The month in detail
What to expect in May
Spring marks the start of the good season in Lima. Temperatures rise (21.0°F) and tourists have not yet arrived en masse. Rain is virtually absent (0.0% of days) — ideal for planning without a backup. A good balance between weather and crowds, even if February (8.4/10) remains theoretically better.
May ranks 6 out of 12 months in Lima. Compared to April: −4°F daytime, −2.5h of sun per day.
This month's conditions
What it's like in May
UV index
8 · high
sunscreen and hat advised
Feels like
comfortable
16°
Sea
19°C
cool, invigorating
Daylight
11.4h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 20
Compare
Is May the right month?
The best month in Lima is February (8.4/10), 0.4 pt higher than May.
Context
Our verdict
Lima is paradoxical: capital of one of the world's sunniest countries (the south), but itself in a coastal fog belt (the garúa ) for five months a year. No significant rain ever.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Lima
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
See ↓
Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · Lima
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a beach trip.
Country · Peru
🗣️LanguageSpanish
💶CurrencyPeruvian Sol (S/)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘCheap · 2/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeTemperate oceanic
📈Climate trendData unavailable
🔥Hottest monthFebruary · 79°F
❄️Coolest monthAugust · 64°F
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘMarch · 18%
🏖️ Beach trip
📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept
🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée
Explore
Other destinations in May
If May doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Location
Where is Lima ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
PeruTemperate oceanic climate with a 8.4 → 7.4 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
12.05°S · 77.04°W
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Lima?
February is the best month with 79°F highs, 70°F lows, 5.9h of sunshine and 14.0% rainy days. The months of February & April offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Lima get in February?
Lima averages 5.9 sunshine hours per day in February. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 7.9/10.
What is the rainiest month in Lima?
August is the most unfavourable month with August has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Lima in February?
In February, overnight lows reach 70°F, while afternoon highs average 79°F.
Is Lima good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Lima scores 7.7/10 on average — Acceptable conditions for cultural visits.. The best month overall remains February with a score of 7.9/10.
When should you avoid Lima?
August is the most difficult month to visit Lima, with August has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in Lima in May?
In May, the sea averages 67°F in Lima: cool, invigorating. Swimming is possible but brisk; sensitive swimmers may prefer a wetsuit.
Do you need sun protection in Lima in May?
The average UV index reaches 8 in May in Lima (high), with about 11.4h of daylight. Sunscreen and hat advised.