Weather in Cajamarca

Planning your day in Cajamarca? Check out the latest weather information and detailed forecasts in this section.

The climate of Cajamarca can be characterized as temperate and mountainous, which is typical for cities located in the Peruvian Andes. An atmosphere of "eternal spring" reigns here: the air temperature remains surprisingly stable throughout the year, hovering on average around 12–13°C. Travellers should not expect sweltering heat or severe frosts — days here are usually mild, while nights bring a refreshing coolness.

Instead of the usual four seasons, the year in Cajamarca is divided into dry and wet periods. From June to August, precipitation is minimal, and there are more sunny days, creating excellent conditions for trekking and sightseeing under clear skies. During this time, daytime temperatures reach their maximum values, rising to 18°C.

The rest of the year, especially from October to April, is distinguished by increased humidity and frequent rainfall. The number of rainy days rises significantly during this period; however, it is thanks to this moisture that the city's surroundings are covered in lush greenery. Despite the rain, the weather remains comfortable for visiting if you take care to provide yourself with waterproof clothing in advance.

The climate in Cajamarca is distinguished by remarkable stability, thanks to which the city is often called the land of "eternal spring". Throughout the year, the average air temperature fluctuates within a very narrow range — from 12.5°C to 13.1°C. There is practically no extreme heat or severe cold here, making travel comfortable regardless of the chosen month. The warmest months in terms of daytime indicators are August and September, when the air warms up to 18°C, while the lowest night temperatures (around 7.4°C) are recorded in July.

Seasonality in this region of Peru is expressed not so much in the change of heat and cold, but in the number of sunshine hours and precipitation. In the period that can be conditionally called "winter" (from June to August), the days are clear and sunny with maximum air warming, but the nights become the coolest and crispest. In the "summer" months (from January to March), on the contrary, due to high cloud cover and rains, the daytime temperature holds at the level of 16°C, but nights become slightly milder and warmer, not dropping below 9°C.

Travellers should take into account significant daily temperature fluctuations characteristic of high altitudes. The difference between the daily maximum and nightly minimum can reach 10 degrees, especially in the dry season. While it may be genuinely warm during the day under the bright mountain sun, the air cools down quickly immediately after sunset, so having a warm jacket or sweater for evening walks will be very useful.

Precipitation in Cajamarca has a distinct seasonal character, which is typical for the mountainous terrain of Peru. The year can be roughly divided into a long wet period and a short dry season. Travellers should be prepared for the fact that rain is a frequent occurrence here, and even in the sunniest months, the probability of precipitation remains.

The main rainy season lasts from October to May. According to statistics, the wettest months are March and April, when precipitation is recorded on 29 days of the month. January and December are also characterized by a high frequency of rains (up to 28 days). However, despite the large number of rainy days, the total volume of precipitation in millimetres remains comparatively small, indicating light drizzle or short-term rains characteristic of the region, rather than prolonged downpours.

The driest and most stable period falls in the middle of the year — from June to August. July is considered the most favourable month for a visit, when the number of rainy days drops to a minimum (about 9 days), and the volume of precipitation is only 2 mm. In June and August, rains happen slightly more often (11–15 days), but they are usually insignificant and do not interfere with walks around the city and its surroundings.

When packing for a trip to Cajamarca, it is important to consider the peculiarities of the high-altitude climate, where weather can change throughout the day. Since the average air temperature holds within +12…+13°C all year round, and nights can be quite cool (down to +7°C), the principle of layering in clothing will become your main rule. Bring t-shirts or shirts for daytime walks, but be sure to complement them with a warm sweater, a fleece jacket, and a windbreaker to feel comfortable after sunset or in the early morning.

Particular attention should be paid to protection from precipitation, especially if your trip falls during the period from October to April, when it rains almost daily. At this time, a quality raincoat, a waterproof windbreaker, or a sturdy umbrella are mandatory luggage items. In the dry season (from June to August), there is significantly less precipitation, but the sun in the mountains of Peru is very active year-round. Do not forget to put sunscreen with a high SPF factor, sunglasses, and a hat in your suitcase to avoid burns even in cloudy weather.

For long walks around the historic centre and trips to natural attractions, you will need comfortable, broken-in shoes. The best choice would be trekking boots or sturdy trainers with non-slip soles, which will ensure reliable grip on both city cobblestones and wet trails. We also recommend taking a small city backpack where you can put water and removed outerwear if it gets warmer during the day.