From below sea level to 22,000 feet: Peru's varied climate
Country has a large north-south range – from within 3km of the equator in the north to 18 degrees in the south
As the third largest country in South America (after Brazil and Argentina), it’s not surprising that Peru has a very varied climate. Peru also encompasses a large north-south range – from within 3km (1.86 miles) of the equator in the north, to 18 degrees in the south – and altitudes ranging from below sea level to 6,770 metres (22,000 feet).
The climate of the capital, Lima, situated on the coast, just below the centre point of the country, is affected by the cold Humboldt current, which keeps temperatures down to the high teens in winter and the high 20Cs or low 30Cs in summer. It also brings plenty of cloud, and less sunshine than might be expected. Rainfall is extremely low, and if it occurs at all, usually does so in late winter or early spring.