The climate of Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca, nestled high up in the Andes on the border of
Peru and Bolivia, finds itself predominantly within the Cwb climate classification as per the Köppen climate system, commonly known as the temperate highland tropical climate with dry winters. Over the course of a year, one can observe distinct variation in key weather parameters, including temperature, rainfall, and daylight hours.
Temperature is a noteworthy parameter, with the mercury ranging between a low of -7.5°C (18.5°F) and a high of 18.8°C (65.8°F). The warmest months, featuring temperatures from 16°C (60.8°F) to 18.8°C (65.8°F), are usually marked from
September through to
December, with December typically being the warmest. Cooler months, where temperatures can drop down to -7°C (19.4°F), occupy the time period from
May to
August.
Rainfall is another variable factor, swinging from as low as 2mm (0.08") a month to a high of approximately 133mm (5.24"). The wettest period is at the start of the year, from
January to
March, with the maximum rainfall recorded in January. Conversely, the driest months, characterized by rainfall under 10mm (0.39"), unfold from
April to
July.
Daylight hours also witness a slight alteration, with the shortest days, between 11.2 and 11.4 hours long, occurring from May to July, while the longest days, with daylight hours ranging from 12.9 hours to 13.1 hours, transpire from
November to January.
The best time to visit Lake Titicaca
The most favorable time to visit
Lake Titicaca is arguably between
September and
November. During this period, the temperature hovers between a pleasant 16°C (60.8°F) and 18.6°C (65.5°F), and the minimal rainfall creates ideal conditions for exploration and outdoor activities. Additionally, the average daylight totals vary from 12 to 12.5 hours, granting ample time to sightsee and appreciate the breath-taking scenery of the highest navigable lake in the world.
The worst time to visit Lake Titicaca
The challenging months to visit
Lake Titicaca are predominantly the initial three months of the year, namely,
January,
February, and
March. This period is characterized by heavy rainfall, with volumes reaching up to 133mm (5.24") in January. Coupled with temperatures that range from a moderate 16.7°C (62.1°F) to a significantly colder 3.6°C (38.5°F), it creates less than ideal conditions for most activities.
Spring weather in Lake Titicaca
Spring in
Lake Titicaca sees a significant drop in precipitation, falling from 41mm (1.61") in
September to only 2mm (0.08") by
November. Temperatures also commence an upward trajectory, ranging from 16°C (60.8°F) in September and
October to reach a peak of 17.6°C (63.7°F) in November.
Summer weather in Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca's summer months, from
December through
February, bear witness to hefty rainfall, with December seeing 86mm (3.39") of precipitation and
January recording the maximum of 133mm (5.24"). Temperatures during this time fluctuate between 16.7°C (62.1°F) and 3.6°C (38.5°F), reaching their peak warmth in December.
Autumn weather in Lake Titicaca
Autumn at
Lake Titicaca sees temperatures span from 16.5°C (61.7°F) in
March to 16°C (60.8°F) by
May, with low temperatures dropping from 3.2°C (37.8°F) to -7°C (19.4°F) in this same time. Rainfall reduces dramatically during this time, reaching its yearly low of just 2mm (0.08") in May.
Winter weather in Lake Titicaca
Winter at
Lake Titicaca is characterized by a steady rise in temperatures from
June to
August, with highs increasing from 16°C (60.8°F) to 17.6°C (63.7°F). The low temperature sees a similar increase, moving from -7.5°C (18.5°F) in June to -1.4°C (29.5°F) by August. The rainfall, although minimal compared to the rest of the year, also increases slightly, rising from 3mm (0.12") in June to 6mm (0.24") by August.
Weather in January
The launch of the year in
Lake Titicaca,
Peru is profoundly wet, with rainfall maximizing at 133mm (5.24"). It is the wettest month, contributing to the relatively high humidity in the area. Despite this, the daily daylight duration maintains a healthy 12.9 hours, implying ample sunshine throughout the day.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Proceeding into
February,
Lake Titicaca experiences a slight decrease in rainfall, signifying the gradual conclusion of the wet season. Although daily sunlight hours drop to 12.6 hours, this shift does not significantly affect daytime warmth.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The weather in
March at
Lake Titicaca records a drop in rainfall down to 99mm (3.9"), ushering in a drier phase. Daily daylight hours further decline, yet the overall climate remains mild and enjoyable. With the wet season withdrawing, the frequency of clear, sunny days rises.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Lake Titicaca's weather in
April features a notable reduction in rainfall to 43mm (1.69"). As the dry season entrenches, the climate is predominantly marked by more sunshine and increasingly clear skies. Further, the decline in temperature variations between day and night makes the weather more predictable.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Lake Titicaca witnesses the first sub-zero temperatures recorded, with the mercury reading often dropping to -3.8°C (25.2°F) at night. This ushers in much chillier evenings, but day temperatures remain pleasurably warm. The reduced rainfall guarantees predominantly cloudless skies, intensifying the picturesque beauty of the surroundings.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June demonstrates
Lake Titicaca's transition into winter, as it holds the record for the coldest monthly temperatures, often plunging to -7°C (19.4°F). This month is also marked by the least rainfall at 3mm (0.12"), signifying the peak of the dry season.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July's weather in
Lake Titicaca continues the enduring winter trend with temperatures only slightly warmer than
June. The lack of precipitation persists, making way for clear, cloudless skies. Daily daylight hours begin to improve albeit slightly, indicating a forthcoming shift in the weather conditions.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues the trend of dry, clear days in
Lake Titicaca. Although temperatures gradually begin to rise, night temperatures of -5.4°C (22.3°F) necessitate warmer clothing. The increase in sunlight hours indicates a transition towards spring, bringing hints of warmer days ahead.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Lake Titicaca's climate in
September marks a shift from winter to spring, resulting in rising day and night temperatures. With rainfall increasing to 22mm (0.87"), a move towards rainier months begins, and the skies are seldom devoid of clouds.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Lake Titicaca sees a steady rise in temperatures, offering warmer evenings and comfortable afternoons. Rainfall significantly escalates, and the skies become overcast more frequently. However, a rise in the duration of daily sunlight ensures that Lake Titicaca remains brightly illuminated.
Weather in October » Weather in November
As
November unfolds in
Lake Titicaca, the wet season progresses fervently with a jump in rainfall to 55mm (2.17"). Along with the escalation of rainfall, temperatures continue to rise, contributing to increased humidity. Meanwhile, the lengthening hours of daylight allow outdoor adventurers to maximize their experience.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December in
Lake Titicaca sets the stage for robust rainfall, often reaching 86mm (3.39"). The weather is distinctly damp and humid, but daytime temperatures remain pleasingly warm. Despite the significant rainfall, daylight hours peak at 13.1 hours, promising abundant sunshine.
Weather in December »