Peru (Lima)
Peru · South America
The best time to visit Peru (Lima) is January, February, March, April, and December. In summer, daytime highs average 28°C (82°F), with peaks around 30°C (86°F); in winter, nights average 16°C (61°F), dropping to around 14°C (57°F) on the coldest. Rainfall is very low during the best travel period (28 mm (1.1 in)), making Peru (Lima) an ideal destination.
Peru (Lima) – What you should know
Lima on the Peruvian Pacific coast has a surprisingly mild desert climate dominated by an ocean current — the Humboldt Current. This cold stream from the Antarctic keeps temperatures below 27°C (81°F) year-round (summer typically 23–27°C (73–81°F), winter 15–20°C (59–68°F)) and creates frequent coastal fog, locally called "Garúa". It practically never rains in Lima — precipitation is under 10 mm (0.4 in) per year.
The highlands and Machu Picchu follow a completely different climate pattern: there is a dry season (May to October) and a rainy season (November to April). The dry season is the best time for hikes on the Inca Trail and visits to the ruins of Machu Picchu — clear skies, dry paths and optimal long-distance views.
The Amazon jungle in eastern Peru has a tropical rainforest climate year-round. The "drier" season from June to October still brings daily showers, but is the best time for wildlife observation as river levels fall and animals can be seen at the banks. Those who want to make the most of Peru's climate should combine coast, highlands and jungle.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 27° (81°)24– (75–)29 (84) | 28° (82°)24– (75–)30 (86) | 27° (81°)24– (75–)30 (86) | 25° (77°)21– (70–)28 (82) | 22° (72°)18– (64–)25 (77) | 20° (68°)18– (64–)22 (72) | 20° (68°)17– (63–)22 (72) | 19° (66°)17– (63–)20 (68) | 19° (66°)17– (63–)21 (70) | 20° (68°)18– (64–)22 (72) | 22° (72°)20– (68–)24 (75) | 24° (75°)21– (70–)26 (79) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 21° (70°)19– (66–)22 (72) | 22° (72°)19– (66–)23 (73) | 21° (70°)19– (66–)23 (73) | 19° (66°)17– (63–)21 (70) | 18° (64°)16– (61–)19 (66) | 17° (63°)15– (59–)18 (64) | 17° (63°)15– (59–)17 (63) | 16° (61°)14– (57–)16 (61) | 16° (61°)14– (57–)16 (61) | 16° (61°)14– (57–)17 (63) | 18° (64°)16– (61–)19 (66) | 19° (66°)17– (63–)21 (70) |
☀️Sunshine | 8h | 7h | 8h | 8h | 8h | 8h | 8h | 8h | 8h | 8h | 8h | 7h |
🌊Water Temp | 21° (70°) | 21° (70°) | 21° (70°) | 19° (66°) | 18° (64°) | 18° (64°) | 17° (63°) | 17° (63°) | 17° (63°) | 17° (63°) | 18° (64°) | 19° (66°) |
🌧Rain Days | 4d28mm (1.1") | 6d40mm (1.6") | 6d39mm (1.5") | 1d10mm (0.4") | 0d5mm (0.2") | 0d6mm (0.2") | 0d6mm (0.2") | 0d5mm (0.2") | 0d5mm (0.2") | 0d6mm (0.2") | 0d6mm (0.2") | 1d11mm (0.4") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
May offers great weather in Peru (Lima) with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
The travel year in Peru (Lima)
December – March
Lima's summer: the garúa fog lifts and the city finally shows blue sky. Miraflores and Barranco live outdoors, and the clifftop parks are magical at sunset. The best time for day trips to Paracas and the Nazca Lines.
April – November
Garúa season: Lima lies under a constant grey veil of mist — not rain, but gloomy and surprisingly cool for a tropical city. Cultural life blooms indoors instead. Lima is Latin America's culinary capital — the best ceviche in the world, even in the grey season.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Peru (Lima)?
- The best time to visit Peru (Lima) is January, February, March, April, and December. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Peru (Lima)?
- In summer, daytime highs in Peru (Lima) average 28°C (82°F), with peaks around 30°C (86°F); in winter, nights average 16°C (61°F), dropping to around 14°C (57°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Peru (Lima) get?
- Peru (Lima) has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 2 rain days per month. The driest months are May, August, and September.
- How warm is the water in Peru (Lima)?
- Water temperature in Peru (Lima) ranges from 17°C (63°F) (September) to 21°C (70°F) (February). During the best travel months (January, February, March, April, and December), the water is most pleasant for swimming.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
🏖️
Beach Holiday
Warm, sunny, little rain
JanFebMar
🏙️
City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
MayNovDec
