Visiting Peru in December: Christmas Traditions and Summer Begins on the Coast
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 |
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.
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.
What to Do in December
Lima summer: Mid-December marks the real start of Lima’s beach season. The Costa Verde beaches in Miraflores and the Asia strip south of Lima begin to fill on weekends. Outdoor dining returns to the malecón. The food scene is at its best with full restaurant calendars.
Machu Picchu: Open and operating normally. December is one of the greenest months for the ruins, with lush vegetation and dramatic cloud effects. Below-peak crowds until late December when the Christmas/New Year holiday surge begins. Book tickets and trains well ahead for 24 December–1 January.
Northern coast: Trujillo, Huanchaco, and Chan Chan are warm and dry in December — an excellent time to visit northern Peru if you want to avoid the highland wet season entirely.
Amazon: High-water season building. December is a fine month for Iquitos jungle lodges.
Packing for December
Highlands (Cusco, Christmas events):
- Rain jacket (essential)
- Warm layers for evenings (wet season does not mean warm)
- Waterproof footwear
Lima and Coast:
- Light summer clothing from mid-December
- Swimwear for the beach
- Sunscreen
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. Trails are wet and muddy. Permits available at shorter notice than peak season. Waterproof gear is essential.
Summer-season tip: If you are planning a Lima beach holiday, arriving after 15 December gives you the warmest and sunniest conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is December a good time to visit Peru?
- Depends on your destination. Lima and the northern coast are entering summer — warm, sunny, and excellent from mid-December onward. The highlands (Cusco, Machu Picchu) are in the wet season, with afternoon and overnight rain. Machu Picchu is open; expect rain and fewer crowds than peak season. Christmas in Cusco (24–25 December) is culturally rich.
- What are Christmas traditions in Peru?
- Christmas in Peru mixes Catholic and Andean traditions. The Santuranticuy (Christmas craft fair) in Cusco's Plaza de Armas on 24 December is one of the largest artisan markets in South America — artisans from across the Cusco region sell Nativity figurines (nacimientos), ceramics, and crafts. Midnight Mass (Misa de Gallo) at Cusco Cathedral is a significant event.
- How busy is Peru at New Year?
- New Year (31 December) is busy in Lima and Cusco. Lima's Miraflores and Barranco host outdoor street parties, fireworks over the Malecón, and restaurant celebrations. Cusco's Plaza de Armas is packed on New Year's Eve. Book accommodation for 30–31 December well ahead; prices rise significantly.