Summer in Peru: Weather and Top Destinations

Peru’s summer, which lasts from late December to late March, is characterized by warm temperatures, ranging from 19℃ to 27℃. But it may vary depending on which part of the country you are in. Northern coastal cities like Máncora tend to be warmer, averaging between 21℃ and 31℃. In the high-altitude Andes region, however, it gets pretty cold even during summer. Cusco, for instance, experiences lows of 6.6℃ and highs of 18.8℃.

Precipitation levels also vary based on locations. Coastal cities such as Lima have four days of average rainfall in a month, and the number of rainy days goes up as you travel inland.
Below you will find a table of summer weather conditions in Lima, one of the most popular destinations in the country, to give you an idea.

For a more detailed seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Peru.

Although the peak season in Peru runs between May and September, touring Peru in summer has its own perks. Here are a few:

• Lower rates and crowds: As summer is the off-peak season in Peru, you will save plenty of money on your trip. The biggest price difference between the high and low seasons shows on your airfare. For example, a round-trip ticket from Amsterdam to Lima in July could cost you anywhere between 1200 to 1640 euros. But in the off-peak month of January, you could get the same ticket for between 740 and 1260 euros. Summer is also great for those who cannot stand big tourist crowds at major attraction sites, as fewer tourists visit the country.
• Festivities galore: Peru abounds in festivals and events during the summer months. Admire the marinera dance at Trujillo Marinera Festival, listen to traditional music and watch spectacular performances at the Fiesta de la Candelaria, or try local wine at the Festival Internacional de la Vendimia, there is no shortage of fun and festivities in Peru during summer.
• Water sports: Consistent swells and warm waters of the Pacific Ocean make Peru the perfect destination for water sports such as surfing and windsurfing. If you are heading north, check out the surfing spots in the city of Máncora. Lima also has a big surfing scene. Playa Waikiki, where one of the first surf clubs in the world was founded, is the place to be if you are in the Peruvian capital. You could also visit Puerto Malabrigo, Talara, and Chicama, other popular destinations for surfing enthusiasts.

If you are considering a summer holiday to Peru, we recommend looking at our Peru travel guide for a clear overview of the country to help you plan your trip.

From the Andes mountains to the Amazon rainforest to the coastal areas overlooking the Pacific Ocean, there is a lot to see and experience in Peru. Here is a list of our top places to visit when you are in Peru during summer.

1. Lima

You cannot miss out on a Lima tour when you are visiting Peru in the summer. Lima enjoys the perfect temperatures ranging between 20℃ and 25℃ around this time, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. You can visit the Larco Museum, which showcases pre-Columbian art and artifacts, or the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History of Peru, hit the beaches such as Miraflores and Redondo for swimming and surfing, or enjoy the culinary tour around the city.

Major attractions: Iglesia de la Compania, Miraflores neighborhood, and Larco Museum.

Pros:

• The city has fewer tourists during the summer season. This means you can enjoy the local attractions at your own pace.
• Lima is full of wonderful parks such as Parque El Olivar to Parque Central de Miraflores, which bloom in the summer months.

Cons:

• Lima is known for its frequent coastal fog, which can limit visibility and obscure ocean and coastline views during rainy days.

2. Palccoyo Mountain

Palccoyo Mountain may be less popular than Vinicunca, but it is by no means less enchanting. This alternative Rainbow Mountain of Peru consists of three peaks and is a great option for those looking to experience colorful sights without too many crowds. During the summer season, Palccoyo Mountain sees temperature lows of 6°C and highs of 19°C, ideal for climbing.

Major attractions: Palccoyo Rock Forest and Checacupe town.

Pros:

• It takes only one hour to reach the top of Palccoyo Mountain compared to a four-hour hike required to summit Vinicunca.
• Temperatures are ideal for hiking.
•  Way fewer tourists than in Vinicunca.

Cons:

• Rainfall is quite frequent, with roughly 14 days of rain per month.

3. Máncora

Máncora is the ideal destination for those interested in water sports. With temperatures between 21°C and 31°C and six days of rain per month, this city has the ideal weather condition for a surfing holiday. Spend your days kitesurfing, longboarding, or simply enjoying the beach lifestyle.

Major attractions:  Beaches, water sports, and nightlife.

Pros:

• Tropical landscapes come alive during the summer months.
• The weather is perfect for water sports.

Cons:

• Unlike other popular areas of Peru, not many people here speak English.

 Peru offers a variety of activities for all types of tourists during the summer. Here are some of them:

•  Explore local culture: Summer in Peru provides the perfect opportunity to soak in the local culture. From attending festivals such as the Inti Raymi celebration while on your Cusco trip to experiencing traditional feasts like the Pachamanca, visitors can immerse themselves in the country's rich culture and traditions. Summer is also a great time to visit cities such as Arequipa and Trujillo for a more authentic and intimate experience of Peru and its culture.
• Spectacular nature: Peru is home to an incredible diversity of landscapes, from rainforests to canyons to mountains to coastal areas, which are great for trekking during summer. To see the country’s natural beauty, make it a point to visit its national parks like Huascarán National Park, Manu National Park, and Lachay National Reserve.

• Rainfall is common in Peru during summer, especially in inland areas. So bring an umbrella and a rain jacket with you.
• Make sure to dress in layers and bring both your umbrella and sunscreen for Peru’s diverse summer weather conditions.
• Summer may be the low season in Peru, but the country remains a popular destination all year round. So it is always a good idea to book your tours and accommodations in advance.
• Learning some basic Spanish phrases will help you a great deal during your trip.

1. Is Peru an expensive destination to visit during summer?

No. Summer is the low season in Peru, which means you will be able to get great deals, especially on your flights.

2. Is it too hot to visit Peru in July?

Summer in Peru starts in December and ends in March. July is a winter month in Peru, so you shouldn't worry about the temperatures being too hot.

Besides being generously blessed by nature, Peru is also an incredibly diverse country, geographically and culturally. And what better way to see this than during the summer season, when the tourist crowds are low? Who knows, spending your next summer in Peru may be one of your life's best decisions.

If you need help planning your trip, do not hesitate to contact our local travel experts, who will happily help you organize a customized trip to Peru.