Things to Do in Lima in March

VerdictGood
Ranked#4 of 12
PricesModerate

Stay in Lima in March

74 hotels in the Trip.com pool for Lima, from US$7 a night.

Opens Trip.com on Fri 5 Mar to Sun 7 Mar 2027; change the dates there.

March in Lima is your last reliable stretch of Pacific coast summer before the grey season arrives. Temperatures still reach 24.9°C (77°F) during the day with lows around 20.4°C (69°F) at night, the ocean off the Costa Verde beaches hovers near 21°C, and you'll count maybe 4 rainy days all month, totaling about 11mm. If you've never sat through a Lima winter, when fog hangs low over the city from June through October without a single break, you might not appreciate what those clear skies are worth. Limeños treat these last warm weeks with something close to quiet reverence.

The city feels noticeably calmer than it did in January and February. School holidays end in early March, which clears out the weekend crowds at places like Parque Kennedy and along the surf breaks south of Barranco. Restaurant reservations in Miraflores that required 3 days' notice in January might need only 1. Hotel rates across San Isidro and the coastal districts have started drifting down from the December peak, landing in a comfortable middle ground between holiday pricing and the rock-bottom rates of the cold months.

That said, the humidity is real, sitting at roughly 80% through the month. You won't get soaked. But the air carries weight, particularly after noon when the Malecón breezes die down. Morning walks along the clifftops of Miraflores and Barranco feel completely different from afternoon ones. The joggers and dog walkers are all out before 8 AM for a reason.

Why visit in March

Last month of warm sunshine and swimmable Pacific water before Lima's extended grey season sets in around May, with almost no rain to disrupt plans.
Shoulder-season hotel rates in Miraflores and San Isidro have dropped from the December-January holiday peak while conditions remain essentially summer-grade.
Thinner crowds at major spots like Larco Museum, Huaca Pucllana, and the Centro Histórico compared to the January-February school holiday rush.
Peak harvest season for chirimoya, lúcuma, and late-season mango at Surquillo and La Victoria markets, where prices run well below tourist-facing Miraflores shops.
Liga 1 Apertura football matches are in full swing at venues across the city, with tickets often available same-week.

Worth knowing

The persistent moisture in the air makes the warmth feel heavier than the thermometer suggests. Afternoons in inland districts like San Juan de Lurigancho, away from the coastal breeze, can feel genuinely sticky.
UV index in March regularly reaches 11+ at Lima's latitude of 12°S, and the thin coastal haze provides almost no filtering. Sunburn is a real risk even on overcast-looking days.
If Semana Santa falls in late March, domestic tourism floods the coast. Hotel rates at coastal properties can jump 30-40% for that week with minimal advance warning.
Solo-traveler safety in Lima currently scores 4.2/10 (see the TTDI Solo-Safety Index), and petty theft near tourist areas like Plaza Mayor and Larcomar tends to tick up during the busy tail of summer.

Best for

Think twice if

Weather measured 25° / 20°C 11mm rain · 4 rainy days · 80% humidity rains perceptibly ~0.3h/day · 99% of mornings dry

Crowds medium

Pack Light cotton or linen layers that breathe in the heavy moisture. A thin long-sleeve layer for evenings near the coast where the Pacific breeze drops the temperature noticeably. Reef-safe SPF 50 sunscreen is non-negotiable at this latitude.

One of Lima's warmest and driest months. The garúa coastal fog that defines the city's winter hasn't appeared yet, so mornings are typically clear and bright, with afternoons turning hazy but still warm. The moisture in the air is constant and noticeable, though actual rainfall is negligible. Evenings cool slightly but remain comfortable for outdoor dining in Barranco or along the Malecón. You might catch a brief drizzle once a week, rarely lasting more than 20 minutes.

Seasonal caution

UV index in Lima frequently exceeds 11 during March, which the WHO classifies as extreme. Sunburn can develop in under 15 minutes of unprotected midday exposure, even when the sky appears hazy. The thin coastal cloud layer provides almost no UV filtering at this latitude.

Year-round climate

Averages from the last 5 years.

Monthly climate averages for Lima
Month	Avg high (°C)	Avg low (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
Jan	24	20	7
Feb	25	21	16
Mar	25	20	11
Apr	23	19	1
May	21	17	1
Jun	20	15	1
Jul	19	14	0
Aug	19	14	1
Sep	19	14	1
Oct	19	15	1
Nov	21	16	1
Dec	22	18	8

Holidays and festivals in March

Public holidays

Holy Thursday(Jueves Santo)25 March 2027
Maundy Thursday(Jueves Santo)25 March 2027
Good Friday(Viernes Santo)26 March 2027
Easter Sunday(Domingo Santo)28 March 2027

Best things to do in March

Beach day at Playa Agua Dulce

outdoor

Chorrillos' main public beach stretches about 800 meters along the base of the Costa Verde cliffs. The water temperature still hovers around 21-22°C in March, warm enough for extended swimming without a wetsuit. Weekday mornings after schools reopen are the quietest time.

Last month of swimmable Pacific temperatures before the Humboldt Current reasserts and the water drops below 18°C by midwinter.

Booking tipNo booking needed. Arrive before 10 AM on weekdays for space. Weekend afternoons fill fast.

Sunset at Parque del Amor

sightseeing

This clifftop park in Miraflores overlooks the Pacific from about 70 meters up. The Gaudí-inspired mosaic benches wrap along the edge, and clear March skies mean you can watch the sun drop into the ocean rather than lose it in the grey ceiling that blocks winter sunsets entirely.

March is one of only 4 months (December through March) when Lima's sunsets are typically visible through clear skies rather than diffused by the garúa layer.

Evening visit to Circuito Mágico del Agua

family

The fountain park inside Parque de la Reserva in the Santa Beatriz area runs 13 illuminated fountains, some interactive with walk-through spray tunnels. The park opens at 3 PM on weekdays and stays lit until 10:30 PM. On warm evenings, the mist from the tunnels feels welcome on your skin rather than uncomfortable.

The warm evening air makes the interactive water features comfortable to walk through. During the June-September chill, the wet tunnels feel unpleasant and most visitors skip them.

Booking tipTickets available at the gate. Wednesday and Thursday evenings are typically the least crowded.

Larco Museum gardens and collection

culture

Founded in 1926, this museum in Pueblo Libre houses over 45,000 pre-Columbian artifacts across a colonial mansion surrounded by flowering gardens. March warmth means the bougainvillea in the garden courtyard is in full bloom, and you can comfortably linger in the open-air sections between the galleries.

The garden courtyard hits peak bloom in the late-summer warmth. Winter visits miss the flowers entirely, and the outdoor sections feel damp under the grey sky.

Booking tipOpen daily. Late afternoon visits (after 3 PM) tend to have the fewest visitors.

Ceviche crawl through Surquillo

food

The blocks around Mercado de Surquillo No. 1 hold a density of small cevicherías that serve from about 10 AM to 3 PM daily. Most close by mid-afternoon because ceviche is traditionally a morning-to-lunch food in Lima. Three stops in one morning, each with a small mixed plate, typically runs 40-60 soles total.

Warm-month ceviche uses the freshest seasonal catch. The open-air seating at most Surquillo spots is comfortable now but miserable during the cold garúa months.

Booking tipNo reservations at the market stalls. Arrive by 11 AM for the widest fish selection.

Day trip to Pachacamac archaeological site

culture

This pre-Inca temple complex sits about 40 km southeast of central Lima. The ruins sprawl across a dry hillside overlooking the Lurín Valley, and the reconstructed Templo del Sol offers views that reach the Pacific on clear days. The dry heat of the inland site feels different from the coastal moisture. Bring a hat and water.

Clear March skies mean the panoramic views from the upper temple terraces work. Winter visits regularly see visibility drop below 500 meters in fog.

Booking tipHire a guide at the entrance for context on the Inca and pre-Inca layers. The site closes at 5 PM, so leave Lima by 9 AM to avoid the midday sun on exposed ruins.

Liga 1 Apertura match at Estadio Nacional

sports

Peru's Liga 1 football season is well underway by March, with weekend fixtures across the city. The National Stadium in Santa Beatriz seats about 50,000 and hosts multiple clubs' home matches. The atmosphere on a weekend evening, with fireworks at kickoff and food vendors ringing the perimeter, is worth experiencing even if you don't follow Peruvian football.

The Apertura tournament runs roughly January to June. March is early enough that title races are still open and fan energy tends to be high.

Booking tipBuy tickets at the stadium box office 2-3 days ahead, or through the home club's website. Avoid the cheapest popular-end sections if you're unfamiliar with the crowd dynamics.

Surfing at Punta Hermosa

outdoor

About 40 km south of central Lima on the Pan-American Highway, Punta Hermosa offers several reef and beach breaks that work best on south and southwest swells. March water temperatures mean a spring wetsuit or even boardshorts are fine, unlike winter sessions that demand a full 4/3mm suit.

Warm water plus consistent late-summer south swells make March one of the 3 most comfortable surf months. Board and wetsuit rental runs about 50-80 soles for a half day at the beach shops.

Booking tipLessons available walk-up from the rental shops along the main beach road. Weekday mornings are uncrowded.

What to eat in March

In season: fruit

Chirimoya
Peru's custard apple peaks between February and April. March fruit tends to be at its sweetest, with creamy white flesh that tastes somewhere between banana and pineapple. You'll find them piled at Mercado de Surquillo for 3-5 soles per kilo.
Lúcuma
The harvest runs January through April, and March is prime time. The fruit itself is dry and starchy when eaten raw, but it transforms into Peru's most beloved ice cream flavor. Every heladería in Miraflores sells lúcuma by the scoop, though smaller shops in Pueblo Libre tend to taste more like the actual fruit.
Mango
The tail end of Peruvian mango season, with fruit arriving from Piura in the north. March mangoes are ripe to the point of almost oversweet, which makes them ideal for jugo de mango from any street juice cart. Expect to pay 2-4 soles for a large glass.

On menus now

Ceviche de corvina
Warm-water months are when limeños eat the most ceviche, and March corvina (sea bass) is particularly firm and clean-tasting. The citric acid of the leche de tigre works faster on fresh warm-season fish. Mid-morning at a cevichería near the Chorrillos fish terminal is the traditional time to eat it.

Street food peaks

Picarones
Sweet potato and squash doughnuts fried to order at street carts, drizzled with chancaca syrup made from raw cane sugar. Available year-round, but the warm March evenings along Alameda Chabuca Granda near the Rímac riverbank are when the carts cluster and the smell of hot oil and spiced syrup carries farthest. A plate of 5 typically runs 5-8 soles.

What to drink

Chicha morada
Purple corn drink boiled with cinnamon, cloves, and pineapple rind, served cold. Every restaurant pours it year-round, but in the warm March moisture it becomes almost mandatory alongside lunch. Made from maíz morado grown in the Andes, the corn arrives at Lima's markets through early autumn.

Regular events in March

Día Internacional de la MujerFree

March 8 brings marches and cultural events across Lima, with the largest gathering typically moving through the Centro Histórico from Plaza San Martín. Museums including MALI (Museo de Arte de Lima) sometimes run special programming and extended hours around the date.

March 8

Liga 1 Apertura football weekends

Peruvian top-flight football runs every weekend through March. Home matches for Alianza Lima at Alejandro Villanueva Stadium in La Victoria and Universitario at Estadio Monumental in Ate draw the largest and loudest crowds in the league.

Weekends throughout March

Festival Internacional de la Vendimia

The grape harvest festival in Ica, roughly 4-5 hours south of Lima by bus, celebrates Peruvian pisco and wine production with tastings, a grape-stomping ceremony, and parades. Lima residents commonly make the trip as a long weekend, and several tour operators run day-trip packages from the capital.

Second week of March, typically spanning 7-10 days

Best places this March

Malecón de Miraflores
park
The clifftop walkway stretches roughly 10 km along the Pacific edge of the district. March's clear skies mean unobstructed views down to the surfers at Playa Makaha and across to the Costa Verde road below. The stretch between Parque del Amor and the Larcomar shopping center is the most photogenic section, and in March you can walk it at noon without the winter chill cutting through.
Miraflores
Barrio de Barranco
neighborhood
Lima's bohemian district feels alive on warm March evenings. The street art along Avenida Pedro de Osma and the alleys near Puente de los Suspiros is best walked at golden hour, when fading light makes the colors pop against weathered colonial walls. Galleries and bars along Avenida Grau tend to keep later hours through the summer months.
Barranco
Plaza Mayor and Cathedral of Lima
historic
Lima's founding plaza, flanked by the Cathedral (founded 1535) and the Government Palace. The changing of the guard at the palace happens daily at noon and draws a crowd. March mornings before 10 AM are ideal for photography, before the midday sun makes standing in the open square less comfortable.
Centro Histórico
Mercado de Surquillo No. 1
market
A working market where limeños shop, less polished than the tourist-oriented markets in San Isidro. March is when the seasonal fruit stalls overflow with chirimoya, lúcuma, and late-harvest mango. The juice stands inside will blend any combination to order for a few soles.
Surquillo
Huaca Pucllana
archaeological
An adobe pyramid from the Lima culture, roughly 200-700 CE, sitting in the middle of residential Miraflores. The site offers evening tours under floodlights that are atmospheric in the warm, clear March nights. The on-site restaurant overlooking the illuminated ruins is one of Lima's more memorable dining settings.
Miraflores
Parque de la Exposición and MALI
museum
This large park in the Santa Beatriz area contains the Museo de Arte de Lima, which rotates exhibitions throughout the year. The old-growth trees across the grounds provide welcome shade from March's strong midday sun. Popular with families on Sunday mornings, when the paths fill with strollers and food vendors.
Santa Beatriz
Puruchuco
archaeological
A restored Inca-era administrative center in the Ate district, about 30 minutes east of Miraflores by taxi. Less visited than Pachacamac and smaller in scale, but the reconstructed buildings give a clearer sense of how the rooms and courtyards were used. March's dry conditions mean the adobe structures look crisp and well-defined against the sky.
Ate

Your packing checklist

Tick items off as you pack. Your progress saves in this browser.

0 of 8 packed

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreenLima sits at 12°S latitude, and the UV index in March often reaches extreme levels. Apply before leaving your hotel, not at the beach. The thin coastal haze gives a false sense of protection. Shop
Light cotton or linen clothingSynthetic fabrics trap the heavy moisture against your skin. Natural fibers breathe. Loose-fitting pieces work far better than anything tight in these conditions. Shop
Thin long-sleeve layerEvening temperatures near the clifftops can feel cooler than expected once the Pacific breeze picks up. Not cold enough for a jacket, but you'll want covered arms at an outdoor restaurant. Shop
Wide-brim hatCloud cover is minimal in March. A hat with at least 3 inches (8 cm) of brim protects your face and neck during midday walks through open areas like Plaza Mayor and the Pachacamac ruins. Shop
Refillable water bottle with filterLima tap water is not considered safe to drink. A filtered bottle saves buying 3-4 plastic bottles a day. Most cafes and restaurants will refill from their filtered supply if asked. Shop
Comfortable closed-toe walking shoesSandals work for the Malecón and beach, but Centro Histórico's uneven colonial-era sidewalks and Barranco's cobbled streets need proper shoes. Expect 8-12 km on a full sightseeing day. Shop
SwimsuitThe Pacific off Lima is still warm enough for extended swimming in March. By May it drops sharply and stays cold until late November. Shop
Small crossbody bagPetty theft around tourist areas is a real concern. A bag worn across the body and in front is the standard precaution locals recommend, particularly on the Metropolitano bus system and in the Centro Histórico. Shop

Insider tips

The cevicherías near the Terminal Pesquero in Chorrillos serve fish that was swimming 3 hours earlier, at roughly half the price of the same dish in Miraflores. Take the Metropolitano to Estación Escuela Militar and walk 15 minutes downhill. Most close by 2 PM.
Lima's Metropolitano bus rapid transit runs a dedicated lane that cuts through traffic. It connects Barranco to the Centro Histórico in about 25 minutes, compared to 45-60 in a taxi during afternoon gridlock. Load a rechargeable card at any station for 1.50 soles per ride.
If you're visiting Huaca Pucllana, book the evening tour rather than the daytime one. The floodlit adobe terraces are far more photogenic at night, the temperature is more comfortable, and you can follow it with dinner at the on-site restaurant without backtracking across the city.
Jirón de la Unión is the main pedestrian drag in Centro Histórico, but the side streets running perpendicular, particularly toward Jirón Ica and Jirón Ucayali, hold most of the neighborhood's architectural detail. Colonial balconies, ornate doorways, and tiled courtyards are easy to miss if you stay on the main strip.
March fruit at Mercado de Surquillo is priced for locals. Point at what you want rather than asking in English. A kilo of ripe chirimoya that costs 12 soles in a Miraflores grocery store runs about 4-5 soles at the market stalls.

Avoid these mistakes

Underestimating Lima's UV because the temperature doesn't feel dangerously hot. Tourists arriving from Northern Hemisphere winter are especially vulnerable, since their skin has had months without strong sun exposure. Burn times at the intensity Lima sees in March can be under 15 minutes.
Waiting until the last week of March for beach plans without checking the Easter calendar. If Semana Santa overlaps, domestic tourists flood the coast from Chorrillos south to Cañete, and rooms near popular breaks can sell out weeks in advance.
Scheduling all outdoor sightseeing for the afternoon. By 1 PM the sun at this latitude is directly overhead and shade is minimal at open sites like Pachacamac. Morning starts before 10 AM or late afternoon outings after 4 PM are far more comfortable.
Eating only in Miraflores. The district has the highest concentration of tourist-facing restaurants and the prices reflect it. Neighborhoods like Surquillo, Lince, and Pueblo Libre serve comparable food at 40-60% lower prices, typically a 10-minute taxi ride away.

Practical tips for March

Exchange currency at casas de cambio on Avenida Larco in Miraflores rather than at Jorge Chávez airport, where rates typically run 3-5% worse. At the current rate of roughly 3.38 PEN to 1 USD, that difference adds up across a week. Book any day trips to Ica or Pachacamac for the first half of March to avoid potential Semana Santa surcharges later in the month. The Metropolitano bus system is the fastest way between Barranco, Miraflores, and Centro Histórico, but the last southbound service runs around 10 PM. After that, licensed ride apps like InDriver or Beat are safer than hailing taxis on the street. Most museums close on Mondays. If your trip overlaps with Día de la Mujer on March 8, expect road closures around the Centro Histórico in the afternoon. Many cevicherías across the city stop serving by 3-4 PM regardless of demand, so plan seafood meals for lunch rather than dinner.

FAQ

Is March a good time to visit Lima?

March is a strong shoulder-season pick, likely ranking around 4th out of 12 months for a visit. You get the tail end of summer warmth with thinner crowds than January-February and lower hotel rates than the December holiday window. The main trade-off is the heavy moisture in the air, which can feel oppressive in the afternoons. January and February are marginally warmer with more going on, but March offers a better value-to-conditions ratio.

What is the weather like in Lima in March?

Warm, sticky, and mostly dry. Highs near 25°C (77°F) and mild nighttime temperatures. Rain is negligible. The garúa fog that defines Lima's winter hasn't appeared yet, so mornings are clear and sunny. The constant humidity is the main discomfort, making the warmth feel heavier than the numbers suggest, particularly away from the ocean breeze. For broader context on Lima's seasonal patterns, Wikivoyage covers the full year (https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Lima).

Is Lima crowded in March?

Moderately. The January-February school holiday rush is over, and international tourism to Lima peaks more around June-August when Northern Hemisphere visitors take summer holidays. March sits in a comfortable middle. You might wait for a table at popular Miraflores restaurants on Friday and Saturday evenings, but weekday sightseeing at places like Larco Museum or Huaca Pucllana is relatively uncrowded. The exception is any overlap with Semana Santa, when domestic tourism spikes sharply along the coast.

Is it safe to swim at Lima's beaches in March?

The water temperature is fine for swimming. The bigger concern is rip currents, which are present at most of Lima's Pacific beaches year-round. Playa Agua Dulce in Chorrillos has lifeguards through the summer season, which includes March. Farther south, beaches at Punta Hermosa are popular with surfers but can have stronger currents. For general safety guidance, Wikivoyage's safety section is a good starting point (https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Lima#Stay_safe). Swim between the flags.

How much spending money do I need per day in Lima in March?

Day trip: 17 hours, free cancellation.

via Viator

Find a flight to Lima

Live fares to Lima appear here once cookies are accepted.

Last verified by automated review (v1.7.2) on August 17, 2026. What is automated review?