Arequipa in December

In December, Arequipa averages 22°C (72°F) during the day and 11°C (52°F) at night, with around 6 days of rain (22 mm total).

Peak season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.

December is a great month to visit Arequipa: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.

22°C
Avg high
11°C
Avg low
6
Rain days
22 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Arequipa

5th
warmest month of the 12
5th
wettest month of the 12
5%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
13 h 6 min
daylight on the 15th

December is in the middle of the year for warmth in Arequipa (5th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C above the annual average (22°C). December runs 1°C cooler than November (23°C) and cools 2°C in January (20°C).

December sunrise & sunset in Arequipa

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
5:08 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:14 PM
Day length
13 h 6 min

Times shown for Arequipa local time (America/Lima), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Arequipa — December

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Arequipa's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
4:08 AM – 4:48 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
4:48 AM – 5:48 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:34 PM – 6:34 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:34 PM – 7:14 PM

📅 When to book — Arequipa in December

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Peak season) and Arequipa's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
3-5 months
Flight prices are near their annual peak. Watch fare-alert tools, book directly when you see a fare under the typical range for this city.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
3-5 months
Reasonable selection still available at 3-4 months out, but central locations vanish first.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

Crowds & pricing — December in Arequipa

Peak season

Arequipa is in peak season during this month — expect bigger crowds at famous sights, higher hotel and flight prices, and longer queues. Restaurant reservations a few days out are advisable, and any boutique hotels you have your eye on should be booked weeks ahead. The trade-off: most attractions, restaurants, and seasonal services are fully open, the weather is at its most reliable, and the city feels at its most alive.

Why this tier: excellent tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — December in Arequipa

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
12.9
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●○○○
Low
Mosquitoes present but manageable. Pack repellent (DEET 10-20%) for evenings near water.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Arequipa in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 20°C / 69°F 11°C / 52°F 127 mm 17
February 20°C / 67°F 11°C / 52°F 171 mm 21
March 19°C / 67°F 11°C / 52°F 114 mm 19
April 21°C / 70°F 10°C / 50°F 28 mm 6
May 22°C / 72°F 9°C / 49°F 1 mm 0
June 22°C / 72°F 9°C / 47°F 1 mm 0
July 22°C / 72°F 9°C / 47°F 1 mm 0
August 23°C / 73°F 9°C / 47°F 1 mm 0
September 23°C / 74°F 10°C / 49°F 1 mm 0
October 23°C / 74°F 10°C / 50°F 3 mm 1
November 23°C / 73°F 10°C / 50°F 4 mm 1
December 22°C / 72°F 11°C / 52°F 22 mm 6

Other cities with similar December weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Arequipa in December →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Arequipa in December?

In December, Arequipa averages a high of 22°C (72°F) and a low of 11°C (52°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Arequipa in December?

December sees occasional rain in Arequipa, with about 6 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Arequipa?

December is mild and pleasant. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Arequipa in December?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full December packing list for Arequipa for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Arequipa on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.