Weather in Lima: What to Expect

As the gateway for travel to Peru, the capital of Lima provides the ideal start or end to a memorable vacation. Get the know the weather in Lima, so you can better plan how you’ll spend time in this vibrant metropolis.

City Weather Guide

Table of Contents

• Seasons in Lima
• Summer in Lima
• Winter in Lima
• Trip Planning Tip

Seasons in Lima

Peru is in the Southern Hemisphere with seasons opposite to those of the Northern Hemisphere.

Built on an arid coastal floodplain flanked by the foothills of the Andes and only 12 degrees south of the equator, Lima has a climate you probably wouldn’t expect. Here, the heat of the tropical sun is moderated by the cold Humboldt Current that flows northward along the coast of Peru. This keeps temperatures in the city mild with almost no rain and high humidity year-round.

In Lima, the seasons are distinguished by a sunshine-filled summer and a cloudy winter with gradual changes in between.

• Summer in Peru extends from December to March. For Lima, this means sunny and hot, humid days and average temperatures are in the mid-80s °F (30°C). Mornings and nights cool off, offering relief from the daytime heat.

• Winter is from June to August. Cloudy conditions and hazy fog, which Peruvians call garúa, are the norm and it seldom rains. Total precipitation in Lima is rarely more than 2 inches (50 millimeters). Average day temperatures in Lima are cooler during the winter and range from 60°F and 68°F (16°C and 20°C).

Summer in Lima

Summertime rides off the coattails of several cloudy winter days, bringing with it much-welcomed sunshine and warmer temperatures in the mid-80s Fahrenheit (around 29 Celcius). Do as locals do during summer in Lima and spend as much of your free time enjoying the outdoors – just don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen!

Complement your city tours with these outdoor activities:

• Beat the heat and take a morning stroll or jog along the paved path called the Malecon. It weaves along the high bluffs in Miraflores and overlooks the Pacific Ocean.

• Ceviche is a traditional summertime lunch in Lima. Order your fresh seafood dish with a cold beer.

• The pebbled coastline of Lima may not fit your definition of “beach vacation getaway,” but that doesn’t mean you cannot take a refreshing dip in the ocean. There are surfing schools along the city’s Costa Verde beach road as well as board rentals.

• Find a comfortable perch along the coast and watch the sun sink below the horizon. Sunsets in Lima are spectacular in the summer when conditions are clear enough to show off the colors in the sky.

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Winter in Lima

In general, winter weather in Lima is mild and you can explore the city without interruptions or delays from extreme weather. Bring a sweatshirt for added warmth and wear pants, and you should be comfortable while you’re out and about.

Wintertime in Lima is cloudy. Average daytime temperatures are in the 60s Fahrenheit (16 to 20 Celcius), and conditions might be damp and misty, but it never downpours. The high humidity does, however, bring a penetrating chill, notably in the coastal districts of Miraflores and Barranco, where a breeze can pick up.

Fill your leisure time during the winter months with these activities:

• Take a walk through the bohemian neighborhood of Barranco. Even on the most overcast of days, the district’s mustard yellow mansions and impressive street murals are no less vibrant.

• Order Peruvian coffee from Puku Puku Cafe (Av. Jose Larco 1285, Miraflores). Then, walk across the street to Larcomar, a modern shopping complex overlooking the Pacific Ocean with restaurants and brand name stores.

• Nowhere else in Peru are you able to enjoy such a wide variety of restaurants that showcase the flavor diversity and fusion of Peruvian cuisine than in Lima. Use the cloudy weather as an excuse to plan your day around eating out!

Trip Planning Tip

The diverse geography of Peru – desert coast, high mountains, and humid jungle – results in local weather patterns that vary widely by altitude and region.

Many of our travelers are from the United States, Canada, and countries across Europe and plan their trips to Peru in June, July, and August when it’s their summer. These months coincide with the dry season in the highlands of Peru and are the most popular time to go to Machu Picchu and Cusco. Meanwhile, down at sea level in Lima, the weather is much different. Understanding these different weather conditions and seasons throughout the country helps you better prepare for your trip and plan activities accordingly. Our team of experts is here to answer your questions and customize your perfect trip to Peru. Contact Inca Expert.

*This article was updated on April 9, 2020.