Climate Overview
The climate in Arequipa is temperate. The average annual temperature is 14°C and approximately 826mm of precipitation falls per year. February is the wettest month, receiving around 240mm of rainfall. Arequipa is in the Southern Hemisphere. The seasons are reversed — summer runs from December to February, while winter falls between June and August. The summer months are: September, October, November. The coldest months are July, June, August, when temperatures can drop to 7°C.
Temperature
Arequipa sees moderate temperature variation throughout the year, ranging from 7°C to 21°C. September is the warmest month, though highs remain moderate at 21°C with a mean of 15°C. July is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 7°C and an average of 13°C. On average, daily temperatures fluctuate by about 11°C between overnight lows and afternoon highs.
Precipitation
Arequipa is a moderately rainy area, receiving approximately 826mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 69mm per month. The wettest month is February, averaging 240mm of rainfall. January and March also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is June, with just 0mm. That's 240mm less than February, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic.
Wind
Arequipa is mildly breezy, with an average annual wind speed of 12km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is November, averaging 14km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in April, with average winds dropping to 11km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. Wind conditions are fairly consistent throughout the year, varying by only 3km/h between the calmest and windiest months.
Seasons
90 days until Winter
It is currently autumn in Arequipa, which began on March 20, 2026. Arequipa is in the Southern Hemisphere, where the seasons are reversed — spring starts in September, summer in December, autumn in March, and winter in June. The warmest period peaks in September at around 21°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in July near 7°C. Winter is next, beginning on June 21, 2026 — 90 days from now.
Spring
Temperatures range from 8 to 21°C. Precipitation is minimal, with only around 27mm for the entire season. Winds are generally light, averaging 14km/h. Light layers work well as temperatures warm through the season — a great time to be outdoors.
Summer
Temperatures range from 10 to 20°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 525mm across the season with a monthly average of 175mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 12km/h. Comfortable clothing with a light layer for cooler evenings is all you need.
Autumn
Temperatures range from 8 to 20°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 273mm for the season, averaging 91mm per month. Winds are generally light, averaging 11km/h. A waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear are recommended as rain becomes more frequent.
Winter
Temperatures range from 7 to 20°C. Precipitation is minimal, with only around 2mm for the entire season. Winds are generally light, averaging 11km/h. A light jacket or sweater is usually sufficient, though cooler evenings may call for an extra layer.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Arequipa based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.
