By David Thyberg
Arequipa Climate & Weather
Arequipa is the second-most populous city in Peru, located in the southern region of the country. Situated below El Misti Volcano high in the Andes Mountains of
South America, Arequipa is known as the "white city" because of the beautiful white sillar volcanic stone used by the Spaniards to construct the colonial town center. This section of the city was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. The climate is generally dry and warm, with sunny skies throughout the year. Temperatures can drop significantly in the evening, and it is important to pack accordingly if you plan to visit Arequipa.
Summer Temperatures
The summer months in Arequipa are from December to March. Arequipa is high enough in the Andes Mountains that it does not get too hot in the summer. The average high is around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures drop off in the evening, with the average low hovering around 60 degrees.
Winter Temperatures
The winter months in Arequipa are from June to September. Temperatures in the day are generally still warm, with an average high of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The evenings can get as cold as 40 degrees, with the average low around 50 degrees. Sharp drops in temperature during the winter can be problematic for visitors who sight-see during the sunny days in T-shirts only to be caught out in the cold without a jacket once the sun goes down.
Summer Precipitation
Summer is the rainy season in Arequipa. Light showers occur frequently between December and March. While rainfall is usually limited to a gentle mist, occasional storms have caused flooding along the River Chili and the town center. The last flooding occurred in summer 2008.
Winter Precipitation
The winter season is dry in Arequipa. There is hardly any rainfall between June and August. Months can go by without a rain shower. It may be slightly cooler during this season, but the lack of precipitation makes it an ideal time to visit.
Humidity
Arequipa is located at an altitude of 7,800 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains. The high altitude and inland location combine to produce an extremely arid climate. The humidity is low, around 11 percent year-round on average. Visitors should make sure to bring lip gloss or buy "mantequilla de cacao" from a local vendor to apply as lip balm. It is an absolute necessity to avoid the discomfort associated with chapped lips in such a dry climate.
About the Author:
David Thyberg is a professional writer, editor and translator. He began his writing career in 2007 and has worked with prominent companies including Spanishpod101 and Global Scripture Impact. Thyberg has published work with various websites and magazines. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pittsburgh Honors College with an advanced certificate in Spanish language and Latin American studies.
Photo Credits:
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