What is the weather like in Peru in 2026?

Lima and much of the central coast sit in an arid temperate belt with very little measurable rain. Summers (roughly December to March in the southern hemisphere) bring more sun and warmer afternoons. From about April through November, garúa (coastal mist and overcast) often blankets the city: cool humidity without true monsoon downpours: Living in Lima. Arequipa at about 2,300 metres offers sunnier highland days and cooler nights: Living in Arequipa. Cusco near 3,400 metres adds stronger altitude swings and a clearer wet-versus-dry calendar for trail and tourism weeks.

Amazon cities such as Iquitos stay warm and humid with heavy rainforest moisture. Most career movers treat that belt as travel weather, not a first lease city. SENAMHI (Servicio Nacional de Meteorología e Hidrología del Perú), Peru’s national meteorology service, frames forecasts and climate maps; use city-level guidance rather than a single “Peru weather” widget.

On the coast, “season” often means grey mist versus clearer summer sun more than temperature extremes. In the Andes, dry months (often discussed around May to September) favour hiking and outdoor plaza life; wetter months (often around November to March) bring afternoon showers, greener landscapes, and muddier roads. Altitude still decides jacket needs after sunset: Altitude and climate.

City shortlist by climate fit: Best climate and Where to live in Peru. Electricity bills track coastal damp chill and highland heaters more than constant air conditioning in Lima. Pack layers for Lima even in “summer” calendar months if you chill easily under garúa; pack sun protection and a warm night layer for Arequipa and Cusco.