Lima is the capital city of
Peru as well as its largest city. In Peru, the city forms the most populated metropolitan region and is also one of the largest cities in the South America region. Lima is conveniently located in the heart of Peru, with the Rimac River, the Lurin River, and the Chillon River surrounding it, overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean. Established in 1535, Lima has gradually grown to become the agricultural and educational vital hub in the country.
Lima is famous for being home to the oldest learning institutions in the world, including the National University of San Marcos. The city is also home to other ancient structures like the sixteenth century Plaza, and medieval museums like the Museo Larco and Museo de la Nacion. The intricate architectural designs of the San Francisco Convent, as well as that of the Torre Tagle Palace, are some more of the attraction spots.
One of the most frequented places in Lima is the Miraflores region, an area that features numerous bars, restaurants, and discotheques designed to face the mighty Pacific Ocean. Nearby, Barranco, based on the seaside, provides for more of the hip and vibrant nightlife of Lima.
Lima has a convenient location in the Peruvian Plain and is surrounded not only by rivers but also mountainous regions as well as hill ranges. The city experiences a desert climate classified as Köppen BWh, with a small border on the subtropical climate temperature. The weather is typical of two distinct seasons - summer and winter with two transitional months in between, mainly influenced by Lima’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean.
During summer, from
December to
April, the days are warm and pleasant with a lovely tolerable temperature range of 18.3°C (64.9°F) and 26.5°C (79.7°F). The humidity is moderately high in summer, and as a result, episodes of morning coastal fogs are frequent, as well as cloudy skies on most afternoons. Rainfall is scarce during summer, barely reading one inch on the monthly average, with only a few hours of sunshine recorded all through the season.
Winter runs from
June to
October, and it comes with a slight reduction in the temperature ranging between 20.1°C (68.2°F). The temperature barely drops below 15°C (59°F) even on the coldest days and does not go over 21°C (69.8°F). This fact means most days are moderately warm and lovely, uncommon of typical winter days. Rainfall is still scarce during winter with a low average of 0.7mm (0") and only three days of precipitation per month. The skies are cloudy, and the sunshine hours go up to 33 per month on average.
Between December and
May, Lima receives a higher number of tourists than during the other months. This period features the warmest months in the city and more festivities and attractions to indulge in. One such attraction is the wondrous summer sunset that leaves the sky colorful in bright orange, pink, and red shades, an occurrence commonly referred to as "the sky of witches".
Another event is on
January 18th during the annual celebration of the founding of Lima, celebrated in colorful firework shows and stunning parade displays. Another is the October Lord of Miracles Festival, featuring religious activities and celebrations, as well as the October 31st Creole Song day full of music and dance.