Best time to visit Peru

Understanding Peru’s Two Main Seasons

To understand Peru’s climate, it is helpful to know that its seasons are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere. More importantly, they are defined primarily by rainfall rather than temperature, a distinction that is most pronounced in the Andes and the Amazon. This creates two distinct periods for travel: the dry season and the wet season.

Dry Season (April to October)

• This period is often referred to as the “Andean Summer.”
• It is characterized by sunny days, clear blue skies, and colder nights, particularly at high altitudes.
• This is the peak tourist season for the Andean highlands, including Cusco and Machu Picchu.
• Conditions are ideal for trekking and other outdoor activities.

Wet Season (November to March)

• This period is often referred to as the “Andean Winter.”
• It is characterized by frequent rainfall, which typically occurs in the afternoons.
• The landscapes during this time are remarkably lush, green, and vibrant.
• You will encounter fewer crowds and can often find lower prices for accommodation and tours.

A Region-by-Region Climate Guide

The “best time” to visit Peru depends heavily on which of its three distinct geographical regions are part of your itinerary. The optimal season for the Andes may not be the same for the coast or the Amazon.

The Andes (Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Huaraz)

Best Time: April – October (Dry Season)

• Clear skies provide excellent views and photo opportunities of the dramatic mountain landscapes.
• This is the prime time for hiking the Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, and other high-altitude routes.
• Note that June through August are the busiest months; we recommend booking all permits, tours, and hotels well in advance to secure your preferences.

Shoulder Months: April, May, September, October

• These months offer an excellent balance of favorable weather, fewer crowds, and greener landscapes just after the rainy season has passed.

Challenging Time: November – March (Wet Season)

• Expect daily downpours, which can cause travel disruptions or temporary trail closures.
• Please note: The classic 4-day Inca Trail is closed for maintenance every February.
• Despite the rain, this season is wonderful for photographers who wish to capture the vibrant green scenery with dramatic, misty clouds.

The Amazon Rainforest (Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado)

The Amazon is always hot and humid, but the experience changes significantly based on the water levels of the rivers, which dictate how you explore the jungle.

Low Water Season (June – November)

• This period coincides with the dry season in the Andes.
• Forest trails become more accessible, allowing for extensive jungle hikes and exploration on foot.
• Wildlife, such as caimans and nesting birds, is often easier to spot along the receding riverbanks.

High Water Season (December – May)

• Rivers and streams swell, allowing for deeper exploration of the flooded forest by boat and canoe.
• You can navigate through smaller tributaries and areas that are completely inaccessible during the low water season.
• Be aware that there are typically more mosquitoes during this period.

The Coast (Lima, Paracas, Nazca, Máncora)

Best Time for Sun & Beach: December – March

• This is summertime on the coast. It is hot, sunny, and ideal for swimming and relaxing, especially in the northern beach towns like Máncora.
• Lima is at its brightest and most vibrant during these months, free from its seasonal coastal fog.

Cool & Overcast Season: May – October

• Lima and the central and southern coast are often covered by a persistent coastal fog known as the garúa.
• Temperatures are mild and pleasant for exploring cities and archaeological sites like the Nazca Lines, but it is not beach weather.

Key Festivals & Events to Consider

Peru’s vibrant cultural calendar offers unique opportunities to witness traditional celebrations. It is useful to be aware of these dates to either join in the festivities or plan around potential crowds and closures.

February: Fiesta de la Candelaria

Location: Puno (Lake Titicaca)

A massive and colorful festival celebrating the region’s patron saint with elaborate costumes, traditional music, and dancing. If you wish to attend, plan far ahead, as the city gets fully booked.

March/April: Semana Santa (Holy Week)

Location: Nationwide, especially Cusco and Ayacucho.

A major holiday week leading up to Easter, marked by solemn religious processions. Expect significant crowds and higher prices for transport and accommodation throughout the country.

June: Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun)

Location: Cusco

Taking place on June 24th, this is a spectacular reenactment of the most important Inca ceremony, held at sites like Sacsayhuamán. This is the single busiest day of the year in Cusco, and we advise booking everything many months, or even a year, in advance.

July: Fiestas Patrias (Independence Days)

Location: Nationwide

Peru’s national holidays are celebrated on July 28th and 29th. Many Peruvians travel during this time, so expect banks and some businesses to be closed and for all forms of travel to be busy.