Peru Weather by Month

Peru, located on the western edge of South America, is known for its striking geographical diversity, which spans three distinct regions: the Pacific coastal plains, the Andean highlands, and the Amazon rainforest. This variety in landscapes gives Peru an incredibly diverse climate that varies from tropical conditions in the Amazon basin to arid deserts along the coast, and colder climates in the Andes. Peru is bordered by Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil to the east, Bolivia to the southeast, and Chile to the south, with the Pacific Ocean forming its western boundary.

The Andes mountain range runs parallel to the Pacific coast and plays a significant role in shaping the country’s weather patterns. To the east of the Andes lies the Amazon Rainforest, a region of lush, tropical vegetation, while the western side is dominated by the arid desert coast, including cities like Lima. This geographical complexity creates a range of weather patterns across the country, with different regions experiencing their own distinct seasons.

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Peru Weather by Month

January

General Overview

• Average temperature: 20-30°C (68-86°F) in the coast, 5-15°C (41-59°F) in the highlands, 25-35°C (77-95°F) in the jungle
• Rainfall: Heavy in the Andes and Amazon, minimal on the coast

January is mid-summer in Peru, and the weather varies widely across regions. Along the coast, especially in Lima, temperatures rise but remain relatively comfortable, with little to no rain. In the Andes and the Amazon, January is part of the wet season, with frequent heavy rains, making some roads in rural areas difficult to navigate.

Regional Differences

• Coastal areas: Warm, sunny, and dry, with temperatures around 25-30°C (77-86°F)
• Andean highlands: Cool with heavy rain, temperatures around 10-15°C (50-59°F) in cities like Cusco
• Amazon rainforest: Hot and humid, with frequent rain, temperatures around 30-35°C (86-95°F)

January is a challenging month for trekking in the Andes due to the rainy season, though the coast is ideal for beach activities.

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February

General Overview

• Average temperature: 20-30°C (68-86°F) on the coast, 5-15°C (41-59°F) in the highlands, 25-35°C (77-95°F) in the jungle
• Rainfall: Heavy in the Andes and Amazon, dry along the coast

February continues the summer weather pattern, with hot temperatures along the coast and heavy rains in the Andes and Amazon regions. Rainfall in the mountains and the jungle can cause disruptions in travel, particularly in rural areas.

Regional Differences

• Coastal regions: Hot, sunny, and dry, with Lima experiencing temperatures around 25-30°C (77-86°F)
• Andes: Wet, with regular afternoon thunderstorms, temperatures around 10-15°C (50-59°F)
• Amazon basin: Hot and humid, with heavy rainfall and temperatures around 30-35°C (86-95°F)

This is one of the wettest months in the Andean region, particularly in cities like Cusco, where heavy rains may hinder outdoor activities such as trekking to Machu Picchu.

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March

General Overview

• Average temperature: 20-28°C (68-82°F) along the coast, 5-15°C (41-59°F) in the highlands, 25-35°C (77-95°F) in the jungle
• Rainfall: Rainy season persists in the Andes and Amazon, but starts to taper off toward the end of the month

March marks the end of summer in Peru, and while the rains continue in the Andes and Amazon, they begin to decrease toward the end of the month. On the coast, summer temperatures remain high, and the weather is dry and sunny.

Regional Differences

• Coast: Warm and dry, with average temperatures around 25°C (77°F) in Lima and Trujillo
• Highlands: Rain continues, but lessens toward the end of the month, temperatures around 10-15°C (50-59°F)
• Amazon: Hot and humid, with rain showers tapering off as the month progresses

March is still a wet month in the highlands, but as it moves toward April, it becomes more viable for trekking and outdoor activities, especially in areas like Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

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April

General Overview

• Average temperature: 18-26°C (64-79°F) along the coast, 5-20°C (41-68°F) in the highlands, 25-32°C (77-90°F) in the jungle
• Rainfall: Rain begins to recede in the Andes and Amazon, while the coast remains dry

April is a transitional month in Peru, marking the end of the rainy season in the highlands and the Amazon. In the coastal regions, temperatures start to cool slightly, though the weather remains dry and sunny. The Andes become more accessible, making it a popular month for tourists to explore the Inca Trail and other highland attractions.

Regional Differences

• Coast: Warm but starting to cool, with temperatures around 22-26°C (72-79°F)
• Highlands: The rain eases, with more sunny days and temperatures ranging from 10-20°C (50-68°F)
• Amazon: Hot and humid, but with reduced rainfall, temperatures around 25-32°C (77-90°F)

April is one of the best months for outdoor activities in the Andes, such as trekking and sightseeing, with fewer disruptions from rain.

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May

General Overview

• Average temperature: 15-24°C (59-75°F) along the coast, 5-20°C (41-68°F) in the highlands, 25-30°C (77-86°F) in the jungle
• Rainfall: Dry season begins in the Andes, while the coast stays dry and cool

May is the start of the dry season in the highlands and the Amazon, making it one of the most popular months for travel to Peru’s interior. Along the coast, the weather remains sunny but cooler than during the summer months. May also marks the beginning of the high tourist season, especially in places like Machu Picchu and Cusco.

Regional Differences

• Coast: Cooler and dry, with temperatures around 18-24°C (64-75°F)
• Highlands: Dry, sunny, and cool, with temperatures between 10-20°C (50-68°F)
• Amazon: Hot and dry, with temperatures around 25-30°C (77-86°F)

With the rainy season over, May is ideal for trekking, especially in the Andes, where clear skies and mild temperatures prevail.

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June

General Overview

• Average temperature: 15-22°C (59-72°F) along the coast, 5-18°C (41-64°F) in the highlands, 25-30°C (77-86°F) in the jungle
• Rainfall: Dry season continues in the Andes and Amazon, while the coast remains dry

June is mid-winter in Peru, but the dry season means clear skies and cool temperatures, especially in the Andes. The coast remains dry but cool, with Lima experiencing overcast skies due to coastal fog. In the Amazon, the weather is hot and drier, though still humid.

Regional Differences

• Coastal regions: Cooler, especially in the mornings and evenings, with temperatures around 15-22°C (59-72°F)
• Andean highlands: Clear, dry, and cool, with temperatures ranging from 5-18°C (41-64°F)
• Amazon jungle: Hot and humid, with temperatures around 25-30°C (77-86°F)

June is an excellent time for visiting highland regions such as Cusco and the Sacred Valley, as the weather is perfect for outdoor activities.

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July

General Overview

• Average temperature: 15-20°C (59-68°F) along the coast, 5-18°C (41-64°F) in the highlands, 25-30°C (77-86°F) in the jungle
• Rainfall: Dry season continues in the Andes and Amazon, with no rain on the coast

July is peak tourist season in Peru due to the dry, sunny weather in the Andes. This is also one of the coolest months, especially in the highlands, where nighttime temperatures can drop significantly. The coast remains dry but cloudy, particularly in Lima, which often experiences a coastal mist known as the “garúa.”

Regional Differences

• Coast: Cool and cloudy, with temperatures around 15-20°C (59-68°F)
• Highlands: Dry and cool, with temperatures around 5-18°C (41-64°F)
• Amazon: Hot, with less rain, temperatures around 25-30°C (77-86°F)

July is ideal for those wanting to explore Peru’s cultural and historical landmarks, such as Machu Picchu and other Incan ruins, without the interference of rain.

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August

General Overview

• Average temperature: 14-20°C (57-68°F) along the coast, 5-18°C (41-64°F) in the highlands, 25-30°C (77-86°F) in the jungle
• Rainfall: Continued dry season in the Andes and Amazon, with cool, overcast weather along the coast

August is the heart of winter in Peru, but the weather is still excellent for travel, particularly in the highlands and jungle regions. The coast remains cool and cloudy, with little to no rainfall, while the Andes and Amazon enjoy dry conditions with clear skies.

Regional Differences

• Coastal regions: Cool and overcast, with temperatures between 14-20°C (57-68°F)
• Highlands: Cool and dry, with temperatures around 5-18°C (41-64°F)
• Amazon: Warm and humid, with temperatures around 25-30°C (77-86°F)

August is an excellent month for hiking, as the dry conditions and cool temperatures in the highlands provide an ideal environment for outdoor activities.

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September

General Overview

• Average temperature: 15-22°C (59-72°F) along the coast, 5-20°C (41-68°F) in the highlands, 25-30°C (77-86°F) in the jungle
• Rainfall: Dry season continues, but temperatures begin to warm

September marks the beginning of spring in Peru, and while the dry season continues in the Andes and Amazon, temperatures start to rise. The coastal regions also begin to warm up slightly, though they remain mostly dry.

Regional Differences

• Coastal areas: Slightly warmer, with temperatures around 15-22°C (59-72°F)
• Andean highlands: Cool but sunny, with temperatures between 5-20°C (41-68°F)
• Amazon: Warm and humid, with temperatures around 25-30°C (77-86°F)

September is a great month to visit the Andean regions as the weather is still clear, and the increasing temperatures make it more comfortable for outdoor adventures.

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October

General Overview

• Average temperature: 16-24°C (61-75°F) along the coast, 8-22°C (46-72°F) in the highlands, 25-32°C (77-90°F) in the jungle
• Rainfall: Rain begins to return to the Andes and Amazon, while the coast remains mostly dry

October marks the transition to the rainy season in the Andes and Amazon. While it remains relatively dry at the beginning of the month, rainfall becomes more frequent toward the end. The coastal regions, particularly Lima, remain mostly dry but with increasing temperatures.

Regional Differences

• Coastal regions: Warming, with temperatures around 16-24°C (61-75°F)
• Andean highlands: Warming but with the return of rain, temperatures between 8-22°C (46-72°F)
• Amazon basin: Hot and humid, with increasing rain, temperatures around 25-32°C (77-90°F)

October is still a good time to visit the highlands, but visitors should be aware that the rains are beginning to return, particularly in the second half of the month.

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November

General Overview

• Average temperature: 18-26°C (64-79°F) along the coast, 10-22°C (50-72°F) in the highlands, 25-32°C (77-90°F) in the jungle
• Rainfall: Rainy season begins in the Andes and Amazon, while the coast warms up

November is the beginning of the rainy season in the Andes and Amazon, with more frequent showers, particularly in the afternoons. The coast, however, continues to warm up, with dry and pleasant weather, especially in Lima and other coastal cities.

Regional Differences

• Coastal regions: Warm and dry, with temperatures around 18-26°C (64-79°F)
• Highlands: Rainy with warmer temperatures, around 10-22°C (50-72°F)
• Amazon: Hot and humid, with frequent rain, temperatures around 25-32°C (77-90°F)

November is a transitional month where travel in the highlands becomes more challenging due to the rains, but the coastal regions offer pleasant weather for sightseeing and beach activities.

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December

General Overview

• Average temperature: 20-30°C (68-86°F) along the coast, 10-24°C (50-75°F) in the highlands, 25-35°C (77-95°F) in the jungle
• Rainfall: Heavy rain in the Andes and Amazon, dry on the coast

December is the height of the rainy season in the Andes and Amazon, with frequent, heavy showers making travel in rural areas difficult. However, the coast, particularly Lima, experiences warm, dry weather, making it an excellent time for coastal activities.

Regional Differences

• Coast: Hot, sunny, and dry, with temperatures around 25-30°C (77-86°F)
• Andes: Wet, with frequent thunderstorms and temperatures around 10-24°C (50-75°F)
• Amazon: Hot and humid, with heavy rainfall, temperatures around 25-35°C (77-95°F)

December is a great time to visit the coast, but visitors should be prepared for wet weather in the Andes and the Amazon.

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Summary of Peru’s Climate by Region

Coastal Regions (Lima, Trujillo)

• Best months: December to April (dry and warm)
• Cooler months: May to November (cool and dry, with frequent fog in Lima)

Andean Highlands (Cusco, Arequipa)

• Best months: April to October (dry season, ideal for trekking)
• Wet season: November to March (heavy rain, especially in rural areas)

Amazon Basin (Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado)

• Best months: May to October (drier and more accessible)
• Wet season: November to April (heavy rain, high humidity)

Peru’s varied climate means that visitors need to plan their trips according to the region they are visiting. The dry season, particularly in the Andes and Amazon, is ideal for outdoor activities like trekking, while the coastal regions offer warm, sunny weather during the southern hemisphere summer.