Weather in Арекипа by month: what to expect

Арекипа sits at over 2,300 meters above sea level, giving it a mild, spring-like climate year-round. Unlike Peru’s coastal or jungle regions, Арекипа rarely feels extreme, though nights can turn chilly. The city’s weather splits clearly into two seasons: a rainy period from January to March and a long dry stretch from April to December.

Travelers will find Арекипа most comfortable during the dry months, when skies stay clear and temperatures hover between +15 °C and +22 °C. The rainy season brings short but intense downpours, usually in the afternoons, while mornings often remain sunny. Even in the wetter months, Арекипа avoids the heavy humidity found in lower-altitude cities.

Daytime temperatures in Арекипа change little through the year, staying between +19 °C and +22 °C in most months. The warmest period falls between April and October, when highs reach +21...+22 °C. Nights, however, tell a different story: from May to August, temperatures can drop to +8 °C or lower, making evenings noticeably cool.

The smallest daily swings occur in February and March, when nighttime lows stay above +10 °C. By contrast, June and July bring the coolest nights, sometimes dipping below +8 °C. Despite these shifts, Арекипа never experiences frost, and daytime warmth returns quickly after sunrise.

Арекипа’s rainy season runs from January to March, with February as the wettest month—expect around 100 mm of rain. Showers tend to arrive in the late afternoon or evening, leaving mornings dry and sunny. By April, rainfall drops sharply, and from May to September, Арекипа sees almost no precipitation at all.

The dry season’s reliability makes it ideal for outdoor exploration. Even in October and November, when a few light showers return, rain rarely disrupts plans. Travelers visiting Арекипа in the wetter months should pack a light rain jacket but can still count on plenty of sunshine between downpours.

For a trip to Арекипа in the dry season, layers are key. Days feel warm in the sun, but nights and early mornings can be cool, especially from June to August. A light sweater or fleece will help with temperatures around +8 °C, while a sun hat and sunscreen protect against the strong high-altitude sun.

During the rainy months of January to March, a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket comes in handy for afternoon showers. Footwear should handle occasional wet streets, but waterproof boots aren’t necessary—paved paths and indoor spaces stay dry. No matter the season, comfortable walking shoes are a must for Арекипа’s cobblestone streets and volcanic landscapes.