The climate in Peru is as diverse as its landscapes, but can be split into three broad areas which are linked by their geographical position – the Coast, the Highlands and the Amazon. Coastal Peru is the narrow stretch of land hemmed in between the Pacific Ocean and the high Andes. The cool Humbolt current runs along the cost in a deep ocean trench and in winter cover this arid terrain in a thick layer of cloud and drizzle, known as garua. Humidity in these areas produces a sensation of cold, although temperatures rarely dip below 12°C. During the summer temperatures can reach 30°C. The Coast’s central and southern sections two clear seasons. Winter, from April to October and summer, from November to March. As the north coast is not affected by the cold Humbolt current, it enjoys sunshine and warm temperatures for most of the year, reaching 35°C in the summer. Here, the rainy season runs from November to March, though the amount of rainfall is relatively small. The Highlands of Peru have a dry season from April to October, marked by dry sunny days, cool nights and a rainy season from November to March, when there are frequent heavy rains. Temperatures in the mountains are incredibly variable, and it is not unusual for the temperature at midday to be around 24°C, before plunging to -3°C at night. Amazonian Peru can be divided into two differentiated areas: the cloud forest (above 700m) and the lowland jungle (below 700 m). The cloud forest a subtropical, balmy climate, with heavy rain showers (around 3000 mm a year) between November and March, and sunny days from April to October. The lowland jungle has a dry season from April to October, with sunshine and high temperatures often topping 35°C. Humidity tends to be high year round in the jungle, although in the regions there can be cold spells known locally as friajes or surazos. These cold fronts that drift up from the far south of the continent between May and August, can see temperatures drop to a refreshing 8-12°C. Remember that even in the dry season you may need your waterproofs – this part of the world is called the Rainforest for a reason! |