December Weather in Peru
Summer arrives on the coast while the highlands reach mid-wet-season.
| City | Avg High | Avg Low | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lima | 25°C | 18°C | Sunny and warm from mid-December - summer begins |
| Cusco | 19°C | 9°C | Wet season - afternoon and evening rain most days |
| Arequipa | 20°C | 9°C | Some rain, mostly warm |
| Puno | 16°C | 6°C | Rainy, cold nights |
| Trujillo | 27°C | 18°C | Dry, warm - excellent |
| Iquitos | 31°C | 23°C | High-water season building, hot and humid |
Wet Season Peru: The Honest Picture
December is the first full month of rainy season in the Andes, and the rain is real — not a light afternoon shower but sustained downpours that can arrive by 14:00 and continue through the night. The pattern in Cusco and the Sacred Valley is fairly predictable: clear and sunny mornings, cloud building from late morning, rain from mid-afternoon. This gives you a reliable window for outdoor activities, ruins, and trekking if you start early.
What the wet season also delivers is genuinely spectacular scenery. The Andes turn a vivid, saturated green after months of dry brown. The terraces at Machu Picchu, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo are lush. Waterfalls appear that are invisible in June. Cloud effects on the ruins are dramatic rather than disappointing — many visitors prefer the atmosphere of misty Machu Picchu to the clear-sky summer version.
The practical trade-offs: roads in remote areas can become impassable after heavy rain; landslides occasionally close the train line to Aguas Calientes for a day or two; the Inca Trail becomes muddy enough to require gaiters. None of this prevents travel — it just requires flexibility and decent waterproof gear.
Machu Picchu in December
December is one of the quieter months at Machu Picchu, with one significant exception: the 24 December–1 January Christmas and New Year rush. Outside that window, entry slot availability is considerably better than the April–August peak.
What to expect: Morning cloud and mist at the site is common in December, often clearing partially by 09:00–10:00. Afternoons bring rain. The optimal strategy is to take the first bus from Aguas Calientes (departing around 05:30), arrive at the site for sunrise or shortly after, and aim to be at lower elevation by early afternoon. The ruins are wet but not flooded; the stone paths are slippery, so hiking boots with grip are important.
Ticket availability: Much easier than peak season outside the Christmas–New Year surge. Tickets are sold in timed entry slots through machupicchutickets.gob.pe — booking 2–3 weeks ahead is usually sufficient for early December. For the 24 December–1 January window, book as early as possible.
Aguas Calientes in December: The town is pleasant in wet season — less packed, restaurants have tables, and the thermal baths are a welcome end to a rainy day. The train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes operates normally in December; book Peru Rail or Inca Rail in advance during the holiday period.
The Inca Trail in December
The Inca Trail is fully open throughout December. Permit demand in December is a fraction of May–August levels — you can realistically book 4–6 weeks ahead for most departure dates, and some operators have space within 2–3 weeks.
Trail conditions are wet. The stone sections of the classic 4-day trail hold up reasonably well, but the campsite ground is muddy and the higher passes (particularly Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215m) can be cold and rainy. A quality waterproof jacket and waterproof trekking boots are non-negotiable. Gaiters help on the muddier segments.
The reward: the classic views from the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) are cloud-wreathed and atmospheric rather than clear-sky panoramic, but the trail itself is uncrowded and the Andean vegetation is at its most vivid. Most trekkers who complete the Inca Trail in December rate it highly — the solitude is a genuine advantage.
Guided Inca Trail tours in December are available from multiple operators in Cusco; group sizes are smaller than peak season.
Christmas in Peru
Santuranticuy Market, Cusco (24 December): One of the largest artisan markets in South America, filling the Plaza de Armas from early morning on Christmas Eve. Artisans from across the Cusco and Puno regions sell hand-carved Nativity figures (nacimientos), colonial-style santos, miniature ceramics, and traditional textiles. Admission is free; the market runs from approximately 05:00 through the afternoon. A major cultural event unique to Cusco.
Misa de Gallo (Midnight Mass, 24–25 December): Celebrated at Cusco Cathedral and churches across Peru. The Cathedral Mass begins at midnight and draws significant crowds; arrive by 23:00 for a position inside.
Bajada de Reyes (6 January): Epiphany celebrations continue through early January, when the Three Wise Men bring gifts to children in the local tradition.
New Year in Peru
Lima: The coastal Malecón in Miraflores is one of Lima’s best New Year locations — fireworks over the Pacific at midnight, street parties in Parque Kennedy, and restaurant celebrations across Miraflores and Barranco. Book restaurants 4–6 weeks ahead for 31 December. The major hotels in Miraflores organise rooftop events with Pacific views; expect to pay from approximately S/ 400–800 per person for organised dinners.
Cusco: The Plaza de Armas fills with revellers on New Year’s Eve. Fireworks, music, and street food create a festive atmosphere despite the frequent December rain. Hotel prices in Cusco rise significantly for 30–31 December — budget S/ 250–500 per night for mid-range accommodation during this window, compared to S/ 100–200 in early December.
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Lima’s Summer Beach Season
Mid-December marks the real start of Lima’s beach season. The coastal fog (garúa) that blankets Lima from May through November largely disappears, replaced by clear skies and genuine warmth. From around 15 December the change is noticeable: the malecón fills with joggers and families, beach clubs along the Costa Verde open fully, and rooftop bars at Miraflores hotels do their best trade.
Beaches from Lima: The Costa Verde beaches directly below Miraflores and Barranco are accessible by descent from the clifftops. More popular are the Asia beach resort strip approximately 100km south of Lima (crowded with Lima’s upper-middle class on December weekends) and Punta Hermosa, around 45km south — surfable beach breaks and a slightly less packaged atmosphere.
Food and dining: Lima’s restaurant scene is at its most active from December onward. Reservations at top restaurants in Miraflores and Barranco (Maido, Kjolle, Central) book out weeks ahead in December — if you plan to eat at any of them, book before you travel.
Amazon Lodges in December
December is a solid month for the Peruvian Amazon. Iquitos-based lodges on the Amazon and Napo rivers operate normally; high-water season begins building through December, which creates conditions for some wildlife experiences unavailable in dry season.
What changes in high-water season: River access expands dramatically. Lodges can take guests by boat into flooded forest that is entirely inaccessible in July–August. Caimans are visible from the boat more easily. Pink river dolphin sightings from boats become frequent. Piranha fishing is productive in the calmer inundated areas.
Practical notes for Iquitos in December: Book lodge packages that include airport transfers — navigating to lodges independently in high-water season requires local knowledge. Temperatures average 31°C with high humidity; ventilated rooms and mosquito nets are essential. Yellow fever vaccination is required by most lodges and by Peru for entry into jungle areas.
Northern Coast: The Overlooked Option
If you want to skip the highland rain entirely, Peru’s northern coast offers dry and warm conditions throughout December. Trujillo and the beach resort of Huanchaco average 27°C with minimal rain — Chan Chan and the Huaca de la Luna are excellent at this time of year. The colonial city streets of Trujillo are at their most enjoyable in summer warmth. It is one of Peru’s genuinely underrated December destinations.
Packing for December
Highlands (Cusco, Christmas events):
- Rain jacket (essential — waterproof, not just water-resistant)
- Warm layers for evenings (wet season does not mean warm)
- Waterproof footwear and gaiters for trekking
- Dry bags for electronics and camera gear
Lima and Coast:
- Light summer clothing from mid-December
- Swimwear for the beach
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+ for Lima summer)
- Light layer for evenings — sea breeze drops temperatures after sunset
Amazon (Iquitos lodges):
- Long-sleeve light shirts for sun and insect protection
- Strong DEET repellent (30–50%)
- Waterproof sandals for boat boarding
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
Practical Tips
Book early for 24–31 December: Christmas and New Year travel in Peru is busy with domestic travellers. Cusco accommodation for Christmas Eve sells out weeks ahead. Lima hotel prices rise 30–50% for New Year’s Eve.
Inca Trail: Open in December with good availability outside the Christmas–New Year surge. Waterproof gear is essential. Guided tours in Peru are available year-round, and December’s lower permit demand means more flexibility for last-minute bookings.
Shoulder season pricing: Early December (1–20 December) offers some of the best value in the Cusco region. Hotels are cheaper than July–August, permit availability is good, and crowds at Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley are thin. If Christmas celebrations are not a priority, this window is excellent.
Summer-season tip: If you are planning a Lima beach holiday, arriving after 15 December gives you the warmest and sunniest conditions. Early December in Lima can still carry some coastal cloud.
Plan Your December Trip
- Best Time to Visit Peru - How December fits into the wet season and what regions to prioritise.
- Lima Travel Guide - Lima from mid-December is at its sunniest; the coastal neighbourhoods and beach access explained.
- Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - December trails are wet and muddy; what gear to bring and permit availability.
- Cusco Travel Guide - Christmas traditions in Peru’s historic capital; festivals and what’s open over the holidays.
- Paracas Travel Guide - The south coast from late December is warm and clear; ideal for Ballestas Islands wildlife.
Plan Your Trip
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