The climate of Cerro de Pasco
Located in the heartland of
Peru,
Cerro de Pasco experiences a Tundra climate, classified as ET under the Köppen climate classification. This classification is attributed to cool temperatures prevailing throughout the year and relatively high precipitation.
Across the annual cycle, the highest temperature hovers between 11°C (51.8°F) to 13.9°C (57°F), while the lowest is recorded from 0.3°C (32.5°F) to 5°C (41°F). Lows are typically experienced from
May to
August when the temperature drops close to freezing points. A distinct feature of Cerro de Pasco's weather pattern is observable in its rainfall trend. It displays a bimodal distribution with two peak periods of heavy rainfall. The first surge recorded between
January to
March with rainfall between 160mm (6.3") to 176mm (6.93"). The second, albeit slightly lower peak, occurs from
November to
December with rainfall from 122mm (4.8") to 167mm (6.57").
Relative humidity, UV index and visibility remain pretty stable all year round, averaging between 72% to 82%, 2 to 3, and 9km (5.6mi) to 10km (6.2mi) respectively, making the air feel mildly damp to the skin. Snowfall is a common sight from December to
April, ranging from 56mm (2.2") to 137mm (5.39"), and this is also the period of peak snowfall observed over the cumulative days from 7.4 to 9.7. Cloud cover is usually higher from
February to March and from November to December with percentage values recorded from 36% to 43%. Wind speeds increase from 7.4km/h (4.6mph) to 9.6km/h (6mph) between February and
September, providing a refreshing and cool atmosphere.
The best time to visit Cerro de Pasco
The most suitable period to visit
Cerro de Pasco is likely in the months of
July and
August. During this time, the weather exhibits significantly lower rainfall with values only reaching 14mm (0.55") to 19mm (0.75"), which offers a greater chance of dry conditions suitable for outdoor activities. Another enticing factor is that the daylight hours extend from 11.6h to 11.8h, paired with sunshine spread over 7.6h to 9.6h, presenting increased opportunities to explore the city under bright daylight.
The worst time to visit Cerro de Pasco
For those who prefer to avoid rainy periods, a visit to
Cerro de Pasco should ideally be skipped between
January to
March and from
November to
December. In these months, the city suffers from intense rainfall, averaging between 160mm (6.3") to 176mm (6.93"), and between 122mm (4.8") to 167mm (6.57") respectively, often leading to wet and slippery conditions.
Spring weather in Cerro de Pasco
Spring spans from
September to
November. In these months, the average high and low temperatures observe a slight increase from 11.9°C (53.4°F) to 13.9°C (57°F) and 2.7°C (36.9°F) to 4.9°C (40.8°F) respectively, setting a pleasant climate. Surprisingly, the rainfall starts gradually increasing from 40mm (1.57") in September to culminate at 98mm (3.86") in November. The wind speed starts to decelerate, offering a relatively calm weather pattern.
Summer weather in Cerro de Pasco
Summer in
Cerro de Pasco is from
December to
February. This period accounts for peak rainfall, particularly in
January and February where precipitation rises to 169mm (6.65") and 176mm (6.93"). However, the temperature remains moderately high compared to other months, with values sustained between 11.3°C (52.3°F) to 12.6°C (54.7°F).
Autumn weather in Cerro de Pasco
Over the course of
March to
May, the average high temperatures range from 12.3°C (54.1°F) to 12°C (53.6°F) and lows from 4.1°C (39.4°F) to 2.1°C (35.8°F). Rainfall levels sharply decrease from 160mm (6.3") in March to 40mm (1.57") in May, creating potential for cooler, dryer conditions.
Winter weather in Cerro de Pasco
Winter, extending from
June to
August, experiences lower temperatures, with average highs from 11°C (51.8°F) to 11.5°C (52.7°F) and lows staggering at freezing points from 0.3°C (32.5°F) to 0.9°C (33.6°F). Parcelled with minimal rainfall and snowfall peaking between 19mm (0.75") to 31mm (1.22"), this season offers a true tundra-like experience.
Weather in January
Cerro de Pasco kicks off the year with cool temperatures as
January experiences an average high of 12.3°C (54.1°F) and a low of 4.9°C (40.8°F). Regular rainfall is a distinguishing feature, making the city's weather moist and cloudy.
Weather in January » Weather in February
The month of
February brings a slight drop in temperature but an increase in humidity. This shift, coupled with cold temperatures, intensifies the cloudy, damp feel of
Cerro de Pasco weather. Snowfall decreases slightly from
January, with the city witnessing fewer snow days.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Arriving
March carries forward the cool and damp weather typical of
Cerro de Pasco. The contrast with
February is not pronounced, with the temperature, overall rainfall, and daylight hours almost consistent. However, there is a noticeable upsurge in snowfall, accounting to 118mm (4.65"), which surpasses the February snow precipitation.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The onset of
April unfolds a change, as
Cerro de Pasco weather starts easing off. It observes a significant dip in rain and snowfall, making way for drier conditions. The temperature decrease by a whisker, but the daylight duration contracts further.
Weather in April »Weather in May
As
May approaches,
Cerro de Pasco welcomes lower precipitation and lesser snowfall. Despite this drop, cold weather continues to dominate with modest changes in temperature. The slight rise in the quantity of daily sunshine indicates the slow return of warmer, sunnier days.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June ushers in the driest period in
Cerro de Pasco with the lowest recorded rainfall at 14mm (0.55"). The weather continues to cool down, with temperatures facing a perceivable drop in comparison to
May. Although snowfall decreases by a considerable amount, its occurrence is still noted due to the city’s high altitude.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Cerro de Pasco serves as a continuation of
June's weather pattern, albeit with a minor increase in rainfall. Similarly, temperatures continue the downward trend, something usually associated with this period of the year. While the city experiences more sunny days, the overall weather remains cool, complemented by consistent wind movement.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Through
August,
Cerro de Pasco begins to transition out of its coldest period. Although temperatures start climbing, they still stay within the chilly spectrum. Precipitation inches up compared to
July but stays well below the early-year figures.
Weather in August »Weather in September
As
September sets in,
Cerro de Pasco experiences an evident shift in weather. This month exhibits a noticeable incline in terms of temperature, rainfall, and daylight duration. Even though the snowfall drops only slightly, this decrease signifies a transition away from extensive winter conditions.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October extends the weather changes observed in
September, with
Cerro de Pasco experiencing elevating temperatures. The upsurge in rainfall is notable, making the city considerably wetter. Snowfall ventures upward, but the quantity remains less than that seen in the colder months.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November shifts
Cerro de Pasco's climate to a wetter state, with an average rainfall of 122mm (4.8"). With temperatures remaining constant, the city experiences weather similar to
October. Its signature cool and damp ambiance is accentuated by the regular downpour and prevalent cloud coverage.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Capping off the year,
December takes
Cerro de Pasco back to its winter milieu, characterized by colder temperatures and augmented snowfall. A marked hike in precipitation establishes it akin to the city's beginning-of-the-year weather pattern.
Weather in December » [Resources]