Weather in Ayacucho

Planning a trip or a walk around the city? Here you will find the most up-to-date information about the weather in Ayacucho, including detailed forecasts and charts to help you prepare for your journey.

The climate in Ayacucho can be described as temperate and comfortable, typical for the high-altitude Andean regions. There is no extreme heat here, and temperatures remain consistently stable throughout the year. During the day, the air usually warms up to a pleasant +14°C...+16°C, creating ideal conditions for excursions and long walks around the city, though nights always remain cool or even cold.

Two main seasons are clearly distinguishable. The dry period lasts from May to September, when the probability of precipitation is minimal. June and July are the sunniest months, but also the coldest at night, when the thermometer can drop to +3°C. This is the best time for those who prefer clear skies, but tourists should definitely bring warm clothes for the evenings.

The rainy season in Ayacucho falls between December and March. During these months, the number of cloudy and rainy days increases significantly (up to 27–29 days per month), although air temperatures remain quite mild. If you are planning a trip at this time of year, be prepared for frequent rainfall and make sure to bring a reliable raincoat and waterproof shoes.

The climate of Ayacucho is temperate and high-altitude, with relatively mild temperatures throughout the year. The warmest period is from October to December, when averages reach 12.0°C and daily highs rise to a comfortable 16.5°C. This time of year, coinciding with the start of the rainy season, feels pleasant and warm, although high humidity can intensify the perception of heat.

June and July are traditionally considered the coldest months—the height of the Peruvian winter and the dry season. The average temperature at this time drops to 8.8°C. Although the air still warms up to 14–15°C during the day, nights become truly cold: minimum values often fall to 2.8°C – 3.5°C. Thanks to the almost complete absence of precipitation during this period (0–1 mm), days are sunny and clear, but the chill is felt sharply, especially in the shade.

A distinct feature of Ayacucho's temperature pattern is significant daily fluctuation. The difference between daytime warmth and nighttime cold is particularly noticeable during the dry season, when the amplitude can exceed 10–12 degrees. While it may be warm enough for light clothing in the sun during the day, the temperature drops rapidly right after sunset, requiring a warm jacket or sweater. Tourists are advised to dress in layers to feel comfortable at any time of day.

The climate in Ayacucho is characterized by a clear division into wet and dry seasons, which is typical for cities located in the Peruvian Andes. The amount of precipitation and frequency of rain vary significantly here depending on the time of year, so it is important to consider the calendar when planning a trip. The rainiest period traditionally falls at the beginning and end of the year.

The wettest months are January, February, and March. According to statistics, precipitation occurs almost daily during this time: the number of rainy days reaches 28–29 per month. A similar picture is observed in December (27 days with precipitation) and November. In this season, the sky is often cloudy, and rains can be frequent companions for travellers, so waterproof clothing and reliable footwear are a must.

Conversely, the middle of the year offers ideal conditions for those who prefer clear weather. The driest period lasts from June to July. In July, for example, only about 4 rainy days are recorded on average, and rainfall volume is minimal. This time is considered the best for excursions and outdoor walks. Transitional months, such as May and August, are characterized by moderate precipitation frequency, with the number of inclement days varying from 9 to 11.

A trip to Ayacucho requires a thoughtful approach to packing, as the local climate is cool and changeable throughout the year. The best strategy for a tourist is to dress using the layering principle. Since the daytime temperature rarely exceeds +15...+16°C, the basis of your wardrobe should be long-sleeved T-shirts, warm sweaters or fleece jackets, as well as a light jacket. Be sure to bring comfortable, proven flat-soled shoes or trekking boots: the terrain of the city and its surroundings involves long walks.

The contents of your luggage depend heavily on the time of year. If you are planning a trip during the rainy season (December to March), when rain falls almost daily, a high-quality raincoat, umbrella, and waterproof shoes are vital. In the dry season (June to August), there is practically no rain, but nights become truly cold, with temperatures dropping to +3°C. For this period, be sure to bring a warm jacket, scarf, and perhaps even a thin hat for evening outings.

Regardless of the season, remember the specifics of high altitudes: the sun in the mountains of Peru is very active even in cool weather. Your packing list must include sunscreen with a high protection factor (SPF 50+), high-quality sunglasses, and a hat with a brim or visor. We also recommend taking a small backpack, which is convenient for storing extra clothes when the air warms up during the day, and taking them out when it gets colder in the evening.