The Best Time to Visit Lima (By a Local)

If you are planning a trip to Lima and are looking into the best time to visit the city, you must know that any time is a good time. Due to its lack of extreme weather, you can always have a pleasant experience, and there’s always something going on in the city.

But still, is there a time of the year that is the best for visiting Lima? From my point of view, as a local, I believe that the best time to visit Lima is between January and April, due to the good weather.

However, each month has its advantages or disadvantages.

Here, we’ll discuss so you can decide which is the best time for you to visit Lima based on the type of weather, general atmosphere, and activities you prefer. We’ll start with a quick overview of the seasons in Lima and then go to a detailed description of what it’s like to visit Lima in a particular month of the year.

Seasons in Lima

The seasons in Lima, and on the coast of Peru in general, are not the same as in the interior of the country. In Lima, we rely on the four seasons, whereas in much of the rest of the country, there’s more talk of the rainy season and the dry season.

But here there’s neither a rainy season nor a dry season. In fact, Lima is one of the largest cities in the world built on a desert. It never rains here!

The seasons are officially these:

Summer: mid-December to mid-March
Fall: mid-March to mid-June
Winter: mid-June to mid-September
Spring: mid-September to mid-December

However, the seasons are not as marked as in other countries. Basically, either the sun is out and the temperature is mild or hot (from December to April), or you can’t see the sun and it’s cold (the rest of the year).

Visiting Lima in January

Bridge over Costa Verde in Miraflores under a crystal-clear blue sky, showcasing why January is among the best times to visit Lima for stunning ocean views.

January is one of the best months to visit Lima, in my opinion. Summer in Peru goes from December to March, so January is right in the middle of summer, but it’s not as hot as February.

This means that you will get sunny days and blue skies, which are not very common in Lima for the majority of the year. With average highs around 80°F (27°C) and lows at 68°F (20°C), the weather is nice to enjoy Lima’s outdoor activities.

The beautiful, warm weather coinciding with the long school summer vacations creates a lively atmosphere in the streets of Lima.

You will see a lot of people out, and the beaches at Costa Verde will be full of families enjoying the sun. While the beaches in Miraflores, Barranco, and Chorrillos will be crowded, a walk around them offers a unique view of Lima and its diverse residents. People from all over the city, particularly less affluent areas, flock here to enjoy the water.

Wealthier people often travel to their beach houses south of Lima, 1 or 2 hours away, especially on weekends throughout the summer.

As a result, the nightclubs and bars typically frequented by this group are less crowded in Lima than during other times of the year.

From January to March, many people from Lima also take advantage of the opportunity to travel to the north of Peru to enjoy beaches such as Máncora and Punta Sal, among others. Therefore, airfare to beach destinations will be much more expensive than the rest of the year (specifically to Tumbes and Piura).

Visiting Lima in February

Costa Verde's cliffs and azure sea under an unblemished blue sky in Miraflores, perfect February scenery for those researching the best time to visit Lima.

I also recommend visiting Lima in February. The skies continue to be blue and sunny, which makes visiting Lima quite enjoyable at this time of the year.

February is slightly warmer than January, with temperatures reaching up to 82°F (28°C) during the day. The weather is perfect to walk around the boardwalk or sit in an outdoor cafe. There’s a lot of humidity, though, so it can feel a bit warmer than it sounds. Ice cream vendors roam the city on their tricycles, selling popsicles to soothe the heat.

The streets remain lively, and the beaches are full of people. It’s completely different from how this month is in other parts of the country, as February in many areas is the worst month of the rainy season. But in Lima, it’s summer and it doesn’t rain!

Be cautious in lower-income districts; February’s carnivals often involve unexpected water splashes. Water that can come at you from any direction: people throwing buckets of water or water balloons from rooftops or in the streets. You’re not even safe on the buses if you’re sitting by a window, as someone might splash you from outside.

Until not so many years ago, this tradition was widespread throughout the city. However, it is now fined in many districts, and it is most likely that you will not see this in the streets of Miraflores or Barranco.

Visiting Lima in March

Artists selling paintings and visitors walking around in summer attire at Parque Kennedy, a March highlight for visitors exploring the cultural vibrancy of Lima.

In March, the temperature in Lima continues to be high, with a temperature with highs around 81°F (27°C).

However, the atmosphere is already a bit different since schools and universities start at the beginning or middle of the month.

Because of this, although it’s still hot, weekdays in March are much more pleasant for going to the beach since they’re not packed with people. The atmosphere is pleasant, and in fact, it’s one of the best times to visit Lima.

Holy Week falls either in March or April, one of the most awaited holidays of the year. Holy Thursday and Good Friday are holidays, so people take the opportunity to travel, especially within the country. One of the most visited destinations is Ayacucho, which has very large celebrations for Holy Week.

Visiting Lima in April

Larcomar bustling with visitors on a clear April day, illustrating the lively atmosphere that makes this month a prime time to visit Lima.

April in Lima is a mid-season. With an average of 71°F (22°C), temperatures are a bit lower than the previous months, but it’s still warm enough to continue wearing short sleeves.

Lima is really worth visiting in a month as pleasant as April, when it’s not too hot but still sunny.

It’s a perfect month for walking through the streets of downtown Lima, a district where there’s usually a lot of sun in the summer, comfortably.

Visiting Lima in May

Street food vendor serving delicious local cuisine at Parque Kennedy against a grey sky, a typical sight in May for foodies visiting Lima.

The first days of May, almost without fail, the sky of Lima turns gray, a color that continues until December. This makes May a somewhat sad month if you are affected by gray skies and a colorless city.

On the other hand, it starts to get cold, and it becomes necessary to wear long sleeves. The average temperature drops to a cooler 68°F (20°C).

The good thing about May, if you want to go paragliding (which is one of the best things to do in the Miraflores area), is that the wind starts to pick up. While it’s possible to go paragliding throughout the year, you’ll have many more chances of days when it’s possible to do so between May and December.

Visiting Lima in June

Historic yellow church in Barranco with women in winter attire, a serene June scene for travelers seeking the quieter side of Lima.

June is a gray month in Lima. Temperatures further decrease, averaging around 65°F (18°C), reflecting the chilly overcast. The weather is cold, and the sun is perpetually covered by clouds; however, it also doesn’t rain.

June coincides with the start of the high season in Peru, which extends until September. In Cusco and Machu Picchu, it’s the dry season, so this is the time most travelers choose to visit Peru.

This means that hotel rates in Lima start to rise from June, as well as airfares. These are important points to keep in mind when deciding when to visit Lima if you’re concerned about the budget.

Visiting Lima in July

Palm trees against a dark grey sky at Parque Salazar, capturing the moody beauty of Lima in July for those visiting during the cooler months.

In July, winter continues, and it’s one of the two coldest months of the year. However, in Lima, it doesn’t rain, and temperatures generally do not drop below 57°F (14 degrees Celsius, and the average is around 64°F (18°C), bringing a chill to the air.

Though due to the humidity, and the fact that houses do not have heating, it feels much colder.

In July, Peru has another of the most awaited holidays of the year: Fiestas Patrias. Fiestas Patrias are the anniversary of Peru’s independence from the Spanish, celebrated with two holidays (July 28 and 29).

During these dates, people from Lima take the opportunity to travel for a few days, and many take vacations to extend their days off. Additionally, it’s vacation season in schools and universities for about a month.

So if you’re going to travel within Peru in addition to visiting Lima, I don’t recommend buying tickets close to July 28 or 29, as there will be much less availability and the prices will be much higher.

In Peru, people receive double salary for Fiestas Patrias, so it’s a very commercial month. It’s a good month for shopping, as there are many offers in the capital.

The holidays are officially celebrated in Lima with a military parade, in the district of Jesús María.

Visiting Lima in August

Women in traditional attire selling souvenirs at Parque Salazar to tourists under a grey sky, an authentic August experience in Lima.

If you visit Lima in August, you will be in the city during the coldest month of the year.Expect average temperatures to be the year’s lowest, around 63°F (17°C). Keep in mind that because Lima is extremely humid, it feels way colder.

The days will be very gray and dark, and although it doesn’t rain, there will be a lot of drizzle, especially at night (but nothing that requires you to use an umbrella).

Personally, I don’t think it’s the best time to visit Lima if you’re only coming to Peru to visit Lima. But it all depends on for how long you plan to stay in Lima. If you’re going to also travel around the rest of the country, then yes, spend a day or two in Lima, as the weather really won’t affect what you’re going to see and enjoy in the city.

But if you’re only planning to come to Peru to visit Lima and stay several days or weeks, I would recommend visiting at another time of the year.

Something interesting that happens in Lima in August is the Lima Film Festival, which screens many award-winning Peruvian films from around the world (especially from South America).

Visiting Lima in September

Locals and their dog walking near the Barranco library under a grey sky, a September snapshot of daily life in Lima for visitors to enjoy.

The third week of September marks the start of spring in Lima, although the change of season is not really felt. In fact, spring is not a marked season in Lima.

In Lima, you can clearly distinguish between summer and winter, but spring and autumn go completely unnoticed since there are not many changes in the trees or the climate. The average temperature will be similar than in August, with an average of 63°F (17°C).

Nevertheless, it’s a bit less cold than in August, so September is a bit better for visiting Lima than the previous month.

Visiting Lima in October

Procession in purple for Señor de los Milagros, a unique cultural event in October, highlighting Lima's rich traditions and community spirit.

In October, the climate continues to be cold. The city experiences a mild average temperature of 65°F (18°C).

October is a particular month in Lima, as it celebrates the city’s largest festivity and one of the most important festivals in Peru: the Lord of Miracles, who is the patron saint of Lima.

If you visit Lima in October, you will see that many people, especially older women, are dressed in a purple habit throughout the month (especially in traditional districts like downtown Lima). Purple is the color of the Lord of Miracles, and the people dressed in this way are those who have made a promise to wear it every October.

Some days in October, the processions of the Lord of Miracles take to the streets of downtown Lima. The processions attract hundreds of thousands of people from all over the city.

Visiting Lima in November

The Barranco tram near the main square under a grey sky, a November landmark for visitors exploring the historic and artistic heart of Lima.

In November, it’s still cold, and although we’re almost at the end of spring, it seems like winter hasn’t left. Temperatures begin to warm up only slightly to an average of 67°F (19°C).

November starts with the Day of the Dead on November 1st. If you’re a traveler interested in experiencing the most traditional customs of the places you visit, something interesting to do on this date in Lima is to visit the cemeteries. You’ll see how they are filled with people bringing flowers and offerings, playing music, and drinking alcohol next to the graves of their loved ones.

Visiting Lima in December

Crowded Bajada de Baños with people enjoying the outdoors in lighter clothes, a December scene emphasizing why it's a great time to visit Lima for holiday festivities and warm weather.

In December, the sun starts to show up again in Lima. The month enjoys a pleasant average temperature of 70°F (21°C), welcoming the summer.

The first half of December is a good time to visit Lima. The climate is temperate, and the city begins to look lively with the upcoming Christmas celebrations.

However, visiting Lima in the last two weeks of December is not as advisable if you’re going to be moving from one place to another.

Close to Christmas, there’s a lot of traffic in Lima, and the time it takes to go from one place to another in the city, in the best cases, doubles. But the days very close to Christmas, for example, going from the airport to districts like Miraflores or Barranco, can take up to 4 or 5 times longer than usual.

Additionally, if you’re looking to celebrate Christmas in a nice restaurant, Lima is not a good option (and in fact, neither is the rest of Peru). On the night of the 24th, Christmas is celebrated with family, so almost all restaurants are closed. The option is to celebrate in the restaurant of the hotel.

The atmosphere on New Year’s Eve is lively, and there are many fireworks throughout the city. If you stay in a building or hotel where you have access to the rooftop, if you go up close to midnight, you will be able to see a whole show in the sky of Lima.

On the other hand, if you’re interested in visiting the Palomino Islands and swimming with sea lions (which is a bucket list activity in Lima), December starts the perfect season to do so. While it’s possible to do it throughout the year, from December to March the water is less cold, so you can enjoy it more.

Before You Go…

Once you have decided what is for you the best time to visit Lima, make sure to read this guide about what to wear in Lima. There you can see what I recommend packing according to the month of the year.

And if you have decided when is the best time to visit but aren’t sure yet how many days you should spend in Lima, you can read this post about how long you need to visit Lima. It includes Lima itineraries depending on how long you are staying.