Weather in Peru in December: travel guide

Located in the western part of South America, Peru has a diverse climate shaped by its different landscapes. The coast, the Andes, and the Amazon Rainforest all have their own unique weather. In this Peru travel guide, you’ll learn about the weather in Peru in December, along with some travel tips from local experts.

Peru in December at a glance

• Average temperatures range from 60-75°F (16-24°C), warmer along the coast and in the Amazon.
• The rainy season begins in the Andes and Amazon, bringing lush landscapes and muddy trails.
• Coastal areas like Lima and Paracas are warmer and drier, with sunshine returning after the winter fog.
• Cusco and the Sacred Valley stay busy in early December but quiet down mid-month before vacation travelers arrive.
• Prices and crowds are lower early in the month, but expect a bump around Christmas and New Year.

What is the weather like in Peru in December?

The weather in Peru in December marks the start of the rainy season in the Andes and the Amazon, while the coast begins to warm up and dry out. In Cusco and the Sacred Valley, expect afternoon showers and cloudy skies, with temperatures around 65–70°F (18-21°C) during the day and cooler nights. Trails like the Inca Trail remain open but can be muddy and slippery.

In Lima and the coastal region, December is when the gray winter skies clear up. Daytime highs reach 75-80°F (24-27°C) with little rainfall, making it a nice time to explore seaside cities or relax in Paracas or Máncora.

If you’re planning a trip to Peru, early December offers fewer crowds and lower prices before the vacation surge. While it’s not the driest season, it’s still a rewarding time to visit.

For some, the lush green scenery and quieter trails make it the best time to visit Peru; just pack a rain jacket and sturdy shoes.

Average daily temperatures in December

December marks the start of summer and the wet season in Peru. Daylight hours are at their longest, often exceeding 13 hours per day across the country.

Coastal region

Along the coast, Lima, Paracas, and Pisco, you’ll find warm, dry conditions. Daytime highs average 75-80°F (24-27°C), with minimal rainfall under 0.1 inches (2.5 mm). Skies are clearer than in winter, making this a great time for beach days and coastal escapes.

Andean region

In the highlands, Cusco, Lake Titicaca, and Huascarán National Park, expect daytime temperatures around 60-65°F (16-18°C), dropping to 40°F (4-6°C) at night.

December kicks off the rainy season, with averages around 4-5 inches (100-130 mm). Trails can be slick, but the landscape turns vibrant green.

Amazon rainforest region

In Iquitos, Tarapoto, and Pucallpa, the Amazon stays hot and humid, with highs around 86-90°F (30-32°C) and nighttime temps around 70-73°F (21-23°C).

Rainfall is heavy, often over 10 inches (250 mm), marking the start of the high water season, which opens up boat access deep into the rainforest.

Is December a good time to visit Peru?

The weather in Peru in December marks a seasonal shift: summer begins along the coast, while the Andes and Amazon move into their rainy season. If your trip includes stops like Lima or Máncora, expect sunny skies and warm beach weather. In the highlands, Cusco, Machu Picchu, or the Sacred Valley, you’ll see lush green scenery, but also more frequent rain.

December is a popular time for Peru trips, especially around Christmas and New Year. Tourist sites get busy, but you’ll also catch vibrant festivals and vacation celebrations. Pack for variety: lightweight clothing and sun protection for the coast, and waterproof layers for the mountains.

Why December is a good time to visit:

• Coastal sunshine: Summer begins along the Pacific coast, with warm, dry days in places like Lima, Paracas, and Máncora.
• Festive atmosphere: Christmas and New Year celebrations bring music, markets, and colorful traditions to towns and cities.
• Lush mountain scenery: The rainy season starts in the Andes, turning the landscapes around Cusco and Machu Picchu vibrant green.
• Amazon river access: Rising water levels in the rainforest allow deeper boat exploration into remote areas.
• Early-month savings: Before the vacation rush, crowds are lighter and prices for flights and accommodations tend to be lower.

What about the crowds and costs?

December is part of the high tourist season in Peru, especially around Christmas and New Year’s. You’ll find popular spots like Cusco, Machu Picchu, and beach towns pretty packed. Prices for hotels and tours go up a lot during this time, so reservation in advance is a must.

Early December might be a bit less crowded and slightly cheaper compared to the vacation weeks, but it’s still considered peak season, so overall costs will be higher than during the off-season.

Where to go in Peru in December

December brings a mix of sun, rain, and vibrant landscapes, ideal for exploring some of the best places to visit in Peru. While the rainy season begins in the Andes and Amazon, the coast is warm and dry. Tourist spots get busier closer to Christmas, but early December can still feel calm and less crowded.

Lima and the Central Coast

By December, Lima finally shakes off its gray skies, making the capital a stronger starting point for 7-day Peru trips with a coastal focus. Days are warmer, beaches start to fill with locals, and there’s a buzz in the air as the city gears up for the vacations. It’s a great time to explore the food scene, walk the clifftop parks in Miraflores, or take a quick trip to Paracas for coastal wildlife and desert landscapes.

Cusco and the Sacred Valley

Cusco in December is lush, green, and full of life. Rain showers are more frequent, especially in the afternoon, but mornings are often clear enough for sightseeing and markets.

Machu Picchu stays open year-round, and though trails can be slippery, the surrounding scenery is stunning this time of year. Just come prepared with good trunks and a rain jacket.

Amazon Basin (Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado)

Rainfall increases in the Amazon, but that also means river levels rise, making it easier to explore remote areas by boat. Wildlife spotting is still excellent in December, and lodges tend to be less crowded before the vacation peak. Expect hot, humid days and dramatic evening storms that clear quickly.

Things to do in Peru in December

In December, summer begins and the vacation season picks up, making it a lively month for coastal escapes and cultural celebrations. It’s also a great time to explore seasonal things to do in Peru, from beach days along the Pacific to festive markets and parades in the highlands.

Santuranticuy in Cusco

On December 24th, Cusco's Plaza de Armas hosts the Santuranticuy Market. This centuries-old tradition, dating back to colonial times, brings together artisans from across the region.

Visitors can browse intricate nativity figurines, traditional crafts, and vacation decorations. The market is particularly known for its handcrafted Niño Manuelito figurines, a key element of Cusco's Christmas celebrations. 

Chocolatada in Lima

Throughout December, many organizations in Lima host Chocolatada events. This Peruvian Christmas tradition involves distributing hot chocolate and panettone (a sweet bread) to children in underprivileged communities. These events often include music, games, and gift-giving.

Participating in a Chocolatada provides an opportunity to engage in local charitable activities and experience the warmth of Peruvian vacation spirit. Many hotels and tour operators can help visitors find and participate in these community events.

New Year's Eve celebrations in Miraflores

Ring in the New Year Peruvian-style in Lima's Miraflores district. Peruvian traditions include wearing yellow for good luck and eating 12 grapes at midnight, one for each month of the coming year.

The Malecón, a six-mile stretch of parks along the coast, offers prime viewing for the midnight fireworks display over the Pacific Ocean. Many restaurants and hotels in the area host special dinners and parties.

Visit the Larco Museum's special vacation exhibits

The Larco Museum in Lima, housed in an 18th-century colonial mansion, often hosts special exhibits during the vacation season. These may focus on pre-Columbian vacation traditions or showcase seasonal archaeological finds.

The museum's permanent collection includes over 45,000 pieces of pre-Columbian art, offering insights into 5,000 years of Peruvian history. In December, the museum's beautiful yards are adorned with vacation lights

Plan your trip with our Peru itineraries

Our Peru itineraries are crafted to help you experience the best of the country, stress-free. Think of them as a starting point, perfect for planning, but flexible enough to adjust to your own pace and interests. After all, travel is about freedom, but a little planning goes a long way.

• Peru itinerary 7 days: Perfect for travelers with limited time who want to experience the country’s cultural and archaeological highlights.
• Peru itinerary 10 days: Ten days lets you go beyond the basics with visits to Lake Titicaca and the Andean highlands, along with Machu Picchu and Cusco.
• Peru itinerary 14 days: A two-week adventure covering Peru’s top spots, from the Amazon rainforest to Arequipa and the Colca Canyon, plus the Inca heartland. A great option if you want to immerse yourself in a world of nature, adventure, and ancient history.