People think Lima is a hot South American beach city. Most of the year it's grey and cool, with highs around 19–20°C (66–68°F) from June to October and almost no measurable rain. Pack a light jacket and layers, not a suitcase of shorts, and you'll be dressed right for the Malecón.
Lima weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 24°C75°F | 26°C79°F | 26°C79°F | 24°C75°F | 21°C70°F | 20°C68°F | 20°C68°F | 19°C66°F | 19°C66°F | 20°C68°F | 21°C70°F | 22°C72°F |
| Low | 20°C68°F | 22°C72°F | 21°C70°F | 20°C68°F | 17°C63°F | 16°C61°F | 15°C59°F | 15°C59°F | 15°C59°F | 16°C61°F | 17°C63°F | 18°C64°F |
| Rain days | 2 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Season by season
Summer
December–FebruaryThis is the sunny season. December reaches 22°C (72°F), January 24°C (75°F) and February 26°C (79°F), with lows of 18–22°C (64–72°F) and only 2 to 4 rain days. Pack summer clothes, sunscreen and sunglasses for the beaches below Miraflores and Barranco.
Autumn
March–MayMarch stays warm at 26°C (79°F), April drops to 24°C (75°F) and May to 21°C (70°F) with lows of 17°C (63°F). Rain days fall to 0 by April. Pack summer clothes for March and add a light jacket for May evenings.
Winter
June–AugustHighs are 19–20°C (66–68°F) and lows 15–16°C (59–61°F), with no rain days in the data, though a fine coastal mist called garúa is common. The sky is often overcast and the air damp, so it feels cooler than the number. Pack long trousers, a sweater and a light jacket.
Spring
September–NovemberSeptember sits at 19°C (66°F), October 20°C (68°F) and November 21°C (70°F), still with 0 rain days. The grey hangs on into spring. Layers work best, warming up as November gets closer to summer.
What to bring to Lima
0 of 22 packed- A warm wrapClothing
A wool or cashmere wrap for grey, damp Lima evenings on the Malecón. Lighter to carry than a sweater and it doubles as a flight blanket. We'd pack it.
- Pacsafe GO Anti-Theft Tech CrossbodyDocuments & Security
Steel-wire-reinforced strap and lockable zip pullers, with a passport pocket and card slots inside. Good for crowded Plaza de Armas and busy markets.
Sliding US and EU plugs cover Peru's Type A and C outlets. It's not a voltage converter, so check your devices handle 220V first.
- Hydro Flask 18 oz Standard Mouth Bottle with Flex CapWater Bottles & Hydration
An insulated 18 oz bottle that's leakproof when closed. Fill it with filtered water at the hotel and skip buying plastic bottles all day.
- Allbirds Women's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
Cushioned and grippy for the long walk along the clifftop from Miraflores to Barranco. Machine washable after a dusty day in the centre.
- Allbirds Men's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
The men's pair. Same traction outsole for uneven pavements in the historic centre.
Most routes to Lima are long flights. These men's socks give 20 to 30 mmHg on the calf, ankle and arch. Check the price before you book.
Clothing
- Light jacket · 1Grey, cool highs around 19–20°C, Jun–Oct
- Long-sleeve shirts and light sweaters · 3Layers for cool, damp days
- T-shirts · 3Warmer Jan–Mar, up to 26°C
- Long trousers or jeans · 2
- Swimsuit · 1Summer beach days
Footwear
- Closed walking shoes · 1 pair
- Sandals · 1 pairJan–Mar
Gear
- Sunglasses · 1
- Sun hat · 1
Health and toiletries
- Sunscreen · 1Sun burns through the grey
- Water purification tablets or filterDrink bottled or filtered water
- Stomach medicine
Documents and money
- Passport
- Some cash in soles
Tech
- Phone with offline maps
What shoes should you pack for Lima?
Comfortable walking shoes for the clifftop Malecón from Miraflores to Barranco and the historic centre around Plaza de Armas. Sandals for the summer beaches. Pavements can be uneven, so skip thin-soled flats.
What do people wear in Lima?
Limeños dress neat casual, jeans, a nice top and a jacket in winter. The city is serious about food, so bring something a bit smarter for a good restaurant in Miraflores or San Isidro. Shorts are fine at the beach, less common in the centre.
What plugs does Lima use?
Peru uses Type A and C plugs at 220V. A universal adapter with US and EU plugs covers both. Check US devices are rated for 220V before plugging them in, since an adapter is not a converter.
Tours and things to do in Lima
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Lima.
What should you leave at home for Lima?
Leave the umbrella, it basically doesn't rain. Skip flashy jewellery and expensive watches when you're walking around the centre. And don't pack only summer clothes for a June to October trip.
Packing for Lima: questions people ask
What should I wear in Lima in July?
Long trousers, a sweater and a light jacket. July highs are 20°C (68°F) with lows of 15°C (59°F), under grey skies.
Does it rain in Lima?
Almost never. Even the wettest months, February and March, average just 4 rain days.
When is summer in Lima?
Roughly December to March. February and March are the warmest months, with highs of 26°C (79°F).
Can you drink tap water in Lima?
Stick to bottled or filtered water. A refillable bottle helps you avoid buying plastic all day.
What plug do I need for Peru?
Type A or C at 220V. A universal adapter with US and EU plugs covers both.
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