Lima in summer—from December to April—is the best time to experience Peru’s capital. The characteristic coastal fog lifts, revealing blue skies and sunshine, making this season perfect for enjoying the Pacific Ocean and the city’s green spaces.
If your trip to Peru is planned during these warm months, focusing on coastal activities and day trips from Lima will give you the most rewarding experience.
Embrace the Coast: Sun, Sand, and Surf in Lima in Summer
The summer sun is your invitation to enjoy the Pacific coastline. While districts like Miraflores are better known by tourists for these activities, you can find high quality experiences along the whole Costa Verde.
- Paragliding: The summer air is ideal for launching yourself off the seaside cliffs. This activity gives you a stunning, 10-minute bird’s-eye view of the city’s crescent-shaped coastline, a perspective only possible when the weather is clear.
- Surfing Lessons: Lima’s beaches, particularly spots like Makaha and Waikiki (in Miraflores), are excellent for beginners and intermediate surfers. Warmer water temperatures in summer make getting into a wetsuit much easier, and numerous surf schools offer hourly lessons.
- Beach Time: For swimming and sunbathing right in the metropolitan area, the best beaches are located in Magdalena del Mar and Chorrillos.
- Magdalena del Mar offers a great coastal spot for sunbathing and a more relaxed atmosphere.
- Chorrillos is home to Playa Agua Dulce, a classic and popular destination for locals and families, featuring a wide sandy area perfect for swimming and beach games.
Explore by District: Culture and Local Life
Even with the focus on the coast, several key districts offer essential cultural activities that are excellent in the summer months, often providing a welcome break from the midday heat.
Pueblo Libre: Revolutionary History in Lima
Pueblo Libre is an historical and cultural powerhouse in Lima. It consistently ranks among Lima’s safest districts and provides a quieter retreat. Its historical significance, as the ‘Village of the Liberators‘, makes it a must-see for anyone interested in Peru’s past.
- Larco Museum: This is one of Pueblo Libre’s best known attractions. Housed in a colonial mansion, the museum displays an outstanding collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, including gold, silver, and ceramics. The garden setting and the on-site restaurant are perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
- National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History of Peru: A deep dive into Peru’s ancient and modern history, featuring items from every major pre-Inca and Inca civilization.
- Antigua Taberna Queirolo: Visit Lima’s oldest bar, operating since 1880. It’s an atmospheric spot to try traditional Peruvian drinks like Pisco and enjoy Peruvian criollo cuisine.
- Quinta de los Libertadores: A historical mansion that served as a key residence for independence leaders, including José de San Martín and Simón Bolívar.
- Mateo Salado Archaeological Complex: Explore this large pre-Inca pyramid complex, a significant adobe structure located within the modern city limits.
Travel Tip: To save yourself the need to rush around and to give yourself time to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy Lima’s fantastic summer weather, we recommend allocating 2 days to your travel itinerary for Pueblo Libre. And combining the Larco Museum with Mateo Salado as a tour on day one. While doing the MNAAHP and other sites on a walking tour of Pueblo Libre the following day.
Magdalena del Mar: The Local’s Coast in Lima
Magdalena del Mar offers a grounded, local experience away from the tourist crowds. It’s well-organized and located conveniently near the ocean.
- Coastal Boardwalk: Take a walk or go for a run along the well-kept coastal path, offering uncrowded views of the Pacific Ocean.
- Mercado de Magdalena: Visit this colossal market to sample and buy local produce and rare Peruvian fruits. Plus, the Magdalena Market and it’s surrounds are one of the most popular foodie destinations in Lima!
Essential Heritage: The UNESCO Historic Centre of Lima
No visit to Lima is complete without spending time in the UNESCO-listed Historic Centre. While exploring on a sunny day, remember to seek out the cool stone interiors of the area’s famous buildings.
- Plaza Mayor (Plaza de Armas): The city’s founding square, surrounded by the Government Palace, the Cathedral of Lima, and the Archbishop’s Palace. It is the core of Spanish Colonial architecture in the city.
- San Francisco Convent and Catacombs: Tour the 17th-century church and library before descending into the eerie underground catacombs, a unique sight on a warm day.
- Pedestrian Streets: Stroll along Jirón de la Unión to take in the colonial balconies and architecture, a central boulevard of shops and life leading to the main square.
Day Trips from Lima: Adventure Outside the Capital
Summer is the ideal time to take advantage of the sunny weather by exploring destinations south and north of the city. The clear skies greatly enhance the coastal views and desert landscapes.
Paracas and Huacachina Oasis from Lima
This is the most popular day trip, combining marine wildlife with desert adventure. Yet, it’s definitely worth getting an early start in the summer.
- Ballestas Islands (Paracas): A boat tour takes you past the islands to see sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and thousands of sea birds in their natural habitat. The water is warmer, calmer and the visibility is much better in the summer. In winter, it can be a less than fun experience.
- Huacachina: Visit the only natural desert oasis in South America, where you can take an exhilarating dune buggy ride and try sandboarding on towering sand dunes. The heat is less intense than in the middle of the year, making these activities more enjoyable.
Huacho and the Lomas de Lachay from Lima
For a different coastal feel and a breath of fresh air, consider heading north.
- Huacho: This coastal city offers a quieter look at Peruvian beach life. Try local specialties in Huacho’s local markets or enjoy a fresh seafood dish right on the waterfront.
- Lomas de Lachay National Reserve: Although the ‘lomas’ (hills) are at their greenest in the winter (due to coastal fog), summer offers clear views and a pleasant environment for hiking and bird-watching without the dense fog cover. It’s an interesting contrast to the dry desert south of Lima.
Travel Tip: While Huacho can be visited in a day, it’s often worth staying overnight in Huacho (perhaps even 2 nights). And then visiting Caral and Bandurria from Huacho, before returning to Lima.
Your Summer in Lima
Lima in the summer transforms into a sun-drenched coastal city, making it a truly exceptional summer destination. Particularly during the Christmas and New Years holidays. While Lima’s key historical sites and museums are a must-see, the real benefit of the summer season in Lima, is the perfect climate for outdoor activities.
From riding a wave to gliding over the city cliffs or exploring the iconic desert and coast on a day trip, plan your activities around the beautiful weather to get the most out of your Peruvian experience. And do consider allocating a longer period of 7 days or more in the summer season.
