Peru in March: Exploring Amid the Monsoon
Rain can be a hassle if you are heading for Peru in March as this is the last month of the wet season. However, if you can stand a bit of rain, the month still offers abundant travel opportunities to some of the best Peruvian destinations.
- Kelley Lipphard
- From USA
Peru Weather in March
In general, the weather in Peru in March is wet with mild to low temperatures. But Peru is a vast country, and depending on the area you are visiting, you may encounter slightly different weather conditions. For instance, the Pacific coastal desert, which refers to a strip of land close to the ocean, has a low chance of precipitation during March. In the central coastal area of Peru, cities such as Lima have highs of 26℃ and lows of 19℃.
If you want to go on trekking and hiking trips in Peru, March may not be the best month. The Andean Highlands — home to Machu Picchu and Cusco — are relatively cold, with temperatures ranging from 6℃ to 18℃. Though minimal, rainfall is a daily occurrence in these areas. Likewise, although the Amazon Forest is wet and humid all year round, March is probably the wettest month of the year. Heavy rains and thunderstorms are common in these areas in the afternoon, and temperatures range anywhere between 22℃ and 31℃.
For a seasonal overview, go through our write-up on the best time to visit Peru.
Weather in Peru in March - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 25 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 21 | 21 | 22 | 23 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 20 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 18 | 17 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 19 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 77 | 77 | 77 | 76 | 74 | 70 | 70 | 68 | 70 | 70 | 72 | 74 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 68 | 70 | 70 | 68 | 65 | 63 | 59 | 59 | 59 | 61 | 63 | 67 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 3 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Feb | Mar | Apr | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 25 | 25 | 24 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 21 | 21 | 20 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 77 | 77 | 76 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 70 | 70 | 68 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 4 | 3 | 1 |
Why Visit Peru in March
So, if it rains in most of the country, why should you travel to Peru in March? The truth is that booking a vacation in Peru for this month has plenty of advantages. We have listed a few of them below.
- Enjoy the Pacific: March is the best time to visit Peru for those interested in watersports. This month has the best water conditions and is an ideal choice if you plan to spend your days surfing, wind-boarding, or simply swimming.
- Fewer tourists: Most visitors prefer to avoid rainy conditions and plan a trip to Peru for July or August. So heading for Peru in March means that you can discover Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu without contending with tourists or spending hours queuing outside major sights.
- More affordable rates: Another benefit of visiting Peru in March is that prices are way more affordable. Save money on flights, accommodation, and activities during your trip to the country at this time of year.
- Festival Internacional de la Vendimia: Each year in March, the city of Ica, located around 300 km south of Lima, celebrates its grape harvest festival, which is also referred to as Festival Internacional de la Vendimia. This event usually takes place around the second week of the month with musical events, traditional dances, and cockfights. You will also get the chance to see horse parades and fireworks displays.
Where to go and what to do
Discover Lima while the footfall is still low. See the street art in the Barranco neighborhood and join a local cooking lesson. Before heading back to your hotel, spend some time in a bar and try a pisco sour, a typical Peruvian cocktail.
Enthusiasts of watersports should head for the coast and perfect their surfing techniques. Located in the north of the country, Playa Chicama is known all over the world for its perfectly shaped waves! You can also try your hand at some other watersports, such as windsurfing, parasailing, or kitesurfing.
If you want to hike in Peru but do not want to get drenched, you might want to consider a trip to natural parks close to the coast with high temperatures and a low chance of precipitation.
If you love dunes and deserts, make sure that you include a trip to Huacachina in your itinerary. March is the hottest month in Huacachina, with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 30°C. However, rainfall is not that much of an issue since this oasis receives only 7mm of rain in a year. The other options include visiting the Colca Canyon and gazing at the stunning cliffs of Paracas.
What to bring
Packing for Peru in March can be tricky, but we have got you covered! If you are staying on the coast, pack some sunscreen and your best swimming suit. If you plan to visit Machu Picchu and go hiking in the Andean highlands, carry a rain jacket, umbrella, and an extra pair of shoes.
Despite being a rainy season, Peru in March has plenty of activities to offer. You can spend your days surfing in the ocean, visiting national parks along the country’s coasts, and exploring Lima.
If you need help planning a customized trip to Peru in March, you can always reach out to our local travel experts in Peru who can devise a personalized itinerary based on your requirements. For quick inspiration, visit our Peru tours in March.
