Last updated: January 18, 2025
Lima, the capital of Peru, is characterized by a Köppen-Geiger climate classification of BWk, reflecting its unique desert conditions. The city experiences a mild temperature range, with a minimum of 14°C (57°F) in September, rising to an average of 19°C (66°F). The warmest month, February, sees temperatures peak at a maximum of 28°C (82°F), contributing to the region's arid yet inviting climate. These factors create a distinctive environment that shapes both the lifestyle and the architecture of Lima, making it a fascinating study of urban living in a coastal desert.
Lima, Peru, experiences distinct temperature patterns throughout the year, marked by a mild climate largely defined by its coastal desert environment. In the summer months from January to March, temperatures peak, with averages fluctuating between 21°C (71°F) and 22°C (72°F), and maximums reaching up to 28°C (82°F) in February. As autumn approaches in April and May, temperatures gradually decrease; average highs drop to around 20°C (69°F) and 19°C (66°F), accompanied by a notable dip in nighttime temperatures. The cool winter months of June through August bring the lowest averages, hovering around 17°C (63°F), with minimal variation in daily highs. Finally, spring arrives in September, heralding a slow rise in temperatures, culminating in averages around 18°C (65°F) by November, before rounding out the year in December with slightly warmer conditions. This steady but subtle shift in temperatures illustrates Lima's distinct seasonal transitions while maintaining its generally temperate climate.
Lima experiences a mild climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 14°C (57°F) in September to a maximum of 28°C (82°F) in February. This variation highlights the city's temperate conditions, making it an attractive destination for visitors seeking pleasant weather. For a detailed overview of the monthly temperatures in Lima, you can refer to monthly temperatures in Lima.
Lima, Peru, is notable for its remarkably low precipitation, characteristic of its coastal desert climate. The rainiest months are typically from January to March, where the city experiences an average of 47 mm (1.9 in) to 53 mm (2.1 in) of rainfall, accompanied by a greater number of rainy days—15 days in January, tapering to 14 days in March. This short wet season accounts for a significant portion of the annual total, thus establishing a stark contrast with the arid months that follow.
As the year progresses, rainfall significantly diminishes, with April seeing only 18 mm (0.7 in) and dropping to a mere 9 mm (0.4 in) by May. In the winter months from June to August, Lima experiences almost no precipitation, with 0 days of recorded rain in July and August. The trend of scant rainfall continues into the latter months of the year, with only light showers returning in October, November, and December. Overall, Lima's precipitation pattern is marked by brief wet periods followed by prolonged dryness, reflective of its unique climatic conditions.
Lima, Peru, boasts an impressive average of sunshine hours throughout the year, characterized by distinct seasonal trends that reflect its coastal desert climate. The city experiences a steady increase in sunshine duration from winter to summer, with the peak hours occurring in the late summer months. Notably, February stands out as the sunniest month, delivering a remarkable 301 hours of sunshine, closely followed by March at 321 hours and April at 320 hours. This upward trajectory highlights the region's transition into its drier and warmer season, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
As the year progresses into the cooler months, average sunshine hours remain relatively high, particularly through September, which records 326 hours. Even during the winter months, such as June and July, Lima enjoys about 313 hours and 327 hours of sunlight, respectively. This consistency underscores the city's unique climate, where sunshine can be abundant despite cooler temperatures. By the end of the year, October and November maintain impressive totals, with 340 hours and 333 hours of sunshine, respectively. Overall, Lima's sunlight patterns reveal a climate that favors bright, sun-filled days, enriching the urban experience throughout the year.
Lima, Peru, is renowned for its high ultraviolet (UV) index, particularly during the summer months when values peak at 14, categorized as extreme. From January through March, the UV index remains consistently high, indicating a burn time of only 10 minutes for unprotected skin. This extreme exposure underscores the importance of protective measures, such as sunscreen and clothing, particularly for both locals and visitors enjoying outdoor activities in the sun-drenched environment. The trend continues into April with a slight decrease to 12, yet it still falls under the extreme category, maintaining a consistent risk for sunburn.
As Lima transitions into the cooler months, the UV index gradually lowers but remains notably high. May sees a UV index of 10, categorized as very high, which lasts through July, suggesting a burn time of 15 minutes when unprotected. In August, the index jumps back to 11, then fluctuates between 12 and 13 from September to November. Notably, the extreme category returns in late spring and early summer, peaking once again in December at an index of 13. These variations in UV exposure highlight the necessity of ongoing sun protection, as even during the cooler months, skin can still be susceptible to harmful UV radiation in Lima's clear skies.
UV Risk Categories
Lima, Peru, enjoys relatively consistent daylight duration throughout the year, highlighting its equatorial location. From January to March, the city experiences approximately 12 hours of daylight each day, providing ample time for outdoor activities and exploration. As autumn approaches in April, daylight begins to wane slightly, transitioning to 11 hours and maintaining this duration through the winter months of May to August. This consistency underscores Lima's stable climate, where variations in sunlight are minimal despite seasonal shifts.
As spring arrives in September, daylight begins to extend once again, returning to 12 hours by the end of the month. This pattern continues through October, November, and December, where Lima experiences again around 12 hours of daylight daily. The even distribution of sunlight throughout the year not only contributes to the city's pleasant climate but also creates a reliable schedule for both residents and visitors, encouraging enjoyment of the many cultural and natural attractions Lima has to offer, regardless of the season.
Lima, Peru, has a mild oceanic climate characterized by warm temperatures and low rainfall throughout the year. January and February are the warmest months, with average temperatures reaching up to 22°C (72°F), while July and August are the coolest months, averaging around 17°C (63°F). Precipitation is heaviest in the early months, particularly in January (47 mm) and February (53 mm), tapering off to minimal levels from May to October. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, especially in the winter months, with October boasting the highest sunshine duration at 340 hours. For more details, visit Lima climate.
In conclusion, Lima, Peru, presents a unique climatic profile characterized by mild temperatures, limited precipitation, abundant sunshine, and consistently high UV indices throughout the year. The city's climate, defined by its coastal desert characteristics, offers residents and visitors a predominantly warm and sunlit environment ideal for outdoor pursuits. Seasonal trends reveal a distinct transition from the wetter summer months, featuring peak sunshine and extreme UV conditions, to cooler periods with more subdued daylight and milder sunlight exposure. As such, understanding these climatic nuances is essential for effective outdoor planning, ensuring both enjoyment and safety in this vibrant coastal city.