Weather in Lima, Peru in December
Weather in Lima, Peru in December
Lima in December sits at the edge of summer. The city trades its gray, overcast winter skies for warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours — but don’t expect wall-to-wall sunny skies. Lima’s coastal climate is shaped by the Humboldt Current and the cool Pacific Ocean, and even in summer, marine fog called garúa can linger into the morning, keeping skies cloudy until midday.
December is a solid month for visiting Peru’s capital. The weather in Lima in December is warm enough for outdoor dining and walking neighborhoods like Miraflores and Barranco comfortably. It’s best for travelers who want to visit Lima as part of a broader Peru itinerary — though if your plans include Cusco, you’ll want to research where to stay in Limabefore booking anything. Hotel availability in both cities tightens fast around the holidays.
Quick Weather Snapshot
- Average high temperature: 24–26°C (75–79°F)
- Average low temperature: 18–19°C (64–66°F)
- Rainfall: Low — Lima receives minimal precipitation in December, typically under 3mm
- Humidity: Moderate to high (75–85% relative humidity)
- Season: Start of summer / transition out of winter fog
- Crowd level: Moderate, rising toward Christmas and New Year’s
- Overall comfort rating: 7/10 — warm, occasionally hazy, but walkable
What Lima Is Like in December: Best Time to Visit Lima
December marks Lima’s shift into summer, but the city doesn’t flip a switch. Mornings often start overcast or foggy, especially along the Malecón clifftops in Miraflores. By midday, skies frequently brighten and temperatures climb into the mid-20s — around 22°C to 26°C depending on the day.
Evenings are warm and pleasant, with mild temperatures ideal for outdoor dining in Barranco or a stroll along the waterfront. The fog rarely returns at night, making sunset and after-dark hours the most comfortable time to be outside. For sightseers, the middle of the day is workable but carries some haze. Afternoons are the sweet spot throughout December.
Temperatures in Lima in December: High Temperatures, Lows, and What to Expect
The average high temperature in Lima in December lands between 24°C and 26°C — that’s highs of 75°F to 79°F. That’s genuinely warm but not oppressive. A light t-shirt and sun protection are enough during the day. Nighttime temperatures cool slightly to around 18–19°C (64–66°F), comfortable for walking without a jacket, though a light layer helps near the coast.
December is warmer than the previous months of October and November, and slightly cooler than January and February, which push closer to 31°C (88°F) at peak summer. High temperatures remain consistent along the coast, but can vary depending on the region — areas north of Lima tend to run warmer. According to SENAMHI (Peru’s National Meteorological and Hydrological Service), Lima’s coastal temperatures rise steadily through the end of the year. UV exposure is moderate to high, so sun protection matters more than most visitors expect given the hazy skies.
Rainfall and Precipitation in Lima in December
Lima is one of the driest capital cities in the world. December follows that pattern — measurable precipitation is rare, typically under 2–3mm for the entire month. What visitors notice instead is humidity and morning mist — not actual rain or light rain events.
Brief drizzle is possible but not disruptive. There are no storm systems or heavy downpours to plan around. Unlike the Andean highlands — where the wet season is in full effect in December — Lima’s coastal areas carry virtually no flood or rain risk. The Climate-Data.org Lima profile confirms this as one of the driest months for coastal Lima. It is not the rainy season here.
Humidity in Lima in December: Sunshine Hours and Comfort
Relative humidity in Lima sits between 75% and 85% in December, which is noticeable but manageable. It’s not the suffocating heat-index humidity of tropical destinations — the coastal breeze off the Pacific Ocean provides some relief, and sunny days do appear once the morning fog burns off.
Travelers who are sensitive to sticky conditions may find it tiring after extended outdoor time, especially during midday. The fog-to-sun shift in the morning also creates a damp feeling early in the day. Those arriving from dry climates — the Andes, North America, or drier parts of Peru in December — will feel the difference quickly. Lima doesn’t offer the sunshine hours of a classic beach destination, but it’s far from miserable.
Is Lima Busy in December? Tourism Levels Throughout the Year
December starts at a moderate crowd level, then surges in the final two weeks. Visiting Peru during the holidays means competing with both international tourists and domestic travelers — Limeños who have been away return home for the Peruvian Christmas season, and popular restaurants in Miraflores and San Isidro fill up fast.
Expect higher hotel pricing from December 20 onward. Mid-range and boutique properties in central districts book out early. The first two weeks of December offer better availability and lower rates. Compared to other points throughout the year, December is one of the busier months for Lima — though it doesn’t match the peak tourism pressure of Cusco during the same period.
Best Things to Do in Lima in December: Near Lima and Beyond
- Explore Miraflores and Barranco on foot — warm evenings make the clifftop walk and bohemian streets ideal after 5pm
- Relax on the beach at nearby coastal spots — December marks the start of beach season along the coast; Punta Hermosa and Santa María del Mar are popular options near Lima
- Visit Huaca Pucllana — the pre-Inca pyramid is outdoors but manageable in December’s temperatures; night visits are available
- Tour the historic center (Centro Histórico) — UNESCO-listed architecture is best explored in the morning before heat builds
- Eat at a top cevichería — Lima’s restaurant scene is world-class; December is a festive time to experience Peruvian cuisine fully
- Catch a sunset at Larcomar — the clifftop mall offers Pacific Ocean views and a reliable spot to watch Lima’s sunsets
- Visit MATE (Mario Testino Museum) or MALI (Lima Art Museum) — strong indoor options for the foggy morning hours
- Paraglide off the Miraflores cliffs — tandem flights operate year-round; December’s warmer thermals make conditions favorable
Events & Festivals in Peru in December: Cusco and Lima
- Peruvian Christmas and Christmas Eve (December 24–25): Widely celebrated with family gatherings across Lima and Cusco. Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) is the main celebration — most Peruvian families gather for a late-night meal. Major tourist sites generally remain open; restaurants may have limited hours on Christmas Day itself.
- New Year’s Eve (December 31): Large public celebrations along the Malecón and in Miraflores’ Parque Kennedy. Fireworks are visible from most central districts.
- Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8): A national public holiday. Some businesses close; churches hold special masses.
No major outdoor music festivals or large-scale cultural events fall specifically in December. The Peruvian Christmas traditions and holiday energy are the defining atmosphere of the month.
What to Pack for Lima in December
Clothing:
- Lightweight t-shirts and breathable tops
- One light jacket or long-sleeve layer for mornings and coastal evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers
- One slightly dressier outfit for Lima’s upscale restaurant scene
Footwear:
- Comfortable walking shoes are essential — Lima’s neighborhoods require a lot of foot travel
- Sandals work in the afternoon heat; useful if you plan to relax on the beach at any coastal stops
Sun and weather protection:
- Sunscreen SPF 30+ (UV is deceptively strong under hazy skies)
- Sunglasses
- A small daypack for afternoon outings
- Light scarf for air-conditioned restaurants and museums
Seasonal Travel Tips for December
- Go out in the afternoon: Mornings are foggy; afternoons offer the most sunny days and clearest conditions for sightseeing
- Book holiday-week restaurants in advance: Lima’s top dining spots fill up weeks ahead for December 24–January 1
- Check the weather forecast before coastal day trips: A quick forecast for Lima — or a detailed forecast for Lima from a local weather service — helps avoid the foggiest mornings
- Don’t rely on fog as a UV indicator: Hazy skies don’t block UV — sunscreen is necessary even when it doesn’t feel sunny
- Use taxis via app (InDrive, Uber, Cabify): December traffic in Lima gets heavier due to holiday shopping and year-end events
- Know the average wind speed along the Malecón: It’s one of the windiest stretches in the city year-round; bring a light layer for clifftop walks even on warm days
- Check hourly forecasts if you’re planning paragliding or boat tours — conditions can shift quickly along coastal areas
Weather Hazards in Lima in December
Lima in December carries minimal weather risk. There are no tropical storms, no flooding, and no cold-weather hazards.
The primary concerns are:
- UV exposure: Underestimated due to coastal haze; sunburn is common among first-time visitors even on cloudy days
- Humidity fatigue: Extended outdoor time with high relative humidity can tire travelers who aren’t acclimatized
- Holiday traffic: Road congestion during Christmas week significantly affects transfer times to/from Jorge Chávez International Airport
Altitude is not a concern in Lima — the city sits at near sea level. If your trip extends to Andean destinations, altitude becomes a factor there. Temperatures throughout the year in Cusco and the highlands vary dramatically from Lima’s coastal pattern.
Key Takeaways
- The average temperature in Lima in December runs 22°C–26°C (72°F–79°F) — warm, walkable, and comfortable for most travelers
- Precipitation is negligible; Lima is one of the driest capitals in the world and December is firmly outside the wet season
- Mornings tend to be cloudy and foggy; afternoons and evenings offer the best conditions for outdoor activity
- The first two weeks of December offer better hotel rates and fewer crowds than the holiday surge of December 20–31
- Beach season begins in December along coastal areas near Lima — worth a day trip if your schedule allows
- UV exposure is a genuine risk despite hazy skies — pack sunscreen
- Travelers combining Lima with Cusco should plan transfers carefully during the holiday week, when airports and highways are busier
FAQs
Is December a good time to visit Lima, Peru?
Yes — December is a solid time for visiting Peru’s capital. The weather in December brings warm, walkable conditions and a lively holiday atmosphere. The main downside is higher prices and crowds in the final two weeks of the month. The first half of December is the better window for value travelers.
Does it rain in Lima in December?
Barely. Lima receives less than 3mm of precipitation in December on average. What visitors experience is morning fog and coastal humidity — not rain. You won’t need a rain jacket, and the wet season that affects the Peruvian highlands doesn’t apply to Lima’s coastal areas.
How hot does Lima get in December?
Daytime high temperatures typically reach 24–26°C (75–79°F), with highs of 75°F on cooler days and occasional peaks approaching 88°F (31°C) closer to January. Nights cool to around 21°C on warmer evenings and as low as 18°C on cooler ones, which is comfortable for walking without a heavy layer.
Is Lima crowded in December?
Moderately so in early December, and significantly so from December 20 onward. The Peruvian Christmas period brings both domestic and international travelers. Book accommodation and top restaurants well in advance if traveling during this window.
What should I wear in Lima in December?
Light, breathable clothing works for most of the day. Bring one light jacket for mornings and coastal evenings, and sunscreen regardless of whether it looks sunny — Lima’s UV levels are higher than the hazy skies suggest. According to the World Meteorological Organization, coastal cities with persistent cloud cover can still have high UV indexes due to diffuse radiation.
