Climate and monthly weather forecastArequipa, Peru

The climate of Arequipa

Arequipa, Peru is situated within the BWk Köppen climate classification, denoting a mid-latitude desert climate. Throughout the year, climatic conditions exhibit minor fluctuations, adopting the somewhat muted character of a desert climate with low humidity and minimal rainfall. During the months from June to September, rainfall reaches bare minima of 1mm (0.04") to 2mm (0.08"), subsequently rising to a peak of 81mm (3.19") in January.

Consistent sunshine illuminates Arequipa with an impressive average of 12.2 hours in January to 11.2 hours in June and July. Therefore, sunny days pervade the majority of the year, suggesting an abundance of solar energy and a scarcity of overcast conditions. Subsequently, the relative cloud cover is limited, registering a mere 4% in July and a high of 53% in February.

While the average wind speed typically fluctuates from 6.5km/h (4mph) in July to 9.6km/h (6mph) in January, gusts could reach peak speeds of 11.4km/h (7.1mph) in January and a minimum speed of 9km/h (5.6mph) in May. Furthermore, the atmospheric pressure remains relatively stable throughout the year, varying from 1015.1mb in February and December, to 1018.2mb in July.

Considerable differences in temperature are not evident in Arequipa. High temperatures gyrate around 16°C (60.8°F) and 18°C (64.4°F) throughout the year, while low temperatures are confined to the band between 6.7°C (44.1°F) from July to 10.7°C (51.3°F) in February. The interplay between these measurements fosters a pleasant ambient climate that deviates little from these averages.

The best time to visit Arequipa

Choosing the optimal time to visit Arequipa largely depends upon the visitor's tolerance for daily sunshine hours and minimal rainfall. Between November and March, the incident sunshine hours range from 9.9 to 11.1 hours daily, complementing the relative lull in rainfall to make these months particularly suitable for outdoor activities and sightseeing. At this time, temperatures also peak, reaching up to 17.9°C (64.2°F) in November and 17.8°C (64°F) in December and January, promoting an inviting atmosphere for visitors.

The worst time to visit Arequipa

Contrastingly, visitors drawn to more temperate climates may find the conditions from May to September less appealing. During this period, daily sunshine hours dip to as low as 7.6 hours in July and precipitation trends upward. With the weather veering towards cooler temperatures, from 6.7°C (44.1°F) in July to 10.2°C (50.4°F) in April, those sensitive to the cold may wish to schedule their visit outside of these months.

Spring weather in Arequipa

As Arequipa transitions into spring between September and November, temperatures rise slightly. This gentle warming results in high temperatures of 17.4°C (63.3°F) to 17.9°C (64.2°F) and relatively temperate lows of 7.7°C (45.9°F) to 9.4°C (48.9°F). A notable uptick in sunshine hours, climbing from 9.9 hours in September to 10.5 hours in November, illuminates this spring period. Correspondingly, rainfall remains minimal and insignificant, never surpassing 6mm (0.24"), providing visitors an unhindered opportunity to enjoy all the offerings of Arequipa.

Summer weather in Arequipa

In Arequipa, the months of December to February represent the summer season. Compared to other seasons, summer is noticeably warmer, with peaks of 17.8°C (64°F) in December and January and lows hovering around 10.2°C (50.4°F) to 10.7°C (51.3°F). Sunshine also dominates the atmosphere to a large extent, with an average of 11.1 hours in January, making the months bright and invigorating. This period also sees the year's highest rainfall, with 81mm (3.19") in January as the ascent, which could contribute to the lush scenery for nature lovers.

Autumn weather in Arequipa

Autumn in Arequipa runs from March to May, a period during which temperatures gently decline to 16.7°C (62.1°F) to 16.3°C (61.3°F) and lows to 8.8°C (47.8°F) to 10.5°C (50.9°F). Despite moderately lower temperatures, Arequipa sees a significant decrease in rainfall, with April and May recording paltry amounts of 2mm (0.08") and 1mm (0.04"), respectively. This, coupled with daily sunshine hours ranging from 8.1 hours to 9 hours, enables visitors to take full advantage of the outdoor activities the locale offers.

Winter weather in Arequipa

Winter descends upon Arequipa between June and August, showcasing a mildly cooler climate. Highs range from 16.4°C (61.5°F) to 16.5°C (61.7°F), and lows dip to a year-round depth of 6.7°C (44.1°F) in July. The rainfall during these months is practically absent, with a meagre amount of about 1mm (0.04") to 2mm (0.08"). Notably, these months host an impressive number of sunshine days, exceeding 27 days in June, July, and August, making a winter visit especially pleasant for sun worshippers.

Weather in January

Taking a look at Arequipa's weather, there is a surge in rainfall in January with 81mm (3.19") distributed over approximately 17 days. Compared to other months, January experiences higher levels of humidity, combined with an average temperature range from 15.8°C (60.4°F) to 10.5°C (50.9°F). Weather in January »

Weather in February

Arequipa's weather in February continues the trend set by January, though the rainfall decreases slightly. This decrease in rain is counterbalanced by an increase in relative humidity, resulting in a weather pattern that is slightly humid but overall consistent with the preceding month. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March brings about noticeable changes in Arequipa’s weather. Rainfall scales back significantly in this month, reducing the number of rainy days. While the temperatures remain relatively stable, the subtle shift from summer to autumn results in a reduction in average daylight hours. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April's weather in Arequipa ushers in a drier climate, with skies that are typically clear, making this an ideal time for outdoor pursuits. The months of April and May are characterized by lower humidity and a reduction in temperatures whilst maintaining an appreciable amount of sunlight. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May sees a further drop in temperatures, and the weather in Arequipa becomes cooler. This is accompanied by an overall reduction in humidity and rainfall, rendering the air crisp and clear. The wind, already light in previous months, continues to blow gently, and the cloud cover is minimized. Weather in May »

Weather in June

The weather in Arequipa during June is characterized by cooler temperatures and declining rainfall. However, despite reduced temperatures, the weather remains calm and agreeable for outdoor activities. The visibility remains excellent and daylight hours relatively stable, with the sun gracing the city for more than 11 hours per day. Weather in June »

Weather in July

By July, the weather in Arequipa is at its coldest with temperatures averaging between 16.5°C (61.7°F) to 6.7°C (44.1°F). This brisk weather brings with it a decrease in humidity levels and a further reduction in rainfall. Despite the cold, Arequipa maintains the clear and bright weather that it's known for during the year. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August in Arequipa ushers in a slight uptick in both temperatures as the peak of winter passes. The distinct Arequipan clarity and brightness stay unchanged, with visibility maintaining gratifying levels. The wind speed begins to pick up some pace as well, shifting the environment ever so slightly. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September signals the start of spring in Arequipa, and the weather responds with a slight increase in temperature. The sun graces Arequipa's skies for more extended periods, with a total of 12 hours of daylight. As temperatures ramp upwards, so too does the rainfall, albeit at a relatively unhurried pace compared to the dramatic climbs in temperature. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in Arequipa brings with it a sunnier, warmer climate. This climb in temperatures, coupled with more daylight hours, encourages more visitors to this picturesque city. The stable weather is accompanied by a mild increase in relative humidity and a slow but steady rise in rainfall. Weather in October »

Weather in November

As November rolls in, so does the increase in temperature, maintaining Arequipa's warm trend that began in September. This warm weather is accompanied by a slight increase in rainfall and humidity. The city continues to enjoy ample sunshine, albeit on fewer days compared to the preceding months. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December's weather in Arequipa brings a cooler climate with a noticeable drop in temperature from 17.9°C (64.2°F) in November to 16.8°C (62.2°F). Despite this, Arequipa retains its radiant sunlight and clear weather, with longer hours of daylight compared to most of the previous months. Weather in December »