What to Wear in Arequipa in December: Rain-Ready Layers
What to wear in Arequipa in December: quick-drying layers, a warm mid-layer for cold highland nights, rain gear, footwear trade-offs and a dry-bag setup.
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Arequipa in December: the weather in numbers
Typical December conditions from 30 years of daily weather data, split into early, mid and late month so you can match them to your travel dates.
| Dates | Early Dec (1–10) | Mid Dec (11–20) | Late Dec (21–31) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Afternoon high | 22°C (71°F) | 21°C (70°F) | 20°C (68°F) |
| Night-time low | 12°C (54°F) | 12°C (54°F) | 12°C (54°F) |
| Feels like (afternoon) | 20°C (67°F) | 20°C (67°F) | 19°C (66°F) |
| Range of afternoon highs | 20–24°C | 18–23°C | 16–23°C |
| Days with rain | 2 in 10 days | 4 in 10 days | 7 in 10 days |
| Afternoon humidity | 38% | 45% | 54% |
| Average wind | 6 km/h | 6 km/h | 6 km/h |
| Daylight | 12.9 h | 13 h | 13 h |
What this means for your suitcase
- Mild days: long sleeves with a light sweater or jacket you can take off at midday.
- Rain on about 4 in 10 days — a waterproof jacket and water-resistant shoes.
Travelling on specific dates? Use our What to Wear Planner for the weather, outfits and a packing list for your exact days in Arequipa.
Averages for 1991-2020, modelled from Copernicus ERA5-Land and ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo open data (CC BY 4.0), adjusted to Arequipa's elevation. Modelled afternoon highs can read 1–2°C below airport weather-station records.
December in Arequipa sits at the onset of the rainy season, a transition that changes what belongs in your bag more than any other month. Days can feel warm and more humid than in the dry season, while nights in this highland city can still turn cold. The practical answer is not a heavier suitcase but a layering system you can adjust from morning to evening.
Arequipa's altitude and Andean setting shape both the temperature swings and the way rain arrives. Across Peru, the rainy season generally runs from November through April, and packing guidance for that period leans on quick-drying clothes, a light raincoat and a dry bag. Afternoon showers are common in season, and the city's cobbled streets and nearby excursions can turn slick or muddy. Breathable, quick-drying layers and footwear that handles wet surfaces will serve you better than one bulky coat.
Use this as a set of packing decisions rather than a rigid checklist. It covers layer-by-layer clothing choices, rain-gear trade-offs, a compact packing example for a short trip, and what to leave at home. For the broader destination overview, keep the Arequipa packing list handy as your reference while you build your own bag.
How December Fits Arequipa's Rainy Season
Peru's rainy season generally runs from November through April, and travel packing guidance for that period recommends quick-drying clothes, a raincoat and a dry bag. Arequipa sits in the Andean highlands, so the season tends to bring more humidity and afternoon showers rather than steady all-day rain. December is a sensible time to prepare for wet spells without assuming every day will be a washout, and the city's high elevation means evenings can still be cold even when the daytime feels warm.
Nights in the Andes can still be chilly during the rainy season, which is why a warm layer belongs in your bag alongside rain protection. Cities such as Cusco, Arequipa and Puno are noted for cold nights, so a warm coat or fleece is a common recommendation for evenings. Treat December as a layering month: plan for warm, humid midday conditions and a cooler evening, with rain gear accessible rather than buried at the bottom of your pack.
Base Layers and Tops for Warm, Humid Days
Start with a base layer that moves moisture away from your skin and dries quickly. Synthetic or merino-blend t-shirts and light long-sleeve tops work better than heavy cotton, which holds sweat and takes longer to dry after a shower. If you run warm, a short-sleeve top plus a packable long-sleeve layer gives you more flexibility than a single thick shirt.
For a five-day trip, three to four tops is usually enough if you rinse them in the sink or use a laundry service. Choose colors that hide dust and splashes, and leave white cotton at home so you are not fussing over every mark. A light scarf or buff adds warmth on breezy mornings and can double as a cover-up if you visit a church or museum.
Mid-Layers and Insulation for Cold Highland Nights
Even in December, Arequipa's altitude means evenings can feel cold once the sun drops. A midweight fleece or a light down jacket packs small and gives you a warm layer for dinners, early starts and any highland excursion. The trade-off is between a fleece, which is breathable and easy to wash, and down, which is warmer for its weight but slower to dry if it gets soaked.
If you plan to visit Colca Canyon or other higher areas, a warmer insulation layer becomes more important. For a closer look at how altitude changes layering decisions in the region, the Arequipa altitude layering guide explains the differences. Keep your warm layer in your daypack rather than your suitcase, because temperatures can drop quickly when clouds cover the sun.
Rain Protection: Raincoat, Poncho or Umbrella
A light raincoat is the most versatile option for December because it frees your hands and layers easily over a fleece. A poncho covers more of your body and daypack, which is useful if you are caught in a heavy afternoon shower, but it can flap in wind and feels bulky on a busy street. An umbrella is convenient in the city but less practical on a windy canyon rim or a muddy trail.
Rainy-season packing guidance for Peru leans on a light raincoat and quick-drying clothing rather than heavy waterproof shells. Look for a raincoat with taped seams and a hood that fits over a hat, and consider a compact travel umbrella as a backup for city days. Whatever you choose, make sure it lives in an outer pocket of your daypack so you can reach it before the rain starts.
Footwear Trade-offs for Wet Cobblestones and Excursions
Arequipa's historic center is full of cobblestones and uneven pavements that become slippery when wet. Waterproof hiking shoes with decent tread are a sensible choice for wet days and any excursion outside the city, while quick-drying sandals or trail shoes work for lighter city days and dry spells. The trade-off is weight and drying time: waterproof shoes keep water out but dry slowly if water gets inside, while sandals drain quickly but offer less protection from stones and cold.
Bring at least one pair of closed shoes with grip and one lighter pair that can get wet without ruining your day. Moisture-wicking socks help prevent blisters when your feet sweat during humid afternoons. If you are heading into the countryside or doing a canyon hike, prioritize broken-in shoes over new ones to avoid rubbing on long walking days.
Daypack and Dry-Bag Strategy for Wet Days
A comfortable daypack is essential for carrying layers, water and rain gear on day trips, and rainy-season packing lists often pair it with a dry bag for wet conditions. During the rainy season, pack your electronics, passport and spare clothes inside a dry bag or a waterproof stuff sack, even if your daypack has a rain cover. A rain cover protects the outside of the bag, but water can still seep through seams and zippers during a long shower.
Keep your raincoat, a warm layer and your dry bag in the same part of the pack so you can adapt quickly when the weather changes. If you are traveling with camera gear or a laptop, a dedicated dry bag is a small weight penalty for real peace of mind. For more on organizing your bag for the season, the packing list covers daypack choices in more detail.
A Compact Packing Example for a Five-Day Trip
For five days in Arequipa in December, aim for three to four quick-drying tops, one or two pairs of lightweight trousers or convertible pants, and one pair of shorts if you run warm. Add a fleece or light down jacket, a light raincoat, and a compact umbrella or poncho. For footwear, bring one pair of waterproof walking shoes and one pair of quick-drying sandals or trail shoes, plus three to four pairs of moisture-wicking socks.
Pack a dry bag or waterproof stuff sack for your daypack, a reusable water bottle, a sunhat and sunscreen for bright midday spells, and a small first-aid kit with blister plasters. If you plan to visit Colca Canyon or book a trek, check whether the operator provides sleeping bags or trekking poles before you add them to your bag. For how the packing emphasis shifts later in the season, the what to wear in Arequipa in April guide looks at the transition.
What to Leave Behind
Leave heavy cotton jeans and thick hoodies at home, because they take too long to dry and take up space that quick-drying layers could use. Expensive jewelry is better left in a safe place so you are not distracted by it in crowded areas. A bulky umbrella that does not fit in your daypack is also worth skipping in favor of a compact one or a hooded raincoat.
Do not bring a full wardrobe of shoes; two pairs that cover wet and dry conditions are enough for most trips. If you are traveling on to the coast or the Amazon after Arequipa, remember that your clothing needs will change, so pack items that layer rather than separate outfits for every climate. Laundry services are widely available in tourist areas, which means you can pack lighter than you might think.
Before You Go: Checking the Forecast and Adjusting Layers
Weather in the Andes can change quickly, so check a reliable forecast for Arequipa in the days before departure and again once you arrive. Look at the daily high and low, the chance of rain and the wind, then adjust how many warm layers and rain items you pack. Seasonal patterns tell you what is historically likely, but they are not a forecast for your specific travel dates.
If the forecast suggests a wetter stretch than usual, add a second quick-drying top and make sure your raincoat and dry bag are easy to reach. If it looks drier, you can still keep a light rain layer for afternoon showers without packing a heavy waterproof shell. For a sense of how conditions build toward this point in the year, the what to wear in Arequipa in November guide covers the transition into the rains.
Plan Your Visit
December in Arequipa rewards a flexible layering approach rather than one heavy outfit. Build your bag around quick-drying base layers, a warm mid-layer for chilly nights, and rain protection you can deploy without emptying your daypack. Choose footwear that handles wet cobblestones and muddy trails, and keep your essentials dry in a waterproof stuff sack.
Before you fly, check the forecast and adjust the number of warm layers and rain items you pack. The right combination of breathable clothing and compact rain gear will keep you comfortable whether the afternoon brings sunshine or a shower.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I pack for Arequipa in December?
Pack quick-drying tops and trousers, a midweight fleece or light down jacket, a light raincoat, and a dry bag or waterproof stuff sack for your daypack. Bring one pair of waterproof walking shoes and one pair of quick-drying sandals or trail shoes, plus moisture-wicking socks. Add a sunhat, sunscreen and a reusable water bottle for sunny spells.
Does Arequipa get cold in December?
December falls in Peru's rainy season, when days can feel warm and humid, but nights in the Andean highlands can still be cold. That is why a warm mid-layer such as a fleece or light down jacket is worth packing even though you may not need it at midday. Check the forecast before you travel to see what your specific dates look like.
Do I need waterproof shoes in Arequipa in December?
Waterproof shoes are a practical choice for December because afternoon showers can make cobblestones and trails slippery and wet. They are not required, but they offer more protection than sandals on uneven ground. If you pack quick-drying sandals as an alternative, save them for drier city days or short walks.
Is a raincoat or poncho better for Arequipa in December?
A light raincoat is more versatile because it leaves your hands free and layers under a daypack, while a poncho covers more of your body and bag during heavy showers. Neither is mandatory. Many travelers carry a raincoat and a compact umbrella rather than a bulky poncho.
What should I leave at home for an Arequipa trip in December?
Leave heavy cotton clothing, thick hoodies and multiple pairs of shoes at home because they add weight and dry slowly. Expensive jewelry is best left behind for everyday sightseeing. A large umbrella that does not fit in your daypack is also worth skipping in favor of a compact one or a hooded rain jacket.
How do I check the weather before traveling to Arequipa?
Check a reliable forecast for Arequipa in the days before departure and again when you arrive. Look at daily highs and lows, rain probability and wind, then adjust the number of warm layers and rain items in your bag. Historical seasonal patterns are useful for planning, but they are not a forecast for your specific dates.
Sources
Free: The Ultimate Packing Cheat Sheet
A carry-on capsule wardrobe, the complete packing checklist, layering made simple, and what to wear by season — one printable page you'll use on every trip.
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