Lima
About Lima
Lima, the 'City of Kings' and the gastronomic capital of Latin America, presents a unique climatic profile as a coastal desert city. Unlike many tropical destinations, Lima is defined by its two distinct seasons: a warm, sunny summer (December to April) and a cool, misty winter (May to November) dominated by the 'garúa'—a thick, grey sea fog. While the sun-drenched summer months are perfect for beach lovers and coastal dining in Miraflores, the misty winter offers its own charm with lower prices and the peak of Peru's world-class culinary scene. Whether you are hunting for the perfect ceviche, exploring colonial history, or using the city as a gateway to the Andes, understanding Lima's seasonal shifts is essential for a seamless Peruvian adventure.
Fly from Halifax, or anywhere in Atlantic Canada, and discover Lima at its best. We'll show you when to go, what to see, and where to eat, so you can simply enjoy the journey.
December, January, February, March
Summer (December–March)
April, May, June
Autumn / Transition (April–June)
July, August, September
Winter (July–September)
October, November
Spring / Transition (October–November)
What's Included
Seasonal Guide
Complete 12-month breakdown with weather, crowds & pricing
Flights from Halifax
Routes: Halifax — Lima, or via major hubs from Atlantic Canada
Neighborhoods
4 curated areas to stay, from budget to luxury
Budget Guide
Peruvian Sol (PEN) daily budgets: $40–$60 USD to $350+ USD
At a Glance: When to Visit Lima
Best Overall
December–March
Cheapest
May–June, September–October
Busiest
January–February, July
Best Weather
January–March (Warm and Sunny)
For Events
October (Lord of Miracles) and July (Fiestas Patrias)
For Families
January–February
For Couples
December or April
Budget Travel
May and September
From Atlantic Canada
Halifax to Lima.
Month by month.
Everything you need to know about travelling from Canada to Lima — the best seasons, what to pack, and how to save.
Month-by-Month Guide to Lima
January
20°C - 27°C (68°F - 81°F). Peak summer with 6-8 hours of daily sunshine and very low precipitation.
“Best for sun-seekers and those wanting to experience the city's vibrant outdoor lifestyle.”
February
21°C - 28°C (70°F - 82°F). The hottest month of the year with high humidity and clear blue skies.
“Ideal for beach lovers, though the heat can be intense for heavy sightseeing.”
March
20°C - 27°C (68°F - 81°F). Warm and pleasant; the sea temperature is at its highest for swimming.
“The best month for water-based activities and enjoying the tail end of summer crowds.”
April
18°C - 24°C (64°F - 75°F). Transition month. Expect sunny mornings and occasional hazy afternoons.
“A perfect shoulder month with comfortable temperatures and thinning crowds.”
May
16°C - 21°C (61°F - 70°F). The 'garúa' mist begins to settle; humidity levels rise significantly.
“Great for budget travelers and those focused on museums and indoor gastronomy.”
June
15°C - 19°C (59°F - 66°F). Overcast and cool. The sun rarely breaks through the cloud cover.
“Best for foodies who want easier reservations at top-tier restaurants.”
July
14°C - 18°C (57°F - 64°F). One of the coldest months. Damp atmosphere but almost zero actual rainfall.
“A busy, festive month for local culture despite the grey, cool weather.”
August
14°C - 17°C (57°F - 63°F). Peak winter. Consistent grey skies and high humidity make it feel colder than it is.
“Good for travelers who prefer cool weather and want to avoid the summer heat.”
September
14°C - 19°C (57°F - 66°F). Winter starts to break. Occasional sunny spells late in the month.
“The best month for nature enthusiasts to see the surrounding desert bloom.”
October
16°C - 21°C (61°F - 70°F). Known as 'Mes Morado' (Purple Month). Skies begin to clear.
“The best month for cultural immersion and witnessing Lima's deep-rooted traditions.”
November
17°C - 23°C (63°F - 73°F). Spring is in full swing. Blue skies return to the coastline.
“An underrated month with excellent weather and manageable tourist numbers.”
December
19°C - 25°C (66°F - 77°F). Summer begins. Bright, sunny days and festive energy.
“Best for those who love holiday spirit and perfect summer weather.”
Festivals & Events in Lima
Anniversary of Lima
Parades, serenades, and fireworks celebrate the city's founding in 1535.
Plaza de Armas is very crowded; some street closures.Pisco Sour Day
National celebration of Peru's signature cocktail with tastings and fairs.
Bars in Miraflores and Barranco will be packed; great atmosphere.Semana Santa (Holy Week)
Religious processions, especially in the Historic Center.
Domestic travel spikes; book buses/flights out of Lima early.Fiestas Patrias
Independence Day with massive parades and patriotic displays.
Hotels sell out; many locals travel, so the city feels festive but busy.Santa Rosa de Lima
Religious feast day for the patron saint of Peru and the Americas.
Large crowds at the Sanctuary of Santa Rosa in Central Lima.Mistura Food Festival
The largest food fair in Latin America featuring chefs from all over Peru.
Attracts thousands of food tourists; book hotels months in advance.Lord of Miracles (El Señor de los Milagros)
One of the largest Catholic processions in the world; devotees wear purple.
Major traffic disruptions in the city center; very high local attendance.Día de la Canción Criolla
Celebration of traditional coastal music, dance, and food.
Peñas (music clubs) in Barranco sell out; vibrant nightlife.Budget Guide: How Much Does It Cost to Visit Lima?
Peruvian Sol (PEN)
Daily Budget
Peak
$150–$250 (Miraflores/San Isidro)
Off-Peak
$80–$130 (Miraflores/San Isidro)
Prices spike during January–February (local summer) and late July (Independence Day holidays). For the best deals, visit in the shoulder months of May or September.
Where to Stay in Lima by Season
Miraflores
Moderate to PremiumSummer (December–March)
The tourist heart of Lima with ocean views, parks, and high-end shopping.
Barranco
ModerateSpring (October–November)
The bohemian district, perfect for art galleries, boutiques, and nightlife.
San Isidro
PremiumYear-round
The financial and upscale residential district, home to top-tier fine dining.
Historic Center (Cercado de Lima)
Budget to ModerateWinter (July–August)
Best for those who want to be steps away from colonial history and museums.
What to Pack for Lima
Summer
Pro tip: The coastal sun is deceptively strong even when breezy; reapply sunscreen often.
Autumn
Pro tip: Layers are key as the temperature can fluctuate between sun and mist.
Winter
Pro tip: It doesn't rain hard, but the mist is 'wet.' A small travel umbrella can be useful for walks.
Spring
Pro tip: Mornings are still cool, so keep a sweater handy for early tours.
FAQs: Visiting Lima
What is the best month to visit Lima?
The best months are January through March if you want sun and beach weather, or October for cultural festivals and pleasant temperatures.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Lima?
May, June, September, and October are generally the cheapest months for flights and hotels.
What is the weather like in Lima in February?
February is peak summer: hot, humid, and sunny with temperatures reaching 28°C (82°F).
Is Lima worth visiting in winter?
Yes, especially for foodies. The grey weather is the perfect backdrop for exploring Lima’s world-famous restaurants and museums without the summer crowds.
Does it rain in Lima?
Rarely. Lima is a desert city. Instead of rain, it experiences 'garúa,' a persistent fine mist during the winter months.
When is the food festival Mistura held?
Historically held in September, though dates and venues can change. Always check the official calendar for the current year.
Is Lima safe for tourists?
In districts like Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro, it is very safe for tourists, though standard urban precautions against pickpockets should be taken.
How many days should I spend in Lima?
2 to 3 days is usually enough to see the highlights, enjoy the food scene, and explore the historic center before heading to Cusco or the Amazon.
Also Consider: Other Destinations in Peru
United Travels
Want to visit Lima,
but still have questions?
Leave a request and our team will help you plan the perfect trip from Halifax, Atlantic Canada, or anywhere across Canada to Lima.
UNITED TRAVELS