If you’re visiting Lima as a destination or as a stopover before Cuzco and the Andes, there’s no bad time of year. Kings have world-class restaurants, museums, and direct access to the Pacific Ocean year-round, and each month has a cultural event.
Lima is most lovely in summer (December–March) when the beaches are full and the bars fill the streets. Since Machu Picchu is drier in winter (June–August), Lima sees more tourists.
Despite the fog and dismal skies, Lima’s July–October festivals brighten the mood. Our Lima travel guide covers the finest periods.
With festivals and slower traffic, the high season (June–August) is the best time to go.
There are a lot of tourists in Lima in the winter, but not many of them plan to stay for a long time. Most people only stay for a short time before continuing on to see Machu Picchu and other sights in the Andes, where the dry winter weather is perfect for climbing.
Still, because there are so many tourists in town, prices are high, and you’ll need to book ahead of time at hotels and fancy places.
The days are getting shorter and the sky is getting darker toward the end of June. This is a good time to visit Lima’s museums and free galleries and try some of the best restaurants in the world.
Around this time, the city also has Lima Pride Week, which runs from late June to early July. Even though the weather is usually around 20oC (68oF), biking and walking along the malecón (waterfront) are still fun things to do.
The city starts getting ready for the yearly celebration of Peru’s independence on July 28 and 29 in the middle of winter.
People in Peru are joyful, so use this spirit of patriotism to your advantage and talk to market sellers and people in cafes to learn more about the country’s history and culture. A big parade is held in Lima near Parque Kennedy in Miraflores.
The best times to visit for sun and cheap prices are between September and November and April and May.
Not many people visit Lima in the months of January, February, and March because it’s too hot. This is just before the busy tourist season starts. The change from the cool winter to the hot, humid summer is marked by another quiet time. The great thing about going to Lima in either of the two summer seasons is that you can save money.
It’s easier to get reservations at top-rated places, hotel prices go down a little, and sometimes the sun may even shine on you. In the southern hemisphere, the fall equinox happens in March.
In Spain, Semana Santa (the week before Easter) is a big holiday, and hotel costs go through the roof.
April is a good month to paddle board or kayak because the water in the Pacific Ocean is cooling off and the temperatures are going down. You won’t have to deal with a lot of other people. From September to November, during the second shoulder season, most of the hiking tourists have been, leaving the core parts of Lima empty.
Now is a good time to think about going to Reserva Nacional de Paracas for the day to see sea lions and get some useful vitamin D.
October is a busy month for church events. People who are Catholic wear purple to honor a famous painting of Cristo Moreno that has amazingly survived several earthquakes. Find some traditional turrón de Doña Pepa to eat. It’s a cake with anise taste and sprinkles on top. This is the only time of year it’s served.
If you want warm weather in Lima, the low season is from January to March.
The city’s 10 million or so people come to life in the summer, but not many tourists come. From January to March, the weather in Lima is clear and sunny, making people think that it’s like this all year. Do what the locals do and get some exercise by surfing, paddleboarding, or swimming along the coast of Lima.
Lima’s hottest month is February, which is also Peru’s Carnival month. There are no longer any city-wide water fights allowed in the capital, but many bars and live music places in Lima hold special events, concerts, and promotions to celebrate the holiday.
During this warm season, you might want to check out the beaches in the southern part of Lima or go on a day hike.
In Los Cabos, cevicherias (restaurants that serve fresh fish) are always full from January to March, when the temperature is around 24ºC (75°F) during the day and the humidity is so high that it’s almost unbearable in February.
On sunny days, the sunsets are stunning, and on warm nights, you can go out with a cold beer or a pisco cocktail to find new places to drink and see live music.
It’s also a good time to find cheap vacation homes in Lima since many wealthy Limeños are leaving for the beach for the season.
FAQ’s
Q1. Are there any cultural or local events during specific months in Lima?
Lima has many culture events and festivals all year long. Fiestas Patrias in July and the Inti Raymi festival in June are both important celebrations that offer a lively culture experience.
Q2. Can I enjoy outdoor activities year-round in Lima?
Yes, you can do outdoor things all year long in Lima because of its weather. But the dry season is better for activities like surfing, paragliding, and visiting outdoor sites because the weather is more stable.
Q3. What should I pack for a trip to Lima considering the weather?
The warm months should have light clothes, and the cooler months should have a mix of layers. For visiting the city and its surroundings, don't forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and shoes that are easy to walk in.
