Peru Climate Guide

Location: Rediscover Machu Picchu > Weather and Climate > Peru Climate Guide

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Peru's Climate

Peru's climate areas are very diverse. 28 climates are present of the 32 in the World.

We can split Peru into 4 major weather zones in order to better present you the characteristics of each.

Travelers need to be well-documented and equipped to face all climatic conditions in Peru, a place where travelling a few dozen kilometers/miles can make you wake up in a completely different climate zone
 

Coastal Peru's Climate

Subtropical with very little rainfall, but humidity sometimes rises, causing fog. There are occasional showers, though.

Temperatures drop and rise drastically, extremes of Peruvian coastal weather are: 14 to 38 °C (57.2 to 100.4 °F).

Cool damp weather with higher humidity levels usually occurs in winter. Then, drizzles during the night and early morning occur.

In the summer the sun shines often and there is almost no rainfall at all.

Lima receives almost no rain at all during the whole year.

There is almost no rainfall during the summer in this region.
 

The winter and summer temperatures aren't that different from one another. You can feel cold and night and warm during the day, at any time.

Between June and August is is cold in Lima and generally it is cold on the southern coastline and in the central areas.

Andean Peru's Climate

High mountains are usually very cold with frequent precipitation, but stinging strong sun light is frequent as well.

The mountainous areas are prone to fog and heavy rain showers, even floods and landslides. Avoid travelling to mountainous areas in the December - March interval.

In February, the Inca Trail is closed for tourists due to frequent rains, floodings.

Temperatures can drop to freezing at any time of the year at high altitudes in the Andes.

Amazonian Peru's Climate

December through March is the rainy season in the jungle areas and on the highlands.

Outside the rainy season you should expect high temperatures going over 40°C (114 °F) during the day. But the temperature is not the big issue in this case. The humidity is!

The humidity levels in these jungle-covered areas are very high. Breathing seems sometimes impossible. In these conditions you will feel like in an oven and you will sweat. And heavy sweating creates dehydration. Therefore, make sure to bring enough bottled water with you.

Rains in Amazonian Peru are frequent. If you travel to areas like Pucallpa, Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado, make sure that you are well-protected against possible rain.

The Altiplano's Climate

The high plateau called Altiplano is the widest plateau in the World after the Tibetan Plateau.

Average heights are around 3.500 m. Many cities, towns are located this high on the Altiplano.

Expect cold temperatures, but not necessarily freezing cold, especially during the night. During the day, the sun rays get hot and sunscreen is recommended.