Weather overview
Кахамарка sits in the northern highlands of Peru, where the weather stays mild year-round but shifts noticeably between wet and dry seasons. From November to March, the city sees frequent rain, with January and February bringing the heaviest downpours. The air feels cooler during these months, especially at night, when temperatures can drop to 9 °C or lower.
From May to September, Кахамарка enters its dry season, with clear skies and minimal rainfall. Days are pleasant, often reaching 22 °C, while nights turn chilly, occasionally dipping below 6 °C in June and July. This stretch is the most stable for outdoor plans, though mornings and evenings may require an extra layer.
Temperature
Daytime temperatures in Кахамарка hover between 20 °C and 22 °C for most of the year, rarely feeling extreme. The warmest months—August through October—see highs of 22 °C, while June and July bring the coolest nights, sometimes falling to 5 °C. Even in the wet season, afternoons remain comfortable, though the damp air can make it feel cooler than the thermometer suggests.
The biggest temperature swings happen between day and night, especially in the dry season. In July, for example, the difference between a sunny afternoon (22 °C) and a nighttime low (5 °C) can be stark. Travelers should pack for both warmth and coolness, even in a single day.
| Month | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| January | 9.4 | 21.2 |
| February | 9.9 | 21 |
| March | 9.6 | 20.4 |
| April | 9.5 | 21 |
| May | 8.8 | 21.8 |
| June | 6.3 | 21.4 |
| July | 5.1 | 22 |
| August | 5.6 | 22.2 |
| September | 7.1 | 22.3 |
| October | 9 | 22.2 |
| November | 8.6 | 22.1 |
| December | 9.3 | 21.4 |
Precipitation
Кахамарка’s rainfall is heavily seasonal, with over 80% of the year’s precipitation falling between November and April. February is typically the wettest month, averaging 240 mm of rain, while July sees almost none, with just 15 mm. Downpours are often short but intense, particularly in the afternoons, so waterproof gear is useful during these months.
The dry season, from May to September, offers the most reliable weather for exploring. Rain is rare, and the landscape turns golden as the moisture recedes. By October, the rains begin to return, gradually greening the hills around Кахамарка and bringing occasional afternoon showers.
| Month | Precipitation |
|---|---|
| January | 216 |
| February | 239.6 |
| March | 220.7 |
| April | 200.8 |
| May | 109.4 |
| June | 46.7 |
| July | 15.3 |
| August | 29.9 |
| September | 73.4 |
| October | 166.5 |
| November | 143.3 |
| December | 213.6 |
What to pack
For a trip to Кахамарка in the wet season (November to March), pack light layers for daytime warmth and a waterproof jacket for sudden rain. Nights can be cool, so a sweater or fleece is helpful, especially if you’re out after dark. Quick-dry clothing and sturdy shoes will make navigating damp streets easier.
During the dry season (May to September), days are mild, but nights can be surprisingly cold. Bring a mix of short-sleeve shirts for the afternoons and a warm jacket or scarf for early mornings and evenings. A hat and sunscreen are useful year-round, as the high-altitude sun is strong even on cooler days.
| Month | Wind speed |
|---|---|
| January | 1.7 |
| February | 1.7 |
| March | 1.6 |
| April | 1.6 |
| May | 1.8 |
| June | 1.8 |
| July | 2.2 |
| August | 2 |
| September | 2 |
| October | 1.8 |
| November | 1.8 |
| December | 1.6 |