked by 2 seasons or seasons; the rainy season and the dry season. Below we detail each of them.
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season. The days are sunny and bright. May, June and July are the best months to visit the Inca City.
Temperature:
The rainy season in Machu Picchu goes from November to March, during this time the highest amount of rains of the year occur. But despite the continuous rains, the days are warmer, with temperatures ranging between 19 and 21 ºC
The dry season in Machu Picchu runs from May to October; the climate during this time is dry most of the time, especially in the months of June, July and August. The days are warm with an average temperature between 17 and 19 ° C.
If you plan to reach Machu Picchu by the Inca Trail or another long hike, know that temperatures in the mountains can drop to -5 ° C or more.