Weather in Lima, Peru in November
Weather in Lima, Peru in November
November is one of the better months to visit Lima, Peru. The city sits on Peru’s central coast, and November falls in the transition between Lima’s dry winter and its warm, hazy summer. Skies are gray and overcast much of the time — Lima’s trademark misty garúa lingers through late morning — but rain is virtually nonexistent and temperatures are climbing. If you’re planning a trip to Peru in November, this is a window worth considering.
This month suits travelers who want mild, walkable weather without the peak-season crowds of July or the high humidity of January. It’s still a good time to visit even without guaranteed sunshine — Lima’s coast delivers comfort and culture without the heat. If your trip extends beyond the city, use this time to research where to stay in Lima early, as November still sees solid occupancy.
Quick Weather Snapshot
- Average high: 19°C (around 70°F), with highs around 21°C by month’s end
- Average low: 14–15°C (57–59°F)
- Rainfall: Very low — less than 5mm for the month
- Relative humidity: 75–85%
- Season: Late shoulder / early spring transition
- Sky conditions: Frequently overcast, especially mornings
- Hours of daylight: Approximately 12 hours
- Crowd level: Low to moderate
- Overall comfort rating: 7/10 — mild and walkable, but gray
What Lima Is Like in November
November in Lima is cloudy, mild, and quiet. The garúa — a fine coastal mist that blankets the city most of the year — is still present in the mornings, but it typically breaks by midday, giving way to hazy sunshine or at least brightening skies. Evenings turn chilly near the coast, especially in Miraflores and Barranco.
For walking and sightseeing, the conditions are generally comfortable. You won’t be fighting heat or dodging downpours. Streets in the historic center and the Malecón coastal walk are manageable at nearly any hour, though the moisture in the air means lighter layers won’t always cut it after dark. By late November, days become slightly sunnier as Lima transitions toward summer.
Temperatures in Lima in November
Temperatures hover in the 18–20°C range for most of the month, occasionally nudging toward 21°C in the final week as summer approaches. The average temperature puts daytime highs around 19°C — around 70°F — making it comfortably mild for exploring on foot. Nights drop to around 14–15°C, which feels chilly when the wind comes off the Pacific.
Direct sun is limited because of persistent cloud cover, so UV exposure is lower than in December or January — but sunscreen is still advisable on clearer afternoons. Sunrise comes around 5:50am in early November, with roughly 12 hours of daylight throughout the month. Compared to October, November is slightly warmer and slightly less overcast.
Rainfall in Lima in November
Lima is one of the driest capital cities on Earth, and Peru in November is no exception on the coast. According to SENAMHI, Peru’s national meteorology service, Lima’s coastal districts receive less than 5mm of total precipitation in November. The chance of rain on any given day is minimal — what falls is typically light rain or drizzle, not a downpour.
Morning mist can leave surfaces damp, but it rarely disrupts outdoor plans. Data from weather stations along Lima’s coast confirm this pattern holds consistently throughout the year. If you’re spending time inland or at elevation — near Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, or Lake Titicaca — November precipitation patterns differ significantly from Lima’s coastal forecast for lima.
Humidity in Lima in November
Relative humidity hovers between 75–85%, consistent with Lima’s year-round oceanic climate. At mild temperatures, this doesn’t feel oppressive — it’s more of a clammy softness in the air than a heavy tropical heat. Travelers sensitive to humidity may notice it more in enclosed spaces or during physical activity. The coast (Miraflores, Barranco) tends to feel slightly more humid than the city center. For most visitors, it’s a minor factor rather than a real discomfort.
Is November a Good Time to Visit Lima? (Tourism Levels)
November is a low-to-moderate tourism month for Lima. International tourist numbers are below the July–August peak, and you’ll find shorter queues at museums, more availability at restaurants, and slightly lower hotel rates. It’s also outside major Peruvian school holiday windows, so domestic tourism is subdued.
The Peru Tourism Board notes that Lima functions year-round as a destination, but November represents a quieter pocket before the southern hemisphere summer begins driving uptick. For travelers asking whether it’s a good time to visit Peru in November more broadly — including the interior — it depends on your itinerary. Lima is easy; Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley are entering their wet season.
Best Things to Do in Lima in November
- Walk the Malecón Cisneros in Miraflores — the clifftop path above the Pacific is pleasant in mild temperatures; sunrise from here is worth the early start
- Visit Larco Museum — a world-class pre-Columbian collection displaying artifacts from ancient ruins across Peru, entirely indoors and weather-independent
- Explore Barranco — galleries, cafés, and the Puente de los Suspiros are all easily walkable; ideal for recreation on a dry afternoon
- Tour the Historic Center (Centro Histórico) — Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral, and San Francisco Convent are accessible throughout the year
- Eat at Lima’s top restaurants — November’s lower tourist numbers mean slightly easier reservations at Central, Maido, or Astrid y Gastón
- Day trip to Pachacámac — the pre-Inca ruin site is about an hour south and best visited in dry conditions; a straightforward half-day excursion
- Visit MATE (Mario Testino Museum) — rotating photography exhibitions in Barranco, ideal for a cloudy morning
- Surfing at Punta Hermosa — active conditions in November; scenic even if you’re watching
Explore Nearby Peru: Day Trips and Itinerary Ideas
Lima is a natural base for exploring nearby destinations, and November is still a good time to venture out — provided you plan for regional weather variation.
Pachacámac ruins — The closest significant ruin site to Lima, about 31km south. Easy to fold into a one-day Lima itinerary without disrupting your base.
Machu Picchu — November sits at the edge of the wet season for this region. Machu Picchu is still accessible, and crowds are thinner than in the dry months of June–August. Expect some rain and mist around the ruins, but the landscape is lush and dramatic. Many travelers find this an acceptable trade-off. Budget at least 2 extra days in your itinerary for travel from Lima via Cusco.
Sacred Valley — The Sacred Valley, like Machu Picchu, enters its wetter period in November. Ruins at Pisac and Ollantaytambo are still fully visitable; afternoon showers are common. The valley’s landscape is green and photogenic. Factor in the altitude when planning.
Lake Titicaca — Titicaca in November sees increasing rainfall, but the lake and its floating islands remain one of Peru’s most extraordinary experiences throughout the year. Puno, the gateway city for Lake Titicaca, also hosts local festivals in early November — November 1 and November 2 (Día de los Muertos) are observed with significant community ceremonies around the lake. Plan an overnight stay minimum; a day trip from Lima is not feasible.
Events & Festivals in November
November is not a high-event month in Lima itself, but Peru in November has two culturally significant dates worth noting:
- November 1 (All Saints’ Day) and November 2 (Día de los Muertos) — Observed across Peru with cemetery visits, offerings, and family gatherings. Around Lake Titicaca, these dates take on particular resonance with local festivals and community ceremonies.
- Lima local festivals — Lima’s cultural venues run rotating exhibitions and theater programming, but no major city-wide festivals fall in November. Check Lima’s municipal cultural calendar closer to your travel dates.
What to Pack for Lima in November
Clothing:
- Light to medium layers — a cardigan or light sweater for evenings
- Jeans or trousers (shorts are fine midday but can feel chilly at night)
- One light jacket or windbreaker for coastal walks
Footwear:
- Comfortable walking shoes — the city requires a lot of pavement
- Avoid sandals for full-day outings; mornings can be damp
Sun & rain protection:
- SPF 30+ sunscreen for clearer afternoons (UV is still present through cloud cover)
- A compact umbrella or light packable rain jacket — useful for mist, not downpours
- Sunglasses (more useful toward month’s end as skies grow sunnier)
Seasonal Travel Tips for November
- Start sightseeing by 11am — the morning garúa typically lifts by then, giving you the best light and a clearer picture of the day’s forecast for Lima ahead
- Check an hourly forecast before heading out — Lima’s weather can shift between morning mist and afternoon brightness; planning by the hour helps
- Book restaurants ahead — Lima’s dining scene draws travelers year-round; tables at top spots fill regardless of season
- Dress in layers, not just warm — the shift from a heated restaurant to a cool coastal evening can be dramatic
- Lima’s districts vary in feel — Miraflores is tourist-ready and polished; Barranco is bohemian; the Centro is gritty and historic. Allocate separate half-days to each
- If extending to Machu Picchu or the Sacred Valley, book trains and entry tickets well in advance — even in shoulder season, availability tightens
- Currency — have both soles and a Visa card; not all vendors accept cards
Weather Hazards in Lima in November
Lima in November carries minimal weather risk. There are no tropical storms, no flooding in the coastal districts, and no meaningful cold exposure at sea level. The main considerations:
- Damp mornings — garúa can make sidewalks slippery and visibility slightly low; take care on older paving in the Centro
- UV risk — even with cloud cover, UV levels at Lima’s latitude can exceed what feels expected; use sunscreen on clearer days
- Altitude — not applicable for Lima (sea level), but if your itinerary extends to Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, or Lake Titicaca, altitude sickness is a separate and significant concern to plan for well in advance
Key Takeaways
- November is a dry, mild, low-crowd month — a practical window for visiting Lima, Peru
- The average temperature peaks around 19°C (around 70°F), with lows near 14–15°C
- Expect roughly 12 hours of daylight and misty mornings that often clear by midday
- Rainfall is essentially absent in Lima — less than 5mm for the month, with a minimal chance of rain
- It’s still a good time to visit even without guaranteed sunshine — comfort and value are both solid
- Extending to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, or Lake Titicaca is doable but requires planning for wetter, higher-altitude conditions
- Pack layers, not heavy clothing — and expect gray skies more often than blue
FAQs
Is November a good time to visit Lima, Peru?
Yes, November is a solid choice for most travelers. The average temperature is comfortable at around 70°F, crowds are manageable, and the city’s top attractions — museums, food, and nearby ruins — are fully operational. It’s not a sunshine-guaranteed month, but it’s a practical and underrated window for visiting Peru.
What is the forecast for Lima in November?
Lima’s forecast for November shows dry, mild, and overcast conditions. Average highs sit near 19°C (around 70°F), with relative humidity between 75–85% and less than 5mm of total precipitation for the month. Light rain or mist is possible in mornings, but significant weather disruption is rare.
What should I wear in Lima in November?
Light layers are the right call. Days are mild enough for a t-shirt and jeans; evenings near the coast turn chilly and require a jacket or cardigan. Avoid packing heavy winter gear — it won’t be needed — but don’t leave layers behind entirely.
Is it worth visiting Machu Picchu from Lima in November?
Yes, with caveats. November sits at the start of the wet season around Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, so expect some rain around the ruins. Crowds are thinner than peak season, prices are lower, and the landscape is vivid green. Build extra time into your itinerary for travel and weather flexibility.
Is Lima crowded in November?
No. November sees below-average tourist numbers compared to the July–August peak and the December holiday rush. You’ll find shorter lines, more restaurant availability, and better hotel value. It’s one of the more relaxed windows to experience the city throughout the year.
