Question 1

What is the humidity like in Lima throughout the year?

Accepted Answer

Lima maintains consistently high humidity throughout the year, with an annual average of 83.2% in 2024. This coastal desert city experiences relatively stable moisture levels due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the influence of the cold Humboldt Current.

The highest humidity in Lima occurs during the winter months of June through August, averaging 86.4%. June 2024 recorded the peak at 87.2%, coinciding with the coolest temperatures and reduced sunshine. During this period, the famous Lima fog known as "garúa" frequently blankets the city, creating overcast conditions with only 475 hours of sunshine across the three winter months.

In contrast, Lima's summer months from December through February experience the lowest humidity levels, averaging 80.1%. February 2024 saw the year's minimum at 78.4%, when temperatures reached their warmest at 24.3°C (75.7°F). The summer season also brings significantly more sunshine, with 897 hours recorded during these three months.

The humidity variation between winter and summer spans approximately 6-8 percentage points, a relatively modest range that reflects Lima's stable coastal climate. However, the practical difference is noticeable: summer months feel more comfortable despite higher temperatures, while winter's elevated humidity combined with cooler temperatures around 15°C (59°F) can feel chillier than expected. Visitors to Lima should note that even during the "drier" summer months, humidity remains above 78%, so lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended year-round.

Question 2

What are the average temperatures in Lima throughout the year?

Accepted Answer

Lima maintains mild temperatures year-round, with an annual average of 18.9°C (66.1°F) in 2024. The city's coastal desert climate creates comfortable conditions without extreme heat or cold.

**Summer months (December to February)** bring the warmest weather to Lima. February 2024 was the hottest month, averaging 24.3°C (75.7°F), with daily highs reaching up to 29.2°C (84.6°F). January and March also stayed warm at around 22.9°C (73.2°F) and 23.0°C (73.4°F) respectively.

**Winter months (June to August)** are noticeably cooler but remain mild. August 2024 was the coolest month at 15.1°C (59.2°F), with overnight lows dropping to 11.5°C (52.7°F). Daily highs during winter typically reach around 20-21°C (68-70°F), making the weather comfortable for outdoor activities.

The temperature difference between Lima's warmest and coolest months is only about 9.2°C (16.6°F), reflecting the city's remarkably stable climate. Throughout 2024, average daily highs ranged from 20.4°C (68.7°F) in August to 29.2°C (84.6°F) in February, while lows stayed between 11.5°C (52.7°F) and 20.9°C (69.6°F).

This mild year-round climate makes Lima suitable for visiting any time. Summer visitors should expect warm but not oppressive heat, while winter travelers will find pleasantly cool temperatures ideal for exploring the city.

Question 3

How much rainfall does Lima get per year?

Accepted Answer

Lima receives remarkably little rainfall, with just 50.9mm (2.0 inches) of total precipitation recorded in 2024. This makes Peru's capital one of the driest cities in the world, situated in a coastal desert climate.

The rainfall in Lima follows a distinct seasonal pattern. The wettest months occur during the Southern Hemisphere summer, with December recording the highest precipitation at 17.8mm, followed by January at 10.1mm and February at 7.6mm. Together, these three summer months accounted for 35.5mm of precipitation—roughly 70% of the entire year's rainfall.

In contrast, Lima experiences completely dry conditions during the winter months. June, July, and August 2024 recorded zero precipitation, making this the driest period of the year. The transitional months of September through November see minimal moisture, with each month receiving between 1.1mm and 1.5mm.

Despite the lack of rain, Lima is not entirely without moisture. The city is famous for its garúa—a persistent coastal fog and drizzle that rolls in from the Pacific Ocean during winter. While this rarely registers as measurable precipitation, it contributes to the city's characteristic grey skies between May and November.

For visitors planning outdoor activities in Lima, the dry winter months offer the most predictable weather conditions, though you should expect overcast skies. The summer months bring clearer skies but also the possibility of occasional light rain showers.

Question 4

What is the sunniest time of year in Lima?

Accepted Answer

Lima experiences its sunniest weather from January through April, with March 2024 recording the highest sunshine at 319.8 hours. This period offers over 10 hours of daily sunshine on average, making it the ideal time for outdoor activities in Peru's capital.

During 2024, the four sunniest months in Lima were March (319.8 hours), April (312.9 hours), February (310.6 hours), and January (304.9 hours). These months coincide with Lima's summer and early autumn seasons, when the coastal fog known as garúa lifts and clear skies dominate. The total annual sunshine in Lima reached 2,801 hours in 2024.

In contrast, Lima's winter months from June to August see significantly reduced sunshine. August 2024 was the least sunny month with only 143.1 hours, representing more than 50% less sunshine compared to March. Winter averages around 158 hours of sunshine per month due to the persistent marine layer that blankets the coast.

The sunny summer months in Lima also bring pleasant temperatures, with February averaging 24.3°C (75.7°F) and March at 23.0°C (73.4°F). For visitors seeking the best weather conditions, planning a trip to Lima between January and April ensures maximum sunshine combined with warm but comfortable temperatures perfect for exploring the city's historic districts and coastal attractions.

Question 5

How windy is Lima and when are the calmest months?

Accepted Answer

Lima experiences moderate wind conditions year-round, with an average wind speed of 11.4 km/h (7.1 mph) based on 2024 data. The calmest month is December, making it an excellent time for outdoor activities in the city.

In 2024, wind patterns in Lima showed clear seasonal variation. December recorded the lowest average wind speed at just 7.4 km/h (4.6 mph), followed by June at 10.0 km/h (6.2 mph) and May at 10.1 km/h (6.3 mph). These calmer conditions coincide with periods when outdoor dining and coastal activities are particularly pleasant.

The windiest months in Lima occur during the Southern Hemisphere summer, with January averaging 14.3 km/h (8.9 mph), February at 13.8 km/h (8.6 mph), and March at 12.9 km/h (8.0 mph). This represents nearly double the wind speeds compared to the calmest month, with a difference of 6.9 km/h (4.3 mph) between January and December.

Lima's coastal location along the Pacific Ocean influences these wind patterns, with sea breezes being more pronounced during the warmer summer months. For visitors seeking calmer weather conditions, December offers the most sheltered experience, while January through March brings fresher breezes that can help moderate the warmer temperatures during those months.

San Juan de Lurigancho

Lima region

Wind

Weather Map

FAQ

What is the humidity like in Lima throughout the year?

What are the average temperatures in Lima throughout the year?

How much rainfall does Lima get per year?

What is the sunniest time of year in Lima?

How windy is Lima and when are the calmest months?