Climate and Weather in Peru

Climate Overview

Peru has three distinct climate zones—the coast, the highlands, and the Amazon—with seasons reversed compared to the northern hemisphere.

The Pacific coast is characterised by fairly stable and generally pleasant temperatures year-round (around 20°C during the austral winter), and especially by an almost total lack of rain in the central and southern parts, while the northern coastline does get some rainfall at the start of the year. Unfortunately, the coast, particularly around the capital, is prone to what is known as the garua, a damp fog that descends daily from May to October on the coastline and the foothills of the Andes. The result: sunshine is almost non-existent, and the atmosphere feels "rather grey" and uninviting. In short, this is the period to avoid, with the rest of the year—especially December to April—being preferable when temperatures are warmest.

In the highlands, the climate is temperate year-round, with temperatures varying by altitude. Above 2,000/2,500 m (which covers most tourist spots), it’s wise to bring warm clothing, even during the day, though midday is often pleasant. Additionally, many Andean areas, particularly around Lake Titicaca, are windy. In terms of precipitation, the highlands experience light, cold, and persistent rain from late October to late March, which isn’t very pleasant and makes the austral winter (May to September) the better time for visits. This is also the best period for high-altitude treks, from April to late September.

The Amazon region is by far the wettest in the country, with rain falling at least every other day year-round. June to September is slightly drier than average, while March and April see the most rain. Even so, temperatures remain fairly constant—around 30°C during the day and 20°C at night—but the high humidity creates a heavy, oppressive climate. In short, there isn’t really a "best" time to visit, though the austral winter is generally slightly better.

Best Climate Period for Peru

Given the country’s size and climatic diversity, the best time to visit Peru depends on the areas you plan to explore, though the Andean region’s climate often dictates travellers’ choices. That said, late April to early October is often a good compromise for those wanting to see the whole country.

★★★: very favourable | ★★: favourable | ★: moderately favourable | ⊘: unfavourable.

Sea Temperatures Throughout the Year

The Peruvian coast lies at the intersection of the cold Humboldt Current and the seasonal warm current El Niño, which makes the northern coastline the most pleasant.

Climate and Weather by Region

Pacific Coast (Lima)

Highlands (Cusco)

Amazon (Iquitos)

Additional Information