Weather in Juliaca

Find out what to expect from nature to ensure your stay in Peru is as comfortable as possible. Here you will find the latest information on meteorological conditions, charts, and the current weather forecast for the city of Juliaca.

The climate of the city of Juliaca can be described as cold and semi-arid, which is typical for the high-altitude regions of the Andes. There is no scorching heat here: throughout the year, the average daytime temperature remains within quite stable and comfortable limits of +14°C to +17°C. However, travellers should be prepared for significant temperature fluctuations throughout the day — nights here are always cool, and in certain months, even frosty.

The weather in the region is clearly divided into two distinct seasons: dry and wet. The dry period lasts from May to August and coincides with winter in the Southern Hemisphere. During this time, precipitation is practically absent, and days are sunny, but night-time temperatures often drop below freezing, reaching a minimum in June and July. This is an ideal time for those who prefer clear skies but are ready to dress warmly in the evenings.

The wet season falls on the summer months, from December to March. During this period, the number of rainy days increases sharply — in January and March, precipitation can occur almost daily. Despite the frequent rains and cloudiness, the nights become noticeably milder and warmer than in the dry season, and the air temperature rarely drops below +5°C. In general, the weather in Juliaca requires tourists to have warm clothing at any time of the year.

The climate in the city of Juliaca is distinguished by coolness and a significant temperature amplitude, characteristic of the high-altitude regions of the Andes. Throughout the year, there is no exhausting heat here: annual average figures fluctuate within a very modest range. The warmest month, based on a combination of factors, is November, when the daytime maximum reaches an average of +17.5°C. The coldest period occurs in June and July, when the average daily temperature is around +7°C.

The summer season, which in this region coincides with the rainy period (from December to March), brings moderately warm weather. During the day, the air warms up to +14...+15°C, while nights remain cool but without frost, with temperatures around +5°C. The winter months (from June to August), on the contrary, are characterised by dry weather and clear days. Interestingly, it can be even warmer during the day at this time than in summer (up to +15...+16°C); however, the nights become truly harsh: the temperature regularly drops below zero, reaching marks of -1.3°C.

A characteristic feature of the weather in Juliaca is the sharp temperature changes between daylight and dark hours. This is especially pronounced in the dry winter season, when the difference between the daytime maximum and the night-time minimum can exceed 16 degrees. For example, in August, after a comfortable +16.9°C during the day, the air cools down practically to zero by night. Travellers are recommended to carry warm clothing even for summer trips to feel comfortable after sunset.

The climate in this high-altitude region is distinguished by pronounced seasonality, so it is important to consider the precipitation schedule when planning a trip. Juliaca is characterised by a clear division of the year into wet and dry periods. The rainiest time is the beginning of the year: from January to March, precipitation is a frequent occurrence here. March stands out in particular, when up to 30 rainy days are recorded, making a high-quality raincoat and waterproof footwear a necessity for the tourist.

In contrast to the wet summer, winter (which lasts from June to August in Peru) brings a dry season. June, July, and August are the driest months of the year. During this time, the probability of being caught in the rain is minimal: statistics show only 1–2 days with precipitation per month, and their overall level tends towards zero. This is an ideal time for those who prefer clear skies; however, it is worth remembering the low night-time temperatures during this period.

Transitional periods demonstrate a gradual change in weather conditions. In April and November, the number of rainy days stays at an average level (about 15 days), but the trends differ: in spring, the rains are subsiding, while in autumn, their frequency begins to increase. By December, the rainy season comes into its own, bringing a significant amount of precipitation and high humidity.

When preparing for Juliaca, it is important to remember that the weather here is quite cool throughout the year, and temperature differences between day and night can be substantial. The main principle when choosing a wardrobe is layering. During the day, the air can warm up to +15–17°C, so long-sleeved shirts, warm fleece jumpers, and a good windbreaker will be useful. Such an outfit will allow you to feel comfortable during active walks and quickly layer up if a cold wind blows or the sun hides behind the clouds.

The choice of clothing depends heavily on the season. If your journey to Peru is planned for the period from December to March, be prepared for frequent precipitation: be sure to pack a high-quality raincoat, a waterproof jacket, and an umbrella in your suitcase. In the dry season, from May to August, there is practically no rain, but nights become frosty, with temperatures dropping below zero. For a trip at this time of year, thermal underwear, a warm jacket, a hat, a scarf, and gloves are vital to avoid freezing after sunset.

Regardless of the time of year, pay special attention to footwear: it should be comfortable, durable, and preferably waterproof, suitable for long walks. Also, do not forget about sun protection, as ultraviolet radiation is very active in high-altitude conditions. Sunglasses, cream with a high protection factor (SPF 50+), and a hat with a visor or brim are mandatory accessories for every tourist in this region.