Quick Guide To Seasons In Peru
As any “seasoned” traveler can tell you, seasons can shape everything from warmth to resort prices. In this bite-size guide, learn about Peru’s three seasons and the impact each one has on the country’s three major regions.
Peruvian Seasons (Overview)
Peruvian seasons can be loosely divided into cool, dry winters and warm, rainy summers.
However, geographers divide the Peruvian landscape into three distinct regions:
- The Chala Region (Peru’s Pacific Coast)
- The Selva Region (The Amazon Jungle)
- The Sierra Region (The Andes Mountains & Intermontane Valleys)
The seasons vary considerably among Peru’s regions, due to their distinct climates.
Peru’s Three Seasons In Three Regions
While each region in Peru has three seasons, those seasons affect the weather and environment in each region differently.
1. Summer, The Wet Season (December – March)
Summer starts in November or December, and it goes on through March. Astronomically, Peru’s Summer Solstice is on December 21st.
| Wet Season Weather In The Chala (Peru’s Coast) | |
| Monthly Rainfall (Range) | 0.03 in. – 0.16 in. |
| Typical Daily Chance of Rain | <1% to 2% |
| Avg. Daily High Temps. (Range) | 79°F – 82°F (26°C – 28°C) |
| Avg. Nightly Low Temps (Range) | 66°F – 68°F (19°C – 20°C) |
| Humidity (Avg.) | 83% |
| Humidity Range | 81% – 90% |
| Avg. # Sunny & Partly Cloudy Days, Per Month | 15 |
| Wet Season Weather In The Sierra (Peruvian Highlands) | |
| Monthly Rainfall (Range) | 4.3 in – 6.3 in |
| Typical Daily Chance of Rain | 71% |
| Avg. Daily High Temps. (Range) | 63°F – 68°F (17°C – 20°C) |
| Avg. Nightly Low Temps (Range) | 42°F – 46°F (6°C – 8°C) |
| Humidity (Avg.) | 65% |
| Humidity Range | 62%-68% |
| Avg. # Sunny & Partly Cloudy Days, Per Month | 10 – 14 |
| Wet Season Weather In The Selva (Peru’s Amazon Region) | |
| Monthly Rainfall (Range) | 10.3 in – 12.2 in |
| Typical Daily Chance of Rain | 67% |
| Avg. Daily High Temps. (Range) | 87°F – 90°F (30°C – 32°C) |
| Avg. Nightly Low Temps (Range) | 72°F (22°C) – 74°F (23°C) |
| Humidity (Avg.) | 81% |
| Humidity Range | 80% – 82% |
Best City To Visit During Rainy Season: Lima
Lima, and The Chala in general, is the best part of Peru to experience during the wet season. Highlights include:
- Sunshine
- Comfortable temperatures
- Summer coastal festivals
2. Winter, The Dry Season (May – September)
Winter begins in earnest in May, and it usually lasts through September.
| Dry Season Weather In The Chala (Peru’s Pacific Coast) | |
| Monthly Rainfall (Range) | 0.01 in – 0.06 in |
| Typical Daily Chance of Rain | <0.1% |
| Avg. Daily High Temps. (Range) | 68°F – 71°F (20°C – 22°C) |
| Avg. Nightly Low Temps (Range) | 59°F – 64°F (15°C – 18°C) |
| Humidity (Avg.) | 85% |
| Humidity Range | 76% – 90% |
| Avg. # Sunny & Partly Cloudy Days, Per Month | 3 |
| Dry Season Weather In The Sierra (The Peruvian Highlands) | |
| Monthly Rainfall (Range) | 0.1 in – 0.3 in |
| Typical Daily Chance of Rain | 10% |
| Avg. Daily High Temps. (Range) | 65°F – 64°F (17°C – 18°C) |
| Avg. Nightly Low Temps (Range) | 32°F – 41°F (0°C – 5°C) |
| Humidity (Avg.) | 54% |
| Humidity Range | 51% – 60% |
| Avg. # Sunny & Partly Cloudy Days, Per Month | 24 |
| Dry Season Weather In The Selva (Peru’s Amazon Region) | |
| Monthly Rainfall (Range) | 6.3 in – 11.0 in |
| Typical Daily Chance of Rain | 59% |
| Avg. Daily High Temps. (Range) | 87°F – 93°F (30°C – 34°C) |
| Avg. Nightly Low Temps (Range) | 70°F – 72°F (21°C – 22°C) |
| Humidity (Avg.) | 80% |
| Humidity Range | 78%- 83% |
Best City To Visit During Dry Season: Iquitos
Peru’s dry season is the best time of year to experience the Amazon Rainforest. Visitors enjoy:
- Greatest trail access (lowest risk of trails getting “rained out”)
- Seasonal eco-tour packages
3. The Shoulder Seasons (April, October & November)
Shoulder seasons transition between seasonal weather patterns. Spring is September – November. Autumn is mid-March through April.
| Shoulder Season Weather In The Chala (Peru’s Coast) | |
| Monthly Rainfall (Range) | 0.00 – 0.01 |
| Typical Daily Chance of Rain | <0.1% |
| Avg. Humidity | 86% (Apr.) 78% (Oct. – Nov.) |
| Avg. Daily High Temps. (Range) | 74 °F (Apr.) 69°F – 70°F (Oct.-Nov.) |
| Avg. Nightly Low Temps (Range) | 63°F (17°C) [Apr.]
58°F-61°F (14.4°C – 16.1°C) [Oct.- Nov.] |
| Avg. # Sunny & Partly Cloudy Days, Per Month | 18 (Apr.) 7 (Oct.) |
| Shoulder Season Weather In The Sierra (Peruvian Highlands) | |
| Monthly Rainfall (Range) | 3.1 in – 3.9 in |
| Typical Daily Chance of Rain | 32% – 35% |
| Avg. Humidity | 63% (April) 56% – 58% (Oct. – Nov.) |
| Avg. Daily High Temps. | 64°F (17°C) [Apr.] 65°F (18°C) [Oct. – Nov.] in poo |
| Avg. Nightly Low Temps. | 43°F (6°C) [Apr.]
45°F (7°C) – 59°F (15°C) [Oct. – Nov.] |
| Avg. # Sunny & Partly Cloudy Days, Per Month | 17 (Apr.); 16 (Oct. – Nov.) |
| Shoulder Season Weather In The Selva (Peru’s Amazon Region) | |
| Monthly Rainfall (Range) | 8.1 in – 12.3 in |
| Typical Daily Chance of Rain | 61% |
| Avg. Daily High Temps. [Month] | 87°F (31°C) [Apr.]; 89°F (32°C) [Oct. – Nov.] |
| Avg. Nightly Low Temps [Month] | 72°F (22°C) [Apr.] 73°F (23°C) [Oct. – Nov.] |
| Humidity (Avg.) | 81% |
| Humidity Range | 79% – 84% |
Best City To Visit During Shoulder Seasons: Cusco
The Andean Highlands might be the best place to visit during Peru’s shoulder season. Highlights include:
- Smaller crowds
- Shoulder season pricing at popular destinations (i.e. discounts)
- Reduced risk of outdoor activities getting rained out
Experience Peru With Caravan
To book your ticket on our weeklong Tour of Peru, call 1-800-227-2826 today. Want more information? Contact our agents at 1-312-321-9800.
