Peru Weather, climate and geography
Weather and climate
Best time to visit
Peru's climate varies dramatically by region, but the seasons are generally divided into summer (December to March), autumn (April to June), winter (July to September), and spring (October to November). Along the coast, summers are warm and sunny, with temperatures around 24–30°C (75–86°F), while winters are cooler and often overcast, ranging from 15–20°C (59–68°F).
In the Andes, temperatures are shaped more by altitude than by season. Days are mild year-round, typically 15–20°C (59–68°F), but nights can drop sharply, often falling to 0–5°C (32–41°F). The dry season runs from May to September and is the most popular time for trekking; the rainy season lasts from October to April.
In the Amazon basin, the climate is hot, humid, and tropical throughout the year. Temperatures generally remain between 25–32°C (77–90°F). Rainfall is heaviest from December to March, though brief showers can occur at any time.
Spring and autumn tend to be transitional periods across the country, with moderate coastal temperatures, clearer skies in the Andes, and slightly lower humidity in the Amazon.
Required clothing
Given Peru's varied geography, travellers should be prepared for a mix of conditions. Lightweight, breathable clothing is suitable for the coast and the Amazon, while the Andes require warmer layers, particularly for evenings when temperatures can drop to near freezing. A fleece or insulated jacket is essential in high-altitude areas.
During the rainy season (October to April in the Andes and Amazon; December to March on the coast), waterproof gear becomes important. A reliable rain jacket, quick-dry trousers, and a small waterproof cover for bags are useful, especially for trekking or jungle excursions. Waterproof hiking shoes are recommended for trails that may become muddy.
Sun protection is advisable across all regions due to strong UV levels, especially at altitude. A hat and sunglasses are also practical additions.
Geography
Peru is located on the western side of South America, bordered by Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil and Bolivia to the east, and Chile to the south, with a long Pacific coastline to the west. The country divides broadly into three distinct geographical zones running parallel from north to south: the Costa, a narrow coastal desert plain; the Sierra, the highland Andean interior; and the Selva, the Amazon rainforest that covers more than 60% of the national territory.
The Costa is one of the driest places on earth, kept arid by the cold Humboldt Current, which suppresses moisture-bearing clouds. It is narrow, averaging about 80 kilometres in width, but it contains the majority of Peru's population, most of its industry and its largest cities including Lima. River valleys crossing the coastal plain from the Andes to the sea support intensive irrigated agriculture.
The Sierra is a complex of parallel mountain ranges, high valleys and plateaus. The main ranges of the Cordillera Occidental and Cordillera Oriental enclose the altiplano in the south, the high plateau shared with Bolivia where Lake Titicaca sits at 3,812 metres (12,507 ft). Peru's highest peak is Huascarán in the Cordillera Blanca at 6,768 metres (22,205 ft). The Selva descends from the eastern slopes of the Andes into the vast, flat Amazon basin, which contains the upper tributaries of the Amazon River and most of Peru's remaining undisturbed primary forest.
