The Seasons Of Peru

The Seasons of Peru; yes a common misconception, there are different season patterns in Peru.

Two if you want to get really picky; winter and summer.

I was there too, I didn’t realize the seasons of Peru. I went in June and assumed it would be 80 degrees and summer ((isn’t it right next to the equator?)). I was far off and realized everyone else needs to know the seasons of Peru as much as I do. 

Peru is one of the most exotic and fascinating countries in the world. A South American country, below the equator, Peru has some of the most famous ancient civilization, Nazca lines, jungles and deserts thrown across the country and there is so much more to attract people to the wonders of Peru. 

The Seasons of Peru 

The seasons of Peru can only be characterized by location. This is due to the inner highlands and lowlands among the coastal lines and mountainous regions of the country. Summer months are described as end of November to end of April. Following is the winter from May to October.

Northern Pacific Coast

All the way up to Ecuador, these temperatures are dry and hot. Summer temperatures range from 86-105 degrees, characterized by sunny, hot days. Minimal summer rainfall, which calls for clear, surfing days. The last few months of summer, February-April, comes the chance of flooding and El Nino warnings.

Winter starts to roll in at the end of April and brings more comfortable, but still hot, temperatures to the northern coast.

Central & Southern Coast

Summer in Lima is beautiful, sub-tropical climate like. Hot temperature, humidity, clear skies and few afternoon showers. The worse thing about summer is that when April comes, gloomy skies are here again.

Winter starts with the cool air from the ocean. This causes cooler temperatures and overcast skies. With the overcast skies come mist and fog almost daily. The temperatures rarely drop below 45 degrees but don’t be fooled by this number, it feels cooler than it really is, especially in buildings with no heat and small water heaters.

Furthermore, in the winter on the coast, the cold Humboldt current comes into play. This creates the cooler temperatures and more mist for the coastal towns, but if you were to go more east, you will find dryer, warmer temperatures. (Like Huacachina)

Andean Highlands

The Andean Highlands create the biggest confusion to tourists when trying to figure out the temperature. The temperature, in the Andean Highlands, is proportional to altitude, varying warmer temperatures in the lower valley to frigid in the highest elevations (Cusco). The maximum temperature in both, low valleys and high elevations, are steady throughout the year regardless.

Summer: (November-April) This is considered the rainy season for the Andean Highlands. With rain comes, slightly lower temperatures in the low lying valleys.  65 degrees is an average temperature during the day.

Winter: (May-October) These months are considered the dry season of Andean Highlands. This is where the confusion hits: it may be their winter, so you assume cold, but during the day the weather is warm, sunny and dry. At night, it is freezing. 70 degrees during the day, down to half that, 35 degrees, at night.

Conclusion: If you are visiting the Highlands in the Summer, bring a rain jacket. If visiting in the Winter, just bring a warm jacket but also back for warm temperatures during the day.

Jungle

The jungle, also called the Amazon region, is hot and rainy most of the year. Temperatures range from 65-98 degrees and rain showers vary between 40 to 160 inches per year.

In the region near Tambopata Reserve and Manu National Park, there are two seasons. The dry season is during the winter and the wet season during the summer.

Conclusion: Always bring a rain jacket. Oh, bring bug spray as well.

The seasons in Peru is a need to know. When traveling all over the country tourists will have to be mindful on what they pack: warm jacket, cool clothes, rain jacket and bug spray. If just staying in one area, people can pack for that one region. 

Note: It is very uncommon for hostels, AirBNB, restaurants and local areas to have heat during the frigid nights. Keep this in mind when traveling to regions that get cold at night or no sun during the day.

Also Note: Beware of mosquitos. No matter where you are, during the wetter months, there is a high population of mosquitos. As tourists move more north and east, the higher chance for Malaria.

Best time to visit the mountains is June-August, to avoid rainy season but a lot of tourists. 

The best time to visit the beach coast is December-February, hot, sun and a lot of surfing but most expensive. 

Visit the jungle in September-November, less crowds, acceptable weather.  

Keep in mind; if traveling when the best weather is, you will find the most tourists.

The seasons of Peru fits it exotic culture perfectly. It adds to the character it provides and keeps tourists honest while packing (or do I mean confused?). Be mindful when you’re traveling and pack wisely when visiting the exotic Peru. 

What would you add to this list of seasons?