Things to do in Lima in January

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Overview

January is a great time to visit Lima. The weather is usually mildly cool, humid but cool, with temperatures ranging from 64—74°F (18—23°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Lima during this time. Some of our top recommendations: visit the Larco Museum to see the annual exhibition of pre-Columbian erotic art, attend a traditional Marinera dance performance, take a cooking class to learn how to make ceviche, and more!

Lima has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your January trip to Lima. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to January. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Lima in January. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout January, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Lima in January

Top experiences in January
Visit the Larco Museum to see the annual exhibition of pre-Columbian erotic art
The Larco Museum is home to one of the largest collections of pre-Columbian art in the world, including a unique collection of erotic pottery and artifacts. Every January, the museum hosts a special exhibition showcasing these erotic works, providing a fascinating and often humorous look at the ancient cultures of Peru. It's a one-of-a-kind experience that offers a different perspective on the history and art of the region.
Attend a traditional Marinera dance performance
The Marinera is a traditional Peruvian dance that originated in the coastal regions of the country. In January, there are many opportunities to see live performances of the Marinera in Lima, featuring colorful costumes, lively music, and intricate choreography. Watching a Marinera performance is a great way to experience the rich cultural heritage of Peru and appreciate the beauty of traditional dance.
Take a cooking class to learn how to make ceviche
Ceviche is a traditional Peruvian dish made with raw fish marinated in citrus juices and mixed with onions, chili peppers, and other seasonings. Taking a cooking class is a fun and interactive way to learn about Peruvian cuisine and culture. In addition to learning how to make ceviche, many cooking classes also include a market tour to learn about the ingredients used in Peruvian cooking.
Visit the Huaca Pucllana archaeological site
Located in the heart of Lima, the Huaca Pucllana is an ancient adobe pyramid that dates back to the 5th century. In January, the site is less crowded, making it a great time to explore the ruins and learn about the history of the Lima culture. Visitors can take guided tours of the site and visit the on-site museum to see artifacts and exhibits related to the ancient civilization.
Take a surfing lesson in Punta Hermosa
January is the peak of the summer season in Lima, and the beaches are perfect for surfing. Punta Hermosa is a popular spot for both beginners and experienced surfers, with consistent waves and beautiful scenery. Whether you're a first-timer or looking to improve your skills, taking a surfing lesson is a fun and unique way to experience Lima's coastal lifestyle.
Hike to the top of Cerro San Cristobal for a panoramic view of the city
January is a great time to take advantage of the clear skies and warm weather in Lima. One of the best ways to appreciate the city's beauty is by hiking to the top of Cerro San Cristobal, a hill that offers stunning panoramic views of Lima and the Pacific Ocean. It's a relatively easy hike, and the views from the top are well worth the effort.
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Holidays in Lima in January
January
  • New Year's Day (January 1)
  • The Three Wise Men Day (January 6)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Lima in January

Temperatures on an average day in Lima in January

The average temperature in Lima in January for a typical day ranges from a high of 74°F (23°C) to a low of 64°F (18°C). Some would describe it as mildly cool, humid but cool.

For comparison, the hottest month in Lima, February, has days with highs of 75°F (24°C) and lows of 66°F (19°C). The coldest month, August has days with highs of 69°F (21°C) and lows of 57°F (14°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Lima in January based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in January
74°F
highs
64°F
lows

General weather summary

Mildly cool, humid but cool
Feels like
38%
Chance of rain
0.131 in
Amount
9.7 mph
Wind speed
89%
Humidity
12.7 hrs
Daylight length
5:54 AM
Sunrise
6:39 PM
Sunset
31%
Cloud cover
T-shirt
What to wear
What to wear in January
With an average high of 74°F (23°C) and a low of 64°F (18°C), it generally feels mildly cool, humid but cool. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something light like your favorite t-shirt
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Best attractions for Lima in January

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Lima has to offer for travelers in January, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Lima that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Lima for January.
Magic Water Circuit of the Reserve Park
1. Magic Water Circuit of the Reserve Park
4.5
(75668)
Park
Nature & Parks
Picturesque neighborhood park known for its fountains & evening laser light shows off the water.
Miraflores
2. Miraflores
Neighborhoods
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Larco Museum
3. Larco Museum
4.7
(12981)
Archaeological museum
Museums
Mansion-turned-museum featuring a collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, including ceramic erotica.
Lima Main Square
4. Lima Main Square
4.6
(72679)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Known as the birthplace of Lima, this plaza featuring a fountain is bordered by iconic palaces.
Huaca Pucllana Site Museum
5. Huaca Pucllana Site Museum
4.6
(15178)
Museum
Sights & Landmarks
Remains of a clay & adobe stepped pyramid from the Lima Culture (200–700 A.D.), plus tours & museum.
Barranco
6. Barranco
Neighborhoods
Barranco is one of 43 districts in Lima, Peru. Its current mayor is Jessica Vargas. The district is considered to be the city's most romantic and bohemian, being the home and working place of many of Peru's leading artists, musicians, designers and photographers. Wikipedia.
Basílica and Convent of San Francisco, Lima
7. Basílica and Convent of San Francisco, Lima
4.6
(16543)
Convent
Sights & Landmarks
Baroque-style Roman Catholic church & monastery with a prominent library & underground catacombs.
Miraflores boardwalk
8. Miraflores boardwalk
4.8
(13)
Lodging
Sights & Landmarks
Centro Histórico
9. Centro Histórico
Historic Sites
Historic Walking Areas
Love's Park
10. Love's Park
4.5
(28969)
Park
Nature & Parks
Landscaped park overlooking the ocean with a huge kissing sculpture, mosaic walls & a snack stand.
7th of June Park
11. 7th of June Park
4.6
(24568)
Park
Nature & Parks
Triangular urban park offering trees, landscaped lawns & paths, plus an amphitheater & a playground.
Lima Cathedral
12. Lima Cathedral
4.7
(4271)
Cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
Huge baroque-style Roman Catholic cathedral with a gold-plated altar & an on-site religious museum.
Pachacamac
13. Pachacamac
Sights & Landmarks
Ancient Ruins
The Pachacámac District is one of 43 districts of the Lima Province in Peru. The capital of the district is the village of Pachacámac. Its main asset is the archaeological Inca site Pachacámac. Wikipedia.
Basilica and Convent of Santo Domingo, Lima
14. Basilica and Convent of Santo Domingo, Lima
4.7
(2813)
Convent
Sights & Landmarks
16th-century church with saints' relics, plus an attached convent with verdant inner courtyards.
Magic Water Circuit of the Reserve Park
15. Magic Water Circuit of the Reserve Park
4.5
(75668)
Park
Nature & Parks
Picturesque neighborhood park known for its fountains & evening laser light shows off the water.
Museo de Arte de Lima
16. Museo de Arte de Lima
4.6
(1993)
Art museum
Museums
Museum displaying Peruvian art, with works from the pre-Columbian period up to the recent past.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Lima?

Get inspired for your trip to Lima with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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