Peru is globally recognized for Machu Picchu in the Andes Mountains. However, it also possesses an arid coastal geography and an extensive strip of Amazon rainforest. These areas have temperatures that can reach 38 degrees Celsius (100°F). Discover the warmest tourist cities in Peru!
Lima
The ‘City of Kings’ presents a summer with high temperatures, which have been increasing over the last fifty years. Summers in the capital of Peru can exceed 30 degrees Celsius (86°F), with thermal sensations reaching 35°C (95°F). Summers in this desert area with Andean foothills occur between January and March. The rest of the year, the climate is temperate, with light drizzles and quite a bit of humidity.
Lima is home to some of Peru’s most outstanding tourist attractions. These include the traditional streets of the center, the malecon (boardwalk) and Miraflores district, the sea, its beaches, shopping centers, the Palomino Islands (in Callao), the archaeological complexes of Pachacamac, Caral, and its valuable museums. Lima is the key point from whose airport you can access the rest of the country. When it is summer in Lima, it usually rains in the Andean and Amazonian regions of the country.
Tarapoto
The city of Tarapoto in the Amazon rainforest is one of the most visited and, furthermore, one of the warmest in Peru. It is located in the north of the country, in the San Martín region. Summers in Tarapoto occur in July, August, and September. At that time, temperatures can approach 34°C (93°F). Throughout the year, temperatures do not drop below 24°C (75°F). In January, February, and March, rainfall intensifies, causing rivers to rise.
Tarapoto is a tourist city with notable attractions, such as: the Ahuashiyacu waterfalls, Laguna Azul (Blue Lagoon), the city of Lamas (Lamas Castle), the Pucayaquillo waterfalls, the Carpishuyacu waterfalls, the Santa Elena ecological reserve, El Abiseo National Park, the San Antonio de Cumbaza winery, and more. Due to the humid climate, the environment is hot and jungle-like. It is suggested to carry insect repellent.
Ica
Ica has a very hot, arid geography, but with relevant tourist attractions. It is located 304 kilometers (about 189 miles) by road from the city of Lima. In its main localities (such as Ica, Pisco, Paracas, and Cañete), temperatures above 35°C (95°F) are recorded, especially in summer (January, February, and March). Rainfall is scarce. February, the rainiest month, records barely 2.98 millimeters of rain.
In the Ica region are located some of Peru’s most emblematic tourist attractions, such as: the Huacachina oasis, the Paracas resort (Ballestas Islands), the Nazca Lines, its wineries, the Cañón de los Perdidos (Canyon of the Lost), the Sanctuary of Señor de Luren, and more. Due to its proximity to Lima, many travelers take a 1 or 2-day excursion before returning to Lima and continuing to other destinations in the country.
Piura
Piura is nicknamed ‘the city of constant heat’ due to its high temperatures throughout the year. This is mainly due to its proximity to the equator. Maximum temperatures reach 37°C (99°F) with even higher thermal sensations. The most intense temperatures occur in January, February, and March. In these months, rainfall is infrequent. However, on isolated occasions, it occurs due to the so-called ‘El Niño phenomenon’.
The Piura region boasts the most recognized beaches in Peru. Its main tourist attractions are: the Máncora resort, the Sechura Desert, whale watching and swimming with turtles, Cabo Blanco beach, Chulucanas, the Caracucho waterfall, and more. Visitors from all over the country and abroad come to Piura to enjoy its beaches (with good waves), its tasty cuisine, its active nightlife, and excellent hotel offerings.
Pucallpa
Pucallpa, in the Amazon rainforest, has some of the most intense temperatures in Peru. Its name derives from two Quechua terms meaning: reddish earth. This is how this attractive region, where maximum temperatures reach 36 degrees Celsius (97°F), is named. This happens in its summer, between August and October. Minimum temperatures drop to 16°C (61°F) between November and December. It is located on the border with Brazil.
Pucallpa is one of the most fascinating destinations in the Peruvian Amazon rainforest. Its main tourist attractions are: Yarinacocha Lake, Pucallpa Natural Park, Biokuka botanical garden, Plaza del Reloj (Clock Square), the Regalía de Curimaná waterfalls, and the Ucayali River. Furthermore, numerous visitors come to Pucallpa interested in participating in ayahuasca rituals with a specialized shaman. The famous Feast of San Juan is celebrated on June 24th.
Iquitos
The city of Iquitos is called ‘the capital of the Peruvian Amazon’ or ‘enchanting island’. This is because it is located on the banks of the Amazon River, surrounded by water and abundant vegetation. Therefore, it is only accessible by boat or air. Its maximum temperatures reach 37°C (99°F). Its warm season occurs between late August and late November. Its tropical climate also includes torrential rains.
Iquitos is one of the most visited areas in Peru. Its main attractions are: Monkey Island, the Belén neighborhood, the malecon with a view of the Amazon River, its lush flora and fauna, and its beautiful lodges where you can experience the Amazonian nature. To combat the intense heat, Iquiteños usually relax on the river beaches. Iquitos also stands out for its exquisite Amazonian cuisine.
Chiclayo
Chiclayo is nicknamed ‘Capital of Friendship’ due to the hospitality of its people. It is located on the northern coast of Peru, an arid and warm region with temperatures that can reach 32 degrees Celsius (90°F). However, in Chiclayo, all four seasons are experienced. The highest temperatures occur in January, February, and March. From July to September, thermometers drop to 21 degrees Celsius (70°F).
Chiclayo offers outstanding tourist attractions such as the Huaca Rajada archaeological site, the Pyramids of Túcume, the Pómac Forest, the Royal Tombs of the Lord of Sipán Museum, as well as the beach resorts of Pimentel and Puerto Eten. Furthermore, Chiclayo is famous for its delicious cuisine with traditional dishes such as: Arroz con pato (rice with duck), Chiringuito, Causa Chiclayana, Seco de cabrito (stewed young goat), Tortilla de raya (stingray omelet), and Cau cau a la norteña (tripe stew in the northern style).
Puerto Maldonado
The city of Puerto Maldonado in the Madre de Dios region offers the greatest variety of flora and fauna in Peru. This area is located in the southeast, on the border with the Amazon of Brazil and Bolivia. It is renowned for the Tambopata National Reserve, as well as for its high temperatures that can reach 36 degrees Celsius (97°F), with even higher thermal sensations. The highest temperatures are felt between late August and early November.
Puerto Maldonado is known as the great gateway to the Peruvian Amazon, the city of eternal heat, or the capital of biodiversity. Its main tourist attractions are: the Tambopata National Reserve, Sandoval Lake, the Billinghurst Bridge, as well as the indigenous communities in the heart of the jungle. Many tourists stay in lodges where they can integrate into the jungle environment.