When is the Best Time to Visit Peru?
Last updated: January 2nd, 2025
The best time to visit Peru is from May to October, during the dry winter season which brings clear and sunny days. During this period, conditions are perfect for outdoor experiences. If you want to hike The Inca Trail, we recommend avoiding the rainy season (November to April).
The best month to visit Peru also varies greatly depending on the region; Lake Titicaca has an average daytime high of 14°C (57°F) in July, whereas the Amazon can experience 31°C (88°F) during the same period.
During the wet season between November to March, the Amazon receives the heaviest rainfall compared to Trujillo, in the north, which remains dry. The shoulder season months of April and October can deliver good weather with fewer crowds across Peru.
Peru Month by Month Guide
With such diverse landscapes and varying climates – there is always a good time to visit Peru. We’ve put together a monthly climate guide to help you decide on the best time to visit.
January in Peru
January in Peru is warm and wet – expect long days with temperatures between 22°C–28°C (72°F–82°F). This is the peak of Peru’s rainy season, however the weather can vary greatly across each region. Coastal regions, such as Lima, experience minimal rainfall, while Andean regions, including Cusco, have almost daily heavy showers.
February in Peru
In February, you can expect warm and dry weather in Peru’s coastal regions. February is the hottest month in Lima, with average daily temperatures between 20°C–27°C (68°F–80.6°F), and little rainfall. In the Andean regions, February is the wettest month, with highs of 20°C (68°F) and frequent heavy showers. The Inca Trail is closed in February to protect its ancient paths.
March in Peru
March sees a shift from the rainy season to the dry season in Peru. This is a good month to visit for sightseeing and outdoor activities in Lima due to the mild and drier weather. The Andean regions and jungle still see some rain, although not as much as in January and February.
April in Peru
April is the last month of Peru’s rainy season, and as the weather transitions, you can expect clearer skies and less rainfall, especially on the coast. In Lima temperatures get milder, averaging around 23°C (73°F) – perfect for enjoying outdoor pursuits.
May in Peru
May is the first month of the dry season in Peru, and also marks the onset of winter. This is a great time to visit as there are fewer visitors than during the peak tourism months. Temperatures are milder, with daily averages of between 16°C– 22°C (61°F–72°F) in Lima and the onset of the seasonal garúa (fog). The weather gets cooler as you travel further south or to higher altitudes.
June and July in Peru
Weather in Peru during June and July is generally mild with clear skies. These are some of the best months to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu as the Andean regions experience comfortable temperatures, ranging from 1°C–2°C (34°F–68°F), and very little rainfall.
August in Peru
The weather in August in Peru is perfect for hiking the Inca Trail and exploring Andean cities such as Cusco and Arequipa. During August in these areas, you can expect clear skies and mild and pleasant temperatures. It is during the dry season, so the country experiences very little rain, however this is the coldest month of the year in Lima, where the average daily temperature is between 15°C–18°C (59°F–64°F).
September in Peru
September in Peru marks the transition from dry to wet season. This shoulder month is still a great time for trekking and hiking as there are fewer tourists, but the weather is still largely pleasant and dry in the Andean regions, with temperatures between 5°C–20°C (41°F–68°F). September is also a great month to visit the Peruvian Amazon as it is one of the driest months in this region, making it ideal for exploring on foot.
October in Peru
October in Peru is the beginning of spring. It is the last month of the dry season, and part of Peru’s shoulder season for tourism, offering a quieter yet still good time to visit. The weather is slightly more variable, but still largely pleasant, with day time temperatures between 15°C–20°C (59°F–68°F) in Lima.
November in Peru
November is the start of the wet season in Peru, as well as the start of summer. Temperatures begin to climb, averaging between 21°C–26°C (70°F–79°F) in Lima, and even higher in the Amazon region, which is hot and humid. Rain becomes more frequent, especially in the Andes.
December in Peru
December in Peru is a great time to visit beach destinations such as Paracas and Huacachina, where the summer weather brings warm, dry and sunny days. It’s also a good month to visit Lima, with an average daily temperature around 24°C (75°F) and minimal rainfall. In the Andean regions, the wet season is in full swing, and frequent showers are to be expected.
Things to do in Peru by season
Choosing what to do in Peru will depend on the seasons, climate and your interests. There’s endless possibilities for families, foodies, adventurers and those interested in history and culture. Aside from Machu Picchu there’s countless other highlights from Choquequirao to the ancient adobe city of Chan Chan.
Visit the Amazon
The best time to visit the Amazon for nature walks is between June–October, during the low water season. During this time you can set off on nature walks and enjoy a better chance of seeing migratory birds.
The best time to visit the Amazon to cruise on higher waters and experience wildlife in the tree canopy is from November–May. While cruising on high water, watch out for monkeys and sloths in the treetops.
Lodges in the Southern Peruvian Amazon are best for families. Enjoy treasure hunts and tip-toeing across the canopy walkway at Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica. For complete luxury look no further than northern northern Peru Amazon cruises, a wildlife-rich, pristine region, best explored by boat.
Head to the beach
The best time to go to the beach in Peru is between May and November. The northern beaches, including Mancora, receive little rain and temperatures are pleasant at around 24°C (75°F). This region is perfect for romantic sunset boat cruises, fun surfing lessons and fishing.
Wooden walkways connect the chic bungalows and infinity pool of Kichic, a peaceful beachfront hideaway – the perfect spot for honeymooners. Add some history and culture at Chiclayo and Trujillo where you can watch traditional reed boats in Huanchaco or visit one of the many immense ancient ruins of the region - don’t miss the desert adobe complex of Chan Chan.
Catch a festival
Visiting Cusco and the Sacred Valley between March and June is the best time to experience festivals in Peru. Holy Week takes place in March or April and brings many religious processions to Cusco, with the Plaza de Armas and Cathedral Basilica becoming the focal points of the festivities. The solemn religious practices merge with cultural tradition, creating celebrations unique to this part of Peru.
The ancient Incan festival of Inti Raymi – Festival of the Sun, is celebrated every year on 24th June with a majestic ceremony. Brightly coloured costumes are worn and traditions are followed. A procession moves from Incan sites around Cusco into the main plaza - roads are closed and the balconies of bars and restaurants become busy as everyone tries to get a good view. We strongly recommend booking well in advance and including an expert guide to show you the best ways to avoid the big crowds and enjoy this incredible festival.
Visit Machu Picchu
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is between May and October, when the brighter weather has a high chance of clear skies. Early mornings are misty and cold – so be sure to pack layers. Typical midday temperatures are around 26°C (79°F). Visit during the morning and afternoon to witness the shifting shadows and lights bringing the ruins to life.
There are many ways to witness the dramatically located ancient ruins. There’s no road to Machu Picchu so most visitors will take a train at least one way. The Hiram Bingham is the epitome of opulence, and its elegant dining is popular with couples. The Vistadome train boasts massive windows that reach into the ceiling, immersing travellers in their surroundings. During your exploration of the citadel, we highly recommend taking a break for afternoon tea at The Sanctuary, just at the gate to Machu Picchu.
Visit Cusco and The Sacred Valley
The dry season from May to October is the best time to visit Cusco and The Sacred Valley. Clear blue skies with very little rain are great for sight seeing and enjoying wonderful views. The better weather between May and September also hails the start of a number of festivals, including Qoyllur rit’I, an important native Indian festival.
Cusco is a great place for families to visit with a host of family friendly hotels and activities. The city has plenty of museums, galleries and brilliant restaurants, which can be enjoyed year round. Holy Week, in March or April, brings many religious processions to Cusco. Enjoy your stay in style at one of our favourite hotels, Palacio Nazarenas.
In the Sacred Valley there’s something for everyone, from zip lines and quad bikes to markets and cultural visits and the ancient ruins of Maras, Moray and Ollyantytambo. A collection of luxury, individual stone cottages, delicious restaurants, a spa and swimming pool make-up the glorious Sol y Luna hotel hotel, an ideal base for your stay. The hotel’s foundation, committed to helping children in poverty, among many life-changing initiatives, runs a primary school for over 150 children from the valley. Sol y Luna is a must-visit for anyone interested in positive impact trips.
Explore Paracas and Nazca
The best time to visit Paracas and the Nazca Lines, which sit just a short drive from Lima, is between November and May when the days are sunny and temperate. Calm conditions are the best for light aircraft flights over beguiling, mysterious Nazca and boat trips to the wildlife-rich Ballestas islands.
Peru’s answer to the Galápagos Islands, the Ballestas Islands are a must visit while in Peru. They are particularly captivating from January–March, which is sealion calving season. Take a boat tour around the islets and marvel as the pups clamber over rocky outcrops with their mothers.
There are a multitude of other activities here, including pisco tours and sand boarding in the valleys of Ica. Calm weather conditions are perfect for light aircraft flights, revealing the astounding scale of the Nazca lines. Let expert guides explain the many theories behind the mysterious carved symbols which decorate the coastal landscapes.
Best time to visit Lima
Peru’s capital city, Lima, is known as the gastronomic capital of South America, and its colourful food markets, hole–in–the–wall gems and Michelin star restaurants have cemented its status as a must–visit spot for any foodie. While good food is a year–round guarantee, the best time to go to Lima varies depending on what else you want from your visit.
The best time to visit Lima is during the low season, which runs from January–March, and brings with it sunny weather, warmer temperatures, and fewer crowds. This is a great time for outdoor pursuits along the coast, including surfing, paddle boarding and kayaking. Visit during Semana Santa (Holy Week) to experience Lima’s vibrant celebrations and enthralling culture.
Winter in Lima runs from May to October, meaning cooler temperatures and overcast skies, including the garúa fog which characterises Lima’s coastline. There’s still little rain, although the cloudy weather lends itself better to indoor entertainment, such as visiting the city’s wealth of museums. For anyone looking to visit Lima away from the peak season, the shoulder months of November and April are ideal, offering a quieter experience and the tail–end of sunnier skies.
When is the rainy season in Peru?
Peru’s rainy summer season, between November to April, brings warm temperatures, lush landscapes and fewer visitors. January and February are especially very wet. However, with such a wide variety of landscapes and climates, the weather conditions can vary across the country.
The central rainforest regions are humid, and can experience rain at every time of year. On the other hand, in certain Andean regions, such as Arequipa, it rarely rains at all. If you want to explore the great outdoors and hike The Inca Trail, we recommend avoiding the rainy season as the trails close during this time.
Best hikes to do in Peru
The best time of year to try Peru’s best treks is the dry, winter season between May and October. The ground is dry and very little rainfall means conditions are comfortable. Avoid January and February as it’s too wet and the Inca Trail is closed.
The Inca Trail can get busy during Peru’s peak season of July and August. We recommend booking well in advance or visiting during the shoulder months of May, early June, September or October instead. There are many other treks across the Sacred Valley, such as the Lares trek, which also offers an immersion into Quechuan communities and culture. The epic seven day Salkantay Trek is also best experienced between May and October.
Although all treks require a certain level of fitness, some are more challenging than others. The Ausangate trek is among the most advanced, with an average altitude of over 4,000 metres. The best time to hike the Ausangate trail is between June and September. The trek takes 4 nights and 5 days and although it’s possible to stay in mountain lodges rather than tents, they are basic ‘lodge’ style.
Choquequirao is the only trek that leads you in, and out, on the same route. Best experienced between April and September, it is one of the most intrepid hiking routes in Peru, spanning 75 kilometres (46.6 miles). The rewarding trail leads you to enormous Incan ruins shrouded in dense jungle.
Whatever you want from your trip to Peru, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
