Best and Worst Months to Visit Arequipa: Weather and Seasonal Guide
Quick Weather Answer: Best and Worst Time to Visit Arequipa
The best time to visit Arequipa for weather is usually January, when average daytime temperatures are around 66F (19C) and nights are near 44F (7C). The worst time to visit Arequipa is usually January, because the weather is less comfortable for long walks, outdoor sightseeing, and casual transit-heavy days.
- Best month for weather: January
- Worst month for weather: January
- Most comfortable season: Spring
- Hottest month: November, with average highs near 69F (21C)
- Coldest month: July, with average lows near 37F (3C)
- Rainiest month: February, with about 1.6 inches of rain
- Driest month: June, with about 0.0 inches of precipitation
- Most unpredictable weather period: the shoulder months, when heat, wind, and occasional dust or storms can vary
- Best weather for a first-time trip: January, February, and March
What Is the Weather Like in Arequipa?
Arequipa has a climate with meaningful month-to-month changes. Summers can be warm or hot, winters are cooler, and spring and fall often decide whether a trip feels smooth or weather-complicated. The Arequipa climate by month shows average highs from about 65F (18C) in the coolest part of the year to about 69F (21C) in the hottest part. Annual precipitation averages roughly 5.8 inches.
Weather in Arequipa changes the feel of the city because this is a place where comfort depends on more than the number on a forecast. A mild month can make metro transfers, neighborhood walks, outdoor meals, and photography feel easy. A difficult month can make the same itinerary feel slower, sweatier, colder, wetter, or more dependent on indoor breaks.
Best Month to Visit Arequipa for Weather
January is the best month to visit Arequipa for weather in a typical year. Average daytime highs are near 66F (19C), while nights are around 44F (7C). Precipitation averages 1.4 inches, so the month is usually more comfortable than the wetter, hotter, or colder parts of the year.
What makes January stand out is balance. It is not necessarily perfect every day, but it usually gives travelers the best combination of outdoor comfort, manageable weather risk, and enough flexibility for a first-time trip. If hotel prices or crowds rise during this period, that popularity is at least partly weather-driven.
Worst Month to Visit Arequipa for Weather
January is the worst month to visit Arequipa from a pure weather perspective. Average highs are around 66F (19C), and nights are near 44F (7C). The month also brings some rain, averaging about 1.4 inches, which can make long outdoor days less comfortable.
The issue is not one dramatic hazard but the overall comfort level. The month is simply less easy than the better parts of the year. Lower hotel prices or fewer visitors can make January acceptable for flexible travelers, but it is not the month I would choose for the best weather in Arequipa.
Arequipa Weather by Season
Spring Weather in Arequipa
In Arequipa, spring covers September, October, and November in local weather terms. Daytime highs typically run from 68F (20C) to 69F (21C), with nights from about 40F (4C) to 42F (6C). Across the season, precipitation averages around 0.6 inches. This is one of the more comfortable stretches of the year for walking, transit transfers, outdoor meals, and photography. The best spring month for weather is usually September, while September is the least comfortable part of the season.
Summer Weather in Arequipa
In Arequipa, summer covers December, January, and February in local weather terms. Daytime highs typically run from 66F (19C) to 68F (20C), with nights from about 44F (6C) to 44F (7C). Across the season, precipitation averages around 3.6 inches. This is one of the more comfortable stretches of the year for walking, transit transfers, outdoor meals, and photography. The best summer month for weather is usually December, while December is the least comfortable part of the season.
Fall Weather in Arequipa
In Arequipa, fall covers March, April, and May in local weather terms. Daytime highs typically run from 66F (19C) to 67F (20C), with nights from about 39F (4C) to 44F (7C). Across the season, precipitation averages around 1.4 inches. This is one of the more comfortable stretches of the year for walking, transit transfers, outdoor meals, and photography. The best fall month for weather is usually March, while March is the least comfortable part of the season.
Winter Weather in Arequipa
In Arequipa, winter covers June, July, and August in local weather terms. Daytime highs typically run from 65F (18C) to 66F (19C), with nights from about 37F (3C) to 38F (3C). Across the season, precipitation averages around 0.2 inches. This is one of the more comfortable stretches of the year for walking, transit transfers, outdoor meals, and photography. The best winter month for weather is usually June, while June is the least comfortable part of the season.
Arequipa Weather by Month: What to Expect
January in Arequipa
January in Arequipa typically brings daytime highs around 66F (19C) and nighttime lows near 44F (7C). Expect some rain, averaging about 1.4 inches, and average winds near 6 mph. In real life, the month feels usable but changeable, with enough mild weather for outdoor plans and enough cool or wet spells to require backup layers.
Outdoor comfort is the best of the year for most travelers. Pack comfortable layers, a light jacket. Verdict: January is one of the best weather months in Arequipa.
February in Arequipa
February in Arequipa typically brings daytime highs around 66F (19C) and nighttime lows near 44F (7C). Expect some rain, averaging about 1.6 inches, and average winds near 6 mph. In real life, the month feels usable but changeable, with enough mild weather for outdoor plans and enough cool or wet spells to require backup layers.
Outdoor comfort is very comfortable for most travelers. Pack comfortable layers, a light jacket. Verdict: February is a good month for weather in Arequipa.
March in Arequipa
March in Arequipa typically brings daytime highs around 66F (19C) and nighttime lows near 44F (7C). Expect some rain, averaging about 1.1 inches, and average winds near 5 mph. In real life, the month feels usable but changeable, with enough mild weather for outdoor plans and enough cool or wet spells to require backup layers.
Outdoor comfort is very comfortable for most travelers. Pack comfortable layers, a light jacket. Verdict: March is a good month for weather in Arequipa.
April in Arequipa
April in Arequipa typically brings daytime highs around 67F (20C) and nighttime lows near 42F (6C). Expect dry weather, with only about 0.2 inches of rain, and average winds near 5 mph. In real life, the month feels usable but changeable, with enough mild weather for outdoor plans and enough cool or wet spells to require backup layers.
Outdoor comfort is very comfortable for most travelers. Pack comfortable layers, a light jacket. Verdict: April is a good month for weather in Arequipa.
May in Arequipa
May in Arequipa typically brings daytime highs around 66F (19C) and nighttime lows near 39F (4C). Expect dry weather, with only about 0.1 inches of rain, and average winds near 5 mph. In real life, the month feels usable but changeable, with enough mild weather for outdoor plans and enough cool or wet spells to require backup layers.
Outdoor comfort is very comfortable for most travelers. Pack comfortable layers, a light jacket. Verdict: May is a good month for weather in Arequipa.
June in Arequipa
June in Arequipa typically brings daytime highs around 65F (18C) and nighttime lows near 37F (3C). Expect dry weather, with only about 0.0 inches of rain, and average winds near 5 mph. In real life, the month feels usable but changeable, with enough mild weather for outdoor plans and enough cool or wet spells to require backup layers.
Outdoor comfort is very comfortable for most travelers. Pack comfortable layers, a light jacket. Verdict: June is a good month for weather in Arequipa.
July in Arequipa
July in Arequipa typically brings daytime highs around 65F (18C) and nighttime lows near 37F (3C). Expect dry weather, with only about 0.1 inches of rain, and average winds near 5 mph. In real life, the month feels usable but changeable, with enough mild weather for outdoor plans and enough cool or wet spells to require backup layers.
Outdoor comfort is very comfortable for most travelers. Pack comfortable layers, a light jacket. Verdict: July is a good month for weather in Arequipa.
August in Arequipa
August in Arequipa typically brings daytime highs around 66F (19C) and nighttime lows near 38F (3C). Expect dry weather, with only about 0.1 inches of rain, and average winds near 5 mph. In real life, the month feels usable but changeable, with enough mild weather for outdoor plans and enough cool or wet spells to require backup layers.
Outdoor comfort is very comfortable for most travelers. Pack comfortable layers, a light jacket. Verdict: August is a good month for weather in Arequipa.
September in Arequipa
September in Arequipa typically brings daytime highs around 68F (20C) and nighttime lows near 40F (4C). Expect dry weather, with only about 0.2 inches of rain, and average winds near 6 mph. In real life, this is one of the easier kinds of city weather, with comfortable walking conditions and only limited weather friction.
Outdoor comfort is very comfortable for most travelers. Pack comfortable layers, a light jacket. Verdict: September is a good month for weather in Arequipa.
October in Arequipa
October in Arequipa typically brings daytime highs around 69F (21C) and nighttime lows near 41F (5C). Expect dry weather, with only about 0.3 inches of rain, and average winds near 6 mph. In real life, this is one of the easier kinds of city weather, with comfortable walking conditions and only limited weather friction.
Outdoor comfort is very comfortable for most travelers. Pack comfortable layers, a light jacket. Verdict: October is a good month for weather in Arequipa.
November in Arequipa
November in Arequipa typically brings daytime highs around 69F (21C) and nighttime lows near 42F (6C). Expect dry weather, with only about 0.2 inches of rain, and average winds near 6 mph. In real life, this is one of the easier kinds of city weather, with comfortable walking conditions and only limited weather friction.
Outdoor comfort is very comfortable for most travelers. Pack comfortable layers, a light jacket. Verdict: November is a good month for weather in Arequipa.
December in Arequipa
December in Arequipa typically brings daytime highs around 68F (20C) and nighttime lows near 44F (6C). Expect dry weather, with only about 0.6 inches of rain, and average winds near 6 mph. In real life, the month feels usable but changeable, with enough mild weather for outdoor plans and enough cool or wet spells to require backup layers.
Outdoor comfort is very comfortable for most travelers. Pack comfortable layers, a light jacket. Verdict: December is a good month for weather in Arequipa.
Month-by-Month Weather Table for Arequipa
| Month | Temperature | Rain/Snow | Weather Comfort | What to Pack | Weather Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 66F (19C) / 44F (7C) | 1.4 in precip. | Best weather of the year | comfortable layers, a light jacket | Best weather of the year |
| February | 66F (19C) / 44F (7C) | 1.6 in precip. | Very comfortable | comfortable layers, a light jacket | Very comfortable |
| March | 66F (19C) / 44F (7C) | 1.1 in precip. | Very comfortable | comfortable layers, a light jacket | Very comfortable |
| April | 67F (20C) / 42F (6C) | 0.2 in precip. | Very comfortable | comfortable layers, a light jacket | Very comfortable |
| May | 66F (19C) / 39F (4C) | 0.1 in precip. | Very comfortable | comfortable layers, a light jacket | Very comfortable |
| June | 65F (18C) / 37F (3C) | 0.0 in precip. | Very comfortable | comfortable layers, a light jacket | Very comfortable |
| July | 65F (18C) / 37F (3C) | 0.1 in precip. | Very comfortable | comfortable layers, a light jacket | Very comfortable |
| August | 66F (19C) / 38F (3C) | 0.1 in precip. | Very comfortable | comfortable layers, a light jacket | Very comfortable |
| September | 68F (20C) / 40F (4C) | 0.2 in precip. | Very comfortable | comfortable layers, a light jacket | Very comfortable |
| October | 69F (21C) / 41F (5C) | 0.3 in precip. | Very comfortable | comfortable layers, a light jacket | Very comfortable |
| November | 69F (21C) / 42F (6C) | 0.2 in precip. | Very comfortable | comfortable layers, a light jacket | Very comfortable |
| December | 68F (20C) / 44F (6C) | 0.6 in precip. | Very comfortable | comfortable layers, a light jacket | Very comfortable |
Hottest Time of Year in Arequipa
The hottest time of year in Arequipa is usually April, August, September, October, November, and December. The hottest month in Arequipa is November, with average highs near 69F (21C) and nights around 42F (6C). If humidity or strong sun is present, the heat can feel more demanding than the average high suggests.
Early mornings and evenings are usually better than midafternoon during this period. If the hot months overlap with summer vacation or peak travel, the city may still be busy, but from a weather perspective this is not automatically the most comfortable time to visit.
Coldest Time of Year in Arequipa
The coldest time of year in Arequipa is usually May, June, July, August, and September. The coldest month in Arequipa is July, with average lows near 37F (3C) and daytime highs around 65F (18C). Snow is not the main issue, but cool mornings, wind, rain, or shorter daylight can still affect comfort.
Rainiest, Snowiest, or Most Humid Months in Arequipa
The rainiest month is usually February, with about 1.6 inches of rain. This is the month when showers, humidity, storms, or wet pavement are most likely to shape the trip. It can still be possible, but it is less reliable for outdoor-heavy plans.
Driest and Clearest Months in Arequipa
The driest month in Arequipa is usually June, with about 0.0 inches of precipitation. The broader dry-weather window often includes May, June, and August. These months are generally better for walking, photos, outdoor meals, and day trips because the odds of weather interruptions are lower.
Most Unpredictable Weather Period in Arequipa
The most unpredictable weather period in Arequipa is usually the shoulder months, when heat, wind, and occasional dust or storms can vary. During this stretch, travelers should expect the forecast to matter more than the calendar. Pack flexible layers, check conditions before long walks, and avoid building a trip around only one kind of weather.
Best Weather for First-Time Visitors
For a first-time trip, the best weather window is usually January, February, and March. This period gives the strongest balance of mild temperatures, manageable rain, outdoor comfort, and enough daylight for a relaxed city schedule. It is also the period most likely to answer the question of when is the weather best in Arequipa without asking travelers to tolerate the year’s worst heat, cold, or wet weather.
When to Avoid Arequipa Because of Weather
Consider avoiding January if your trip depends on comfortable walking weather. These months are more likely to be too hot, too cold, too wet, too snowy, or simply less pleasant than the better parts of the year.
Families with kids, older travelers, photographers, and visitors who want to walk a lot should be especially careful with the worst weather months. Travelers who dislike heat should avoid the hottest stretch around April, August, September, October, November, and December; travelers who dislike cold should avoid the coldest stretch around May, June, July, August, and September; travelers who dislike rain should be cautious around February.
Final Weather Verdict: When Should You Visit Arequipa?
The best month to visit Arequipa for weather is January. The worst month to visit Arequipa is January. The best season overall is usually Spring, while the best mild-weather period for a first-time visitor is January, February, and March.
If you want the best month to visit Arequipa, choose the month that gives you comfortable daytime temperatures and the lowest risk of weather disrupting outdoor plans. If you are comparing Arequipa weather by month, do not look only at the hottest month in Arequipa or the coldest month in Arequipa. Rain, snow, wind, humidity, and daylight can matter just as much.
For most travelers, the practical answer is simple: visit during the comfortable middle of the Arequipa seasons, avoid the most extreme month if you can, and pack for the specific weather pattern of your chosen dates.
