How is the weather and climate in Peru?

Peru is called the world’s climate synthesis because it contains 27 of the 32 known climates in the world. Therefore, the Peruvian weather can be distributed in 11 ecological regions along the territory. However, for practical purposes, we can divide Peru into 3 climate regions. While the Sierra has rains, cold breezes, and overcast skies (32-60ºF annual average). The coast presents glorious rays of sunshine and fresh air (60-81ºF annual average). The jungle area can have liquid splashes and hot whirlwinds (68-94ºF annual average). For this reason, if you are looking for detailed information about the weather to plan great things to do in Cusco or any Peruvian city, the experts of Machu Travel Peru can help give you adequate information to be prepared and spend a pleasant time on your Peru vacation.

The Peruvian weather is all that you need to know.

• Peruvian weather overview
• The Peruvian coast
• The sierra of Peru
• The Peruvian Amazon
• The best moment to visit Peru
• What should I pack?

Peruvian weather overview

First, we will say that Inca’s country has four sparse seasons during the year.  The summer in Peru begins on December 22 and until March 21. The autumn is from March 22 until June 21. The Winter is from June 22 to September 22 and the Spring begins from September 23 until December 21.

Also, Peruvian weather and its different characteristics are determined by three factors: The Peruvian Andes, the Humboldt ocean current coming from the south, and the El Niño air stream coming from the north, all of them mixed over the Peru region. These factors cause a variety of micro weathers and sensations in every department of Peru.

The Peruvian coast

The coast is a thin strip that runs along the entire Peruvian coastline and is washed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean. On its lands are located the Peru beaches, ports, boulevards, peninsulas, bays, cliffs, and desserts. The Peruvian weather in this part usually presents an arid climate, warm and dry, with average temperatures between 60-81ºF. This means a warm sensation despite having cloudy Skies and grays for the most part of the year. This is due to the Humboldt ocean current, a flow of cold water coming from the Antarctic that washes the entire coast of Chile and Peru, cooling the lower layers of the atmosphere and avoiding the creation of vertical air currents, which necessary to have rains and are the origin of gray clouds and haze along the entire coast, except the north.

On the coast north (Piura – Tumbes), the Peruvian climate can present an average of 64ºF in the coldest month (August) and 75ºF on average in the hottest month (February). In other words, it is the hottest part of the country. This is due to two factors, the first one is that the zone is closest to the equatorial line, the most tropical area in the world. The second factor is the Niño (Boy) Coastal Stream, a warm periodic current (2 – 7 years) that comes from Central America and bathes the coasts of Ecuador and the north of Peru. The beaches located there present clear skies, perfect waves, and warm breezes most of the year. In other words, the most perfect Sunset in Peru can be enjoyed there.

On the central coast (Lima – Trujillo), the Peru weather presents an average temperature between 63 – 73ºF. This zone is known for its cloudy skies and cloudiness from April to November. It is from December to March, summer when the skies usually clear. There are located in the capital of Peru and essential cities like Trujillo. A sensation of heat and dryness in summer and cold and wet the rest of the year.

South coast, (Ica – Arequipa – Tacna) presents a Peruvian weather average of 59 – 72 °F. The zone shows clear skies, and warm breezes most of the year, with rare precipitations. Here, you can visit the Paracas National Reserve, the Ballestas islands, the Huacachina oasis, the Mollendo beaches, and the awesome Nazca lines.

The Sierra of Peru

The Peruvian Andes cross the territory from north to south, separating the Coast (west extreme) from the jungle (east extreme) There, the Peruvian weather varies according to altitude and the slope, being the rainy season from September to May and the dry season from June to August. During the days, the sun’s rays usually are strong, causing hot days. However, the nights are clear and, being located at a higher altitude and far from the equator, usually, their temperatures drop to below zero. Therefore, the average temperature goes from 32 to 77ºF. Warm clothes are always recommendable because you can always find a cold breeze and some quite inconvenient rains all year. Other clothes like a rain jacket, trekking shoes, light pants, and some t-shirts cannot be overstated.

During the dry season, the average temperature goes from 68 to 77ºF. On the other hand, the rainy season presents temperatures from 64 to 68ºF. At night, the weather can down to 32ºF. The main cities located in the Andes are Cusco, Puno, Arequipa, and Ayacucho, among others. If you want to visit any of these popular tourist destinations in Peru, we recommend doing it in a range from April to October, summer in the highlands. Where you will find clear skies, strong rays of sunshine, and a mild climate. Otherwise, Winter is going from November to March and you can feel heavy rains, cloudy days, and powerful lightning. Therefore, you have to be patient with the flight delays, the strong rains at night, and the altitude sickness in the mornings.

The Peruvian Amazon

Visit the Amazon in Peru is one of the best experiences that visitors can have. Therefore, knowing the jungle weather to face during your visit is important. The Peruvian Amazon is located in the eastern end of the country and its basins are formed by tropical hills and plains, which makes them almost impenetrable. So walking through its foliage will guarantee an unforgettable adventure. The jungle area presents two seasons, like the Peruvian Andes; the rainy season from November to March with torrential rains and a humid climate is one of them. The other one begins from April until October, and it is called Dry Season. However, some heavy rains can occur all the year. The temperature ranges from 47ºF to 83ºF. Therefore, if you want to know about the Machu Picchu weather, pay attention to our section on South Amazon.

The north Amazon is located closest to the Equatorial line, for this reason, the weather is more humid and warm during the year, with frequent rains and electric storms. This region is extended from the Loreto region to Ucayali. Precisely in this part, the Amazon River runs toward Brazil. Here you can visit the Pacaya – Samiria National Reserve with a great variety of flora and wild fauna like jaguars, black caimans, monkeys, and snakes among others. Iquitos, and Pucallpa, among other interesting Jungle cities.

The south Amazon goes from Ucayali to the Madre De Dios (Mother of God) region and the Cusco jungle region. The zone presents tropical weather with a well-defined dry season in winter. Despite having rains during the year, these decrease between May and September. The temperature in winter usually descends until 59ºF. Interesting zones like Manu National Park, Tambopata National Reserve, and Puerto Maldonado will be waiting for you with various activities to realize.

The best moment to visit Peru

As you can see, choosing the best time to visit Peru depends on the location of the attraction that you want to view. We recommend exploring Machu Picchu, Cusco, or another Andean city (Peruvian Sierra) between April to October, during this time we can enjoy sunny days and clear skies, excellent for your excursions and your postcards. Attractions situated on the Jungle area can join to this period of time. On the other hand, if you enjoy of fresh climate, walking over puddles, and seeing astonishing storms, the rainy season (from November to March) is for you. The recommendation is similar for those who want to visit the Peruvian Amazon.

However, the treatment is different on the Peruvian coast, if your choice is to visit the coast with its beach, dive, or boat ride, we recommend doing it from December until April (The rainy season in the Sierra and the jungle). While rain in the Peruvian Sierra and Jungle, the coast presents clear days with a warm breeze, perfect to enjoy the sea and aquatic activities.

Therefore, visiting Peru means enjoying the contrast of Peruvian weather, the attractions, the people, and even the inopportune situations that you could find along the way.

What should I pack?

Among many aspects that you need to consider before traveling to Peru, the Peruvian weather is the most important. What should I pack in my carry-on? This would be one of the main questions at the moment of planning a trip to Peru. So, as you could see, Peru is one of the most diverse countries around the world regarding climate and geography, it has a mix of climates in one single area, at one exact time! Therefore, all will depend on your Peruvian destiny. Sierra, coast, or jungle. But, don’t worry, we will give you general recommendations about What should you pack. 

Peruvian coast

• Shorts
• Tshirts
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Light jackets
• Sneakers
• Sunglasses

Sierra of Peru

• Polar jackets
• Parkas
• Trekking pants
• A rain jacket
• Thermals clothes
• Hiking boots or shoes
• Walking sticks

The Peruvian Amazon

• Sleeping bag
• Bug repellent
• Camelbak
• Sunhat and sunglasses
• Bathing suit
• Sandals
• Sneakers
• T-shirts
• Shorts
• Light pants

“DARE TO FEEL THE COMPLETE EXPERIENCE OF PERU, RAIN, AND SUN AT THE SAME TIME!”

In conclusion, the trip to Peru means face to many factors, like the Peruvian weather. While heavy rains can occur on the west side of the country, a clear sky with warm breezes can invade the east side at the same time. For all these aspects, Peru represents a great adventure for the visitant, and the Machu Travel Peru team can help you with this item and others to improve your planning for your next trip to Peru. Let us know your doubts regarding Peru travel plans, and we will be glad to absolve each question to have. Trust in us and let you guide by real experts in Peru travels. Is there holding you back from achieving your dreams? Tell us¡

Peru has so much to offer, that it can be hard to know where to start. With many years of experience in the tourism sector, Machu Travel Peru is happy to help with anything regarding your trip to Machu Picchu and any tours around it. Make your Machu Picchu experience an unforgettable one!

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