Arequipa Weather in February

February: warm, showery days

Arequipa stays warm in February, with daytime highs around 25°C, and it rates excellent at 9.5/10 on our comfort score. The catch is rain. February gets more of it than the months on either side, with showers on about ten days, and cloud can make the afternoons feel dim. Mornings are often the best time to wander the historic centre, where the white sillar-stone buildings around the Plaza de Armas look their best.

A little rain doesn't have to spoil your plans. It can interrupt long walks or a trip toward Colca Canyon, so keep some flexibility in your schedule. On wetter days, save the colourful lanes and covered passages of the Santa Catalina Monastery for when the sky clears, or go anyway, since the place is worth seeing in any weather.

What to do, and what to expect

February overlaps with Carnival season. Celebrations vary by year and neighbourhood, and water games can make some street gatherings messy, so ask locally before you head out in your best clothes. If you're planning around Arequipa's biggest fixed celebration, note that its anniversary falls in August, not February.

Families who prefer easy city days will likely enjoy the warm weather, as long as they leave room for showers. Compared with the drier high season, February is usually quieter, and hotels can cost less. It's still worth checking rates for your own dates, especially if they fall around Carnival. January and March are also good options, since Arequipa suits a visit in almost any month.

A local tip for rainy spells

At Santa Catalina, don't rush past the cloisters when clouds gather. The passageways and courtyards give you plenty to explore without committing to a long outdoor walk. You can also duck into a picantería, a traditional local eatery, for rocoto relleno, a stuffed pepper dish.

If the forecast looks especially wet, think twice before planning a day trip to the Colca region. Mountain views can disappear in cloud, and the roads are less enjoyable when the weather turns.