Monthly weather averages & travel planning

South America › 🇵🇪 Peru › Lima
Updated: March 2026
September is a excellent time to visit Lima (8/10). With 12 daily sunshine hours and only 0 rain days, this month delivers genuinely reliable outdoor conditions, ranking it the sunniest month of the year in Lima. Beach and outdoor-focused visitors will find September ideal, though hotel prices reflect demand and popular sites get crowded by mid-morning. October offers a similar profile at lower hotel rates if dates are flexible. The main practical note: Lima's popular sites are busiest between 10am and 3pm regardless of season. Arriving at opening time or after 4pm makes a significant difference to the experience. Planning tips: book accommodation at least 6-8 weeks ahead, as popular hotels fill quickly during September. Purchasing skip-the-line tickets for major attractions in advance saves meaningful time. If you have flexibility, arriving a few days before or after peak weekends reduces both crowds and prices noticeably.
Based on 30-year climate normals (1991 to 2020), September in Lima averages 21°C by day and 15°C overnight, a range that places it in the temperate middle ground of the year. The month records approximately 12 sunshine hours per day and 2mm of total rainfall across 0 wet days, giving it a sunshine-to-rain ratio that is decidedly favourable for outdoor travel.
21°C
70°F
Avg High
15°C
59°F
Avg Low
0 days
2 mm total
Rain Days
12h
per day avg
Sunshine
82%
Humid
Humidity
The 6°C day-night temperature range is typical for continental climates: a light jacket in the morning that you shed by midday and need again after sunset. At 82% humidity, the 21°C daytime high feels 2-4°C warmer in practice: quick-dry fabrics and shade-seeking between noon and 3pm are the sensible response. UV index averages 6 this month, classed as moderate. Sunscreen is a sensible precaution for extended outdoor time, particularly at midday. Wind averages 15 km/h, light enough to be refreshing on warm days but noticeable in open coastal areas or elevated viewpoints. In Fahrenheit: 70°F average high, 59°F overnight low. Data sourced from Open-Meteo ERA5 climate reanalysis (1991–2020 normals).
Packing for Lima in September means dressing for 21°C days and 15°C evenings. A light cotton tee with a casual overshirt works well at 21°C, the overshirt doubles as a layer for air-conditioned venues. Evening temperatures settle at 15°C, a modest 6°C drop that a light cardigan or denim jacket covers. Comfortable walking trainers are the versatile choice for both outdoor sightseeing and indoor venues. At 82% average humidity, quick-dry synthetic or bamboo fabrics dry overnight and stay comfortable longer than cotton.
Local tip: Layers are more practical than a single heavy garment in Lima. The day-to-evening temperature shift rewards packing a versatile mid-layer you can add or remove as conditions change.
September has no major festivals or public holidays in Lima, which is one of its practical advantages for independent travellers. Attractions run at lower capacity than during peak event periods, queues are shorter, and accommodation is easier to find without needing to book many months in advance. Local restaurants, markets, and transport operate at a relaxed pace, making this an ideal time for visitors who prefer a more authentic, unhurried experience of everyday city life rather than large crowds drawn in by a single major headline event.
Based on 21°C average highs and 0 rainy days
In September, Lima sits in the dry season corridor, as the ITCZ shifts away from the region and trade winds bring drier, more stable air. This produces reliably sunny days reaching 21°C, with lower humidity than the wet months. Overnight lows of 15°C offer a pleasant reprieve from the midday heat. Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 (1991–2020).
Sunshine Hours
The average number of hours per day with direct sunlight. Calculated from satellite measurements. Days with more than 7 hours of sunshine are ideal for outdoor activities. Under 3 hours means overcast conditions dominate.
UV Index
A scale from 0-11+ measuring ultraviolet radiation intensity. UV 0-2: Minimal risk. UV 3-5: Moderate, wear sunscreen. UV 6-7: High, hat and SPF 30+ essential. UV 8-10: Very High, limit midday exposure. UV 11+: Extreme, seek shade between 10am-4pm.
Rain Days
A rain day is counted when precipitation exceeds 0.1mm. This threshold captures even light drizzle. Unlike total rainfall in mm, rain days tells you how often you might need an umbrella, which is useful for planning outdoor activities.
Humidity
Relative humidity as a percentage. Below 40%: Dry, skin and throat may feel parched. 40-60%: Comfortable, ideal for most people. 60-80%: Sticky, light breathable fabrics recommended. Above 80%: Muggy, heat feels more intense; quick-dry clothing is essential.
Lima in September
September ranks 1st sunniest of the year in Lima, with an average 12 daily sunshine hours. The driest months are May, June, and July. January is the hottest month (26°C avg high); August is the coolest (20°C). From here, temperatures rise 1°C into October. Compared to last month (August: 20°C high, 0 rain days), September is warmer and equally dry. September is among the top three sunniest months to visit Lima.
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sun | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26°C | 20°C | 4 | 11h | View |
| February | 26°C | 21°C | 8 | 10h | View |
| March | 26°C | 21°C | 7 | 11h | View |
| April | 25°C | 19°C | 2 | 11h | View |
| May | 23°C | 18°C | 0 | 11h | View |
| June | 21°C | 16°C | 0 | 11h | View |
| July | 21°C | 15°C | 0 | 11h | View |
| August | 20°C | 15°C | 0 | 11h | View |
| September | 21°C | 15°C | 0 | 12h | View |
| October | 22°C | 16°C | 0 | 12h | View |
| November | 23°C | 17°C | 1 | 12h | View |
| December | 24°C | 19°C | 2 | 11h | View |
January
4 rain days, 11h sun
February
8 rain days, 10h sun
March
7 rain days, 11h sun
April
2 rain days, 11h sun
May
0 rain days, 11h sun
June
0 rain days, 11h sun
July
0 rain days, 11h sun
August
0 rain days, 11h sun
September
0 rain days, 12h sun
October
0 rain days, 12h sun
November
1 rain days, 12h sun
December
2 rain days, 11h sun
Data Sources for Lima
Climate normals represent 30-year averages (1991-2020). Individual years may vary.