The climate of Puno
Puno, a city in
Peru, has a dominant climate classified under the Köppen climate classification as ET, designated as a Tundra climate. Located on a plateau high in the Andes, this position contributes significantly to its overall weather profile. Throughout the year, temperatures fluctuate, with average high temperatures ranging from 11.8°C (53.2°F) in
July to 15.5°C (59.9°F) in
November, and average low temperatures fluctuating from a chilly -0.5°C (31.1°F) in July to a slightly milder 5.1°C (41.2°F) in
December. Consequently, even during the warmest months, Puno remains relatively cold.
Relative humidity is more consistent across the year, with values mostly clustered around the 50%-70% range, with slightly more humidity noticed from
January to
March. Puno experiences a clear peak in rainfall during December and January, with an average of 30mm (1.18") and 27mm (1.06"), respectively. The dry period spans from
May to
August when rainfall drops dramatically to as low as 2mm (0.08") in
June and August. Unsurprisingly, snowfall aligns with this period; July records 11mm (0.43"), signifying the peak of the snow season.
The daylight hours are quite consistent due to Puno's proximity to the equator, varying from 11.2 hours in June to a slightly lengthier 13.1 hours in December. Sunshine hours are also quite balanced, ensuring decent sunlight exposure for about 7.5 hours in July and up to 11.2 hours in December.
The best time to visit Puno
When planning a visit to
Puno, the period from
May to
September is highly recommended. During these months, minimal rainfall is recorded, averaging between 2mm (0.08") and 4mm (0.16"), casting a dry spell conducive for outdoor activities. Daylight is available for more than 11 hours, offering ample time to sightsee and explore. Despite the lower temperatures, ranging typically between 11.8°C (53.2°F) and 12.8°C (55°F), the lower humidity levels afford a comfortable atmosphere for visitors during this period.
The worst time to visit Puno
Travelers are frequently discouraged from visiting
Puno between
December and
February. During this interval, the city experiences its highest averages of rainfall, measuring up to 30mm (1.18") in December and diminishing to 27mm (1.06") in February. Furthermore, the average high temperature drops slightly to around 14.5°C (58.1°F) in December and climbs to 14.3°C (57.7°F) in February, representing the cooler end of Puno's temperature spectrum.
Spring weather in Puno
Spring, which occurs from
September to
November in
Puno, brings moderate temperatures and drier conditions. The average high temperatures modestly increase from 13.5°C (56.3°F) in September to 15.5°C (59.9°F) in November. Concurrent to this period, the daylight hours increase steadily from 12 hours to approximately 12.9 hours. Rainfall also increases gradually in this period, going from 13mm (0.51") in September to 18mm (0.71") by November.
Summer weather in Puno
Summers, spanning
December to
February, are characterized by the highest recorded rainfall in
Puno. Rainfall peaks in December at 30mm (1.18"), then slightly decreases to 29mm (1.14") in
January and further to 20mm (0.79") in February. Average high temperatures are constant around the 14.3°C (57.7°F) mark, with the exception of February when it slightly decreases to 13.7°C (56.7°F). Despite these showers, sunshine persists for more than 9 hours daily throughout these months.
Autumn weather in Puno
Autumn, from
March to
May, registers mellowing conditions in
Puno. Over these months, rainfall reduces considerably, with 14mm (0.55") recorded in March, reducing to 4mm (0.16") by May. Daylight hours also follow a reducing trend, moving from 12.2 hours in March to 11.4 hours by May. Despite this, the city enjoys regular sunshine for over 9 hours per day, providing a pleasant atmosphere.
Winter weather in Puno
The winter in
Puno, running from
June to
August, is marked by the lowest temperatures and modest rainfall. Average high temperatures hover between 11.8°C (53.2°F) in
July and 12.7°C (54.9°F) in August. This season also witnesses a decrease in rainfall to an almost negligible 2mm (0.08") in June and August. Despite the chill, sunshine prevails between 7.5 and 9.1 hours daily, while daylight is available for just over 11 hours in this period.
Weather in January
January experiences noteworthy warmth in
Puno,
Peru, with high temperatures hitting a mean maximum of 14.3°C (57.7°F). Significant rainfall accompanies this warmth along with a reasonable number of sunny days paving the way for an appealing combination.
Weather in January » Weather in February
In
Puno,
Peru, the second month of the year comes with subtle variations in the weather pattern, yet highs maintain at around 14.3°C (57.7°F). Unlike
January, precipitation increases in this leap month, making the surroundings more lush and alive.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March ushers in climatic changes in
Puno,
Peru, as temperatures fall marginally from
February to an average high of 14.3°C (57.7°F) while rainfall drops visibly by 9mm (0.35"). These transformations signify the gradual transition towards drier months ahead.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The weather in
Puno,
Peru becomes notably distinct in
April. This month temperatures witness a drop reaching 13.7°C (56.7°F). Substantial reduction in rainfall ushers Puno into a dry phase which lasts for several months. As the city moves further into this drier spell, the hours of sunlight per day also rise gradually, promising excellent visibility.
Weather in April »Weather in May
Puno,
Peru welcomes
May with the lowest rainfall of just about 4mm (0.16"), announcing the full arrival of the dry season. Meanwhile, temperatures continue their downward trend established in
April, signaling the approach of winter.
Weather in May » Weather in June
As winter sets in
Puno,
Peru,
June carries forward the dryness of
May with the minimum average temperature falling to a low of -0.3°C (31.5°F). The weather is characteristically dry with intense cold during nights and mild temperature during days.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Weather in
July,
Puno,
Peru sees the onset of coldest conditions with the average minimum temperature dropping to around -0.5°C (31.1°F). The applied cold acts in conjunction with low rainfall maintained over from
June, leading to an extreme dry spell.
Weather in July »Weather in August
In
Puno,
August is a month of transition where temperatures begin increasing slightly from the
July low, with the minimum average temperature rising to around 0.3°C (32.5°F). Weatherwise, the city bids farewell to the peak winter and welcomes spring with a marginal increase in temperature.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September is the month when
Puno,
Peru, starts preparing to embrace the wet season as the rainfall climbs to 13mm (0.51"). The weather demonstrates a significant rebound from the bone-dry winter phase, enabling the spring bloom.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October graces
Puno,
Peru, with a noticeable rise from
September's temperature, the average maximum reaching 14.1°C (57.4°F). Weather patterns showcase a transition with an increase in cloud cover, signaling the looming summer.
Weather in October » Weather in November
In
Puno,
Peru, temperatures surge in
November, reaching a high of 15.5°C (59.9°F). This escalation in temperature announces the arrival of summer, breaking from the cool weather of the preceding spring season. The city flirts with a balanced weather pattern as rainfall continues its upward trajectory, rendering a generally warm yet damp climate.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December brings pleasant weather to
Puno,
Peru, with an average high temperature of 14.5°C (58.1°F). The increase in precipitation takes Puno firmly into the wet season, and this month registers the highest rainfall of 30mm (1.18").
Weather in December » [Resources]