Arequipa in March

In March, Arequipa averages 19°C (67°F) during the day and 11°C (52°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 19 days of the month see precipitation (114 mm total).

Shoulder

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

March offers comfortable temperatures in Arequipa, with some rain to plan around.

19°C
Avg high
11°C
Avg low
19
Rain days
114 mm
Rainfall

How March compares to the rest of the year in Arequipa

12th
warmest month of the 12
2nd
wettest month of the 12
24%
of yearly rainfall falls in March
12 h 12 min
daylight on the 15th

March is one of the coolest months in Arequipa (12th of 12) and one of the wettest months (2nd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C below the annual average (22°C). March runs roughly the same as February (20°C) and warms a further 2°C into April (21°C).

March sunrise & sunset in Arequipa

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
5:49 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:01 PM
Day length
12 h 12 min

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

Photography light in Arequipa — March

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
4:49 AM – 5:29 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:29 AM – 6:29 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:21 PM – 6:21 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:21 PM – 7:01 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Fair
Core only briefly above the horizon — a marginal month even from dark sites near Arequipa.

📅 When to book — Arequipa in March

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 March's tier (Shoulder) and Arequipa's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
6-10 weeks
Sweet spot for value. Major fare-sales (US: Black Friday, EU: post-Easter) hit hardest in shoulder months for shoulder travel.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
4-8 weeks
Lots of selection. Look for shoulder-season packages — many hotels add value (free breakfast, spa credit) to fill rooms.

March in Peru — events that affect travel

Known cultural, religious, or national events that surge prices, fill hotels, or close businesses during this month. Plan around them, or build your itinerary around the ones you'd like to see.

✝️
Semana Santa (Holy Week)
Festival · high impact

Holy Week processions, especially in Seville and Málaga. Hotels in Andalucía sell out a year ahead, prices 2-3x normal. Some banks and shops close.

Plan: Seville at peak is unforgettable but planning-intensive. Other Spanish cities are quieter and more affordable.

Crowds & pricing — March in Arequipa

Shoulder

Arequipa is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.

Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — March in Arequipa

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
12.5
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●○○
Moderate
Active mosquito season. DEET 25-30% repellent recommended, especially at dawn/dusk.

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 March weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Arequipa in March?

In March, Arequipa averages a high of 19°C (67°F) and a low of 11°C (52°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Arequipa in March?

March is quite rainy in Arequipa, with about 19 rainy days on average.

Is March a good time to visit Arequipa?

March is mild and pleasant but on the rainy side. 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 March?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full March 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.