At Guru Explorers, we know that your comfort is key to fully enjoying every moment of your trip. That’s why we’ve prepared a comprehensive guide with essential information to help you dress according to the destination and climate of each region you visit. We’ll guide you on what to expect regarding temperatures, rainfall, and practical recommendations, so you’ll be more than prepared to explore Peru!
We will tell you about the climate and what to pack for the following destinations:
- Cusco
- Machu Picchu
- Lima
- Paracas and Huacachina
- Arequipa
- Puno
- Peruvian Amazon:
- Iquitos
- Tambopata
- Manu
Keep reading to ensure you have everything you need and make the most of your trip through Peru!
1. Cusco
Dry season (May to October):
- Day: Temperatures between 64°F and 72°F.
- Night: Temperatures between 32°F and 41°F.
- Climate: Sunny days with pleasant temperatures. The temperature is always cold in high-altitude areas like Laguna Humantay, Rainbow Mountain, Ausangate, among others.
Rainy season (November to April):
- Day: Temperatures between 64°F and 72°F.
- Night: Temperatures between 41°F and 50°F.
- Climate: Occasional rain, usually in the afternoon or evening, more frequent in January and February. The rains can be intense but short-lived. If you’re lucky, in places like Rainbow Mountain, you might find some snow at the summit.
Regardless of the time of year, for tours that include high-altitude areas like Rainbow Mountain or Laguna Humantay, it’s important to note that the climate at the summit will always be cold. So, we recommend carrying a small backpack with an extra jacket to stay comfortable during the visit, even on warmer days!
2. Machu Picchu
Climate in the dry season at Machu Picchu (May to October):
- Day: Temperatures between 64°F and 72°F.
- Night: Temperatures between 32°F and 41°F.
- Climate: Sunny days with pleasant temperatures, but the sun can be strong, especially around midday. The nights can be cold, particularly in the higher areas of the site. Despite the mild daytime temperatures, heat is noticeable under direct sunlight.
Rainy season (November to April):
- Day: Temperatures between 64°F and 72°F.
- Night: Temperatures between 41°F and 50°F.
- Climate: During this season, the greenery is impressive, but it’s important to be prepared for the humid weather. Occasional rain, usually in the afternoon or evening. The rains are more frequent and intense in January and February, but typically short-lived.
What to pack for the dry season in Cusco and Machu Picchu:
- Thermal long-sleeve and short-sleeve shirts.
- Down jacket or insulating coat for cold nights.
- Convertible pants (which can turn into shorts).
- Thermal leggings to wear under your pants if it gets very cold at night.
- Thick wool socks.
- Light clothing for the day.
- Sun hat.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
What to pack for the rainy season:
- Waterproof poncho or rain-resistant cape.
- Waterproof pants.
- Waterproof trekking boots with good grip.
- Compact umbrella.
- Quick-dry socks.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
3. Lima
Summer (December to March):
- Day: Temperatures between 77°F and 90°F.
- Night: Temperatures around 68°F.
- Climate: Sunny and warm during the day, with cool nights.
Fall (March to May):
- Day: Temperatures between 64°F and 72°C.
- Night: Temperatures around 57°C.
- Climate: Transition between warm summer weather and cooler winter weather.
Winter (June to September):
- Day: Temperatures between 60°F and 68°F.
- Night: Temperatures around 53°F.
- Climate: Cloudy and cool days, with a lot of humidity making it feel colder than it really is.
Spring (September to November):
- Day: Temperatures between 68°F and 82°F.
- Night: Temperatures around 60°F.
- Climate: Cloudy and sunny days, with cool nights and some breeze.
What to wear in the summer:
- Light dresses, shorts, and tank tops.
- Comfortable sandals for walking around the city.
- Light jacket for occasional breezy nights.
- Sun hat.
- Sunscreen.
What to wear in the winter:
- Windbreaker or waterproof jacket for cool, misty mornings.
- Jeans or pants, sweaters, long-sleeve shirts.
- Warm clothing for the damp days.
4. Paracas and Huacachina
All year round:
- Day: Temperatures between 77°F and 86°F, possibly exceeding 89.6°F in the summer.
- Night: Cool temperatures between 59°F and 64.4°F.
- Climate: Sunny and warm, with frequent winds in Paracas.
What to wear year-round:
- Windbreaker jacket.
- Breathable t-shirts and lightweight pants for the day.
- Scarf or shawl to protect from wind and sand.
- Light sweater or jacket for cool nights.
- Closed footwear, like sports shoes, for dune activities.
- Sun hat.
- Sunscreen.
5. Arequipa
Climate in the dry season (April to December):
- Day: Temperatures between 68°F and 77°F in the city, but in higher altitudes like the Colca Canyon viewpoints or areas near 3,500 meters above sea level, daytime temperatures can be cooler, around 54°F.
- Night: Temperatures around 41°C.
- Climate: Sunny days with intense sun and cold nights. High-altitude areas may experience cooler daytime temperatures due to the elevation.
Rainy season (January to March):
- Day: Temperatures between 68°C and 77°C.
- Night: Temperatures around 54°C.
- Climate: Occasional rain, generally in the afternoon or night, more frequent in January and February. These rains tend to be intense but short-lived.
What to pack for the dry season in Arequipa:
- Light cotton or linen shirts for the day.
- Wool or fleece sweater for the nights.
- Light but durable pants for exploring rural areas.
- Wide-brimmed sun hat for sun protection.
- Light clothing for the day.
- Warm clothing for the night.
- Sunscreen.
What to pack for the rainy season:
- Windbreaker jacket with hood.
- Waterproof footwear.
- Synthetic materials to avoid humidity.
- Waterproof and warm clothing for the night.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
6. Puno
Dry season (May to October):
- Day: Temperatures between 41°F and 68°F.
- Night: Temperatures close to 32°F.
- Climate: Sunny and cool days, cold nights due to the altitude.
Rainy season in Puno (November to March):
- Day: Temperatures between 41°F and 68°F.
- Night: Temperatures around 32°F.
- Climate: Moderate, short rains mainly in the afternoon and evening. The climate remains cold throughout the year.
What to pack for the dry season in Puno:
- Heavy coats or parkas for freezing nights.
- Thermal gloves, wool hat, and thick scarf.
- Trekking pants with internal lining for the cold.
- UV-protection sunglasses for high solar radiation.
- Sun hat.
- Sunscreen.
What to pack for the rainy season:
- Warm clothing for the night.
- Waterproof jacket and pants.
- Slip-resistant, water-resistant shoes.
- Wool leggings for warmth under pants.
- Sunscreen.
7. Amazon Jungle
Excursions in the Peruvian jungle are always planned flexibly, allowing itinerary changes if the weather conditions are unfavorable. Additionally, local guides are very familiar with the climate and can make quick decisions to ensure the comfort and safety of travelers.
1. Iquitos
Dry season in Iquitos (May to October):
- Day: Temperatures around 89°F.
- Night: Temperatures around 71°F.
- Climate: Sunny days with light and occasional rain at night.
Low water season (August to October): The river level lowers, reaching its lowest point in September. In such cases, boats reach a point close to the excursion, and passengers may need to walk about 30 minutes to reach the activity.
Rainy season (November to April):
- Day: Temperatures around 89°C.
- Night: Temperatures of 71°C.
- Climate: Warm and very humid, with frequent rain, especially in the afternoon and night. Water levels rise, facilitating boat access to excursions. January and February tend to have the most frequent and intense rains, but they are short-lived.
What to pack for the dry season in Iquitos:
- Long-sleeve shirts and lightweight pants to protect from insects and sun.
- Hats or caps with neck protection.
- Lightweight trekking shoes
- Swimsuit for the pool.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
What to pack for the rainy season in Iquitos:
- Lightweight yet sturdy waterproof jacket.
- Moisture-wicking fabric shirts (like polyester or nylon).
- Swimsuit for the pool.
- Long, cool clothing for insect protection.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
2. Tambopata (Amazon Jungle)
Rainy season in Tambopata (December to March):
- Day: Temperatures between 82°F and 89°F.
- Night: Temperatures between 68°F and 75°F.
- Climate: Warm and very humid, with frequent and intense rain, but short-lived, especially in the afternoon/evening.
Dry season (May to October):
- Day: Temperatures between 82°F and 89°F.
- Night: Temperatures between 64°F and 71°F.
- Climate: Warm and humid, with occasional rain. During cold fronts (June to September), temperatures can drop to 10°C in some instances. The lodge is not sealed, so we recommend packing extra layers for the night.
What to pack from December to March:
- Light, breathable shirts (preferably long-sleeve) to protect from sun and insects.
- Wide-brimmed hat or cap with neck protection.
- Waterproof poncho or jacket for rain.
- Closed, waterproof shoes.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
What to pack for the dry season (May to October):
- Comfortable and light clothing ideal for walking, such as quick-dry t-shirts and long cotton or polyester pants.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Light sweater or fleece since temperatures can drop slightly at night.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
Cold fronts (June to September):
- Lightweight cotton clothing to cover the skin (shirts and long pants).
- Wool sweater, thick socks, and scarf, as the cabins are not airtight and allow cold air in.
3. Manu (Amazon Jungle)
Rainy season (December to March):
- Day: Temperatures around 89°F.
- Night: Temperatures between 77°F and 86°F.
- Climate: Warm and very humid, with frequent and intense rain, but short-lived, especially in the afternoon/evening.
Dry season in Manu (May to October):
- Day: Temperatures between 82°F and 89°F.
- Night: Temperatures between 64°F and 71°F.
- Climate: Warm and humid with occasional afternoon rain.
What to pack for Manu in summer (December to March):
- Long-sleeve shirts and lightweight pants to protect from insects.
- Wide-brimmed hat or cap with neck protection.
- Neutral-colored poncho for rain or jacket for frequent rain.
- Water-resistant footwear.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
What to pack for the dry season (May to October):
- Light, comfortable clothing, ideal for walking, such as quick-dry t-shirts and long pants for insect protection.
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Light sweater or jacket for cooler nights.
- Poncho for rain.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
Cold fronts (June to September):
- Light cotton clothes for daytime freshness.
- Thick sweaters or thermal jackets, as the cabins and rooms are not airtight and let in the cold.
- Scarves, hats, and thick socks for extra comfort.
Need more information? We’re here to help!
If you have any questions or need further details about the weather, clothing options, or anything else regarding your tours, Guru Explorers is always at your disposal. Don’t hesitate to contact us!