You’ve probably heard people call Lima "The Gray." If you’re planning a trip for June, you’re basically walking right into the heart of that nickname. It’s a weird time. Honestly, the weather here doesn't act like most other places. You might look at a map, see Lima’s position near the equator, and pack shorts.
Don't do that.
While the rest of the Northern Hemisphere is gearing up for summer, June in Lima is the official start of winter. But it’s not a "snow and ice" kind of winter. It’s a "perpetual mist and damp bones" kind of winter.
What’s the deal with the Lima Peru June weather?
If you step outside in Miraflores or Barranco on a Tuesday in mid-June, the first thing you’ll notice is the sky. It’s white. Not fluffy cloud white, but a flat, concrete-colored ceiling that locals call La Garúa.
This is a thick, coastal mist that refuses to leave. It doesn't really rain—Lima is technically a desert—but the humidity is so high (usually around 80% to 85%) that you feel wet anyway. It’s like living inside a giant humidifier.
Temperature-wise, it’s mild but deceptive.
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- Daytime Highs: Usually hover around 19°C to 20°C (66°F - 68°F).
- Nighttime Lows: They’ll drop to about 14°C or 15°C (57°F - 59°F).
On paper, 15 degrees Celsius sounds fine. In reality, that ocean dampness crawls under your skin. Because most buildings in Lima don’t have central heating, you’ll often feel colder inside your Airbnb than you do walking down the street.
Why is it so cloudy?
The Humboldt Current is the culprit. This cold water stream flows up from Antarctica along the coast. When the warm tropical air hits that cold water, it creates a massive temperature inversion. The result? A layer of low clouds that gets trapped against the Andes mountains.
It’s a bit of a bummer if you wanted sunset photos, but it’s also what makes Lima’s parks so green despite the lack of actual rain.
Does it ever get sunny?
Sometimes. If you head inland toward the districts of La Molina or Ate, you might actually see the sun. The mist usually sticks to the coast. If you’re staying in the tourist hubs like Miraflores, you might get a "brightening" around 2:00 PM, but don't count on blue skies.
2026 is also looking like a "neutral" year for ENSO (El Niño-Southern Oscillation), according to recent NOAA and WMO updates. Since we are coming out of a weak La Niña, the coastal waters are still a bit chilly, which actually reinforces that June fog. It’s going to be a classic, gray Limeño winter.
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What to pack (The "Must-Haves")
You need layers. Period.
You’ll start the morning in a light jacket, peel it off if you’re walking a lot, and then desperately want a sweater the second the sun sets at 5:50 PM.
- A windbreaker or light waterproof shell: Not for rain, but for the mist.
- Hoodies or cardigans: Cotton is okay, but wool or synthetic blends handle the dampness better.
- Good walking shoes: The sidewalks can get a bit slippery with the "grease" of the mist and city dust.
- Moisturizer: Weirdly, the humidity can be high but the salt air can still dry out your face.
Is June a bad time to visit?
Actually, no. It’s one of the best times to be in Peru, even if Lima is a bit gloomy.
Since June is the start of the dry season in the Andes, most travelers use Lima as a two-day pitstop before heading to Cusco or Arequipa. While Lima is gray, the mountains are experiencing crystal-clear blue skies.
Plus, June is a massive month for culture. You’ve got the 7th of June Park festivities and the lead-up to Inti Raymi in late June. If you’re in the city on June 29th, it’s the feast of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Head down to the Chorrillos fish market; the local fishermen decorate their boats and parade a statue of Saint Peter through the water. It’s loud, crowded, and very authentic.
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Surviving the "Damp"
The food is your best defense. June is peak season for Anticuchos (grilled beef heart) and Picarones (pumpkin and sweet potato donuts). There is nothing better than standing on a street corner in Barranco at 8:00 PM, the fog swirling around you, eating hot, fried dough dipped in fig syrup.
Surfing is also surprisingly good in June. The winter swells are consistent. Yes, the water is cold—around 17°C (62°F)—but with a 4/3mm wetsuit, you’ll see plenty of people out at Playa Waikiki.
Actionable Tips for your June Trip
- Book a hotel with a heater: Check the reviews. Many old Lima hotels are drafty. If they don't have heating, ask for an extra "frazada" (heavy blanket).
- Go to the museums: June is the perfect time for the Larco Museum. It’s indoors, the gardens are lush from the mist, and the café there is one of the most beautiful spots in the city.
- Visit the Magic Water Circuit: Go at night. The fog actually makes the laser lights look cooler.
- Check the surf report: If you're a surfer, June brings the "big" waves to the Costa Verde.
- Escape to the Lomas: Take a day trip to Lomas de Lachay. This is a "fog oasis" that only turns green during the winter months because of the Garúa. It's a surreal, emerald-green landscape in the middle of a desert.
Basically, expect a vibe that is more "moody London" than "tropical South America." Embrace the gray, eat plenty of hot soup (Sopa Criolla is a life-saver), and you'll find that Lima's winter has a cozy, bohemian charm that the summer sun usually burns away.
Next Steps for your Lima Visit:
Check if your accommodation in Miraflores or Barranco provides a dehumidifier; it makes a massive difference in how comfortable you'll feel at night. If you are heading to the Andes afterward, make sure you have your Lima layers ready, as the mountain nights in June are significantly colder than the coast.