Unsurprisingly, the rainforest weather is mostly hot and humid. Rainfall levels in the Amazon rainforest actually distinguish weather differences throughout the year, not the temperatures.
Climate
The tropical region of the Amazon rainforest is also referred to as the equatorial climate, a zone with extends about 12 degrees north and south of the equator. The average temperature is 77° Fahrenheit (25° Celsius), and rarely does the rainforest dip below 32°F (or 0° Celsius).
In the Amazon, there is no pronounced difference between summer and winter. There is no dry season. Instead, seasonal weather is determined by the rainy season and less rainy.
Rainfall
In a year, rainfall in the rainforest can reach a minimum of 6 ft (1.8 m) or as high as 30 ft (9 m) of rain. There is no dry season in the rainforest. There may be a length of time where there is less rain but it doesn’t last too long.
Southern Peruvian Amazon (Puerto Maldonado)
- Hotter and high rainy season is from December to March. Afternoon showers are common.
- Slightly cooler and less rainy season is between June and September.
Northern Peruvian Amazon (Iquitos)
- High water season is from December to May.
- Low water season is from June to November.
Insider Tip: A pleasant time to visit the Amazon is between March and June, the transition time between heavy rains and less rain, in which you can enjoy the best of both worlds. You may be able to avoid heavy rains that keep you indoors and still be able to take advantage of the unique animal spotting opportunities that come with higher water levels in lagoons and waterways.
Peruvian Rainforest
The Peruvian Amazon is divided into two distinct eco regions.
- Selva Baja (or Down forest) is also known as the Omagua region. It has a very warm climate, with average temperatures around 82ºF (28ºC), high relative humidity (over 75%), and plenty of rainfall.
- Selva Alta (high forest) is also called rupa-rupa, jungle or Rainforest Mountain high. This ecoregion extends along the eastern foothills of the Andes mountain range between 1,300 and 3,300 feet (400 and) 1000 meters in elevation. At higher altitudes in this region, average temperatures are slightly cooler.
There are also various microclimates within the jungle of Peru.
- Temperate Rainforest: Located on the eastern slopes of the Andes. Abundant rainfall in summer.
- Warm, Humid Climate: It covers the area north of latitude 12° south (Iquitos is a good destination reference). There’s high rainfall over 100 in (2,500 mm) annually, and high temperatures 77°F (25°C) from January to September and 91°F (33°C) from from October to December.
- Semi Warm Periodically Wet Weather: Typical of southern Peru, especially in Madre De Dios. It has an average annual rainfall of 80 in (2,000 mm) and average temperatures of 75°F to 77°F (24°C to 25°C) with maximum temperature of 91°F (33°C) and a minimum of 60°F (16°C). This minimum temperature may fall in the months of May through September, when cold fronts come up from the Arctic.