Peru: Weather and Season Travel Guide
The best time to visit Peru is May to September, during the dry season in the Andes. This period offers clear skies, excellent trekking conditions, and ideal weather for visiting Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley.
However, the best time can vary depending on where you travel:
- Andes & Machu Picchu: May–September (dry season)
- Amazon rainforest: May–October for wildlife spotting
- Peru’s coast & beaches: December–March for warm temperatures
- Best overall months: April, May, September, and October (good weather + fewer crowds)
July and August are the busiest months in Peru, particularly around Cusco and Machu Picchu, so booking tours and Inca Trail permits well in advance is essential.
Peru (latitudes 0º to 18º) is located in the southern tropics and features jungle basins, soaring Andean peaks over 6,000 m, and coastal beach resorts. As befits such glorious geographical diversity, each region has ideal seasons to travel.
That means when it’s good weather in the mountains, the coast may be misty, and when it’s nice on the coast, it could be raining up high.
Overall, the best time to visit Peru depends on which regions you plan to explore, as the Andes, Amazon rainforest and Pacific coast all have different climates.
Fret not! This guide outlines when to visit Peru and the best times to explore the country’s attractions throughout the year.
Best Time to Visit Peru: At a Glance
The best time to visit Peru varies by region, as the country has three main climate zones.
Highlands: The dry season (winter, May to September) and wet season (summer, November to March), with cooler temperatures at higher altitudes at any time.
Jungle (Amazon): Hot and humid year-round, with a pronounced rainy season (November to April).
Coast: Mild winters (June to September), but it’s the warm summers (December to April) that are ideal for beach and surf fans.
| Region | Best Time to Visit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Machu Picchu & Cusco | May – September | Dry weather, clear mountain views |
| Amazon Rainforest | May – October | Lower water levels and better wildlife sightings |
| Lima & the Coast | December – March | Warm sunny weather |
| Trekking in the Andes | May – September | Best trail conditions |
Best Time to Visit Peru by Month
The table below provides a quick overview of the best times to visit Peru by month across the Andes, the Amazon rainforest, and the Pacific coast.
| Month | Andes & Machu Picchu | Amazon Rainforest | Coast & Beaches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Afternoon rains | Rainy season | Excellent beach weather |
| Feb | Rainy (Inca Trail closed) | Rainy season | Excellent beach weather |
| Mar | Improving | WetRainy season | Very good |
| Apr | Very good | Good | Mild |
| May | Excellent | Good | Cool |
| Jun | Excellent | Good | Cool/cloudy |
| Jul | Excellent (busy) | Good | Cool |
| Aug | Excellent (busy) | Good | Cool |
| Sep | Excellent | Good | Mild |
| Oct | Very good | Good | Mild |
| Nov | Rain starting | Rainy season | Warming up |
| Dec | Afternoon rains | Rainy season | Excellent beach weather |
Best Time to Visit Peru by Season
The stable weather during Peru’s Andean winter (May to September) draws the crowds, especially during the high season of June to August. Book in advance before prices rise or highly sought-after Inca Trail permits or tickets for Cusco’s Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) sell out.
Peru’s low season (Nov to March), also the wet season (summer), means more chance of afternoon rain, particularly in the wettest months of January and February. The bonus of travelling at this time is lush, verdant mountains and less crowded attractions.
For example, Amazon trips can push deeper into the rainforest on flooded rivers to find shy animals. However, some lodges in the Manu region close during the wet season (Dec to March) due to approximately 80% of the annual average rainfall (2,000 mm) falling in these months.
Andean Trails’ Top Tip: Many travellers assume June–August is the best time to visit Peru, but April, May, September, and October often offer the best balance of weather and fewer crowds.
When to Visit Peru by Activity
Hikers love iconic treks like the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and the Cordillera Huayhuash trek in the Andean winter months of May to September. The clear, sunny days and cold, crisp nights are ideal for outdoor activities, photography, and great views. Mountaineers can also take on the high peaks at this time, many of which soar over 6,000m.
May to September is also ideal for bucket-list destinations like Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Arequipa and the Colca Canyon, and Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Days are warm, with fresh-to-cool evenings.
Insider knowledge: Machu Picchu is open year-round, but the Inca Trail closes in February for maintenance.
Many destinations in Peru, including Cusco, Lake Titicaca, and the Andes trekking regions, are at high altitude. Temperatures can change quickly throughout the day, with warm sunshine during the afternoon and freezing temperatures overnight. Packing layers is essential when travelling in the mountains.
Wildlife enthusiasts love the hot, humid Amazon between May and October, when lower water levels bring more animals to rivers to drink and make for less muddy hiking trails. However, the mosquitoes are still about, so cover up! The average daytime high temperature is between 25°C and 34°C, and the average nighttime low is between 16°C and 22°C.
Sometimes, cold fronts from Argentina—friajes—can sweep into the southwest Amazon and drop temperatures to as low as 9° C. Friajes usually last 1-3 days and usually occur between May and September.
Beach-lovers should head to Peru’s coast between December and March (temperatures between 30ºC/20ºC), with great waves for surf fans. Still, it doesn’t always coincide with good weather in the Andes or the Amazon.
From May to October, Lima experiences temperatures of 13 to 20ºC and is often overcast. That’s because the cold Humboldt Current gives rise to a blanket of mist—the garúa—which hangs over coastal cities. There are sunny spells and minimal rain. Lima’s warm, sunny summer brings temperatures of 19 to 25ºC.
Month by Month Travel Guide to Peru
There’s always something to see in Peru, no matter when you visit. The best months to visit Peru are often May and September, when the dry season offers clear skies, but crowds are smaller than in peak months like July and August.
Here are some month-by-month highlights to help you pick the best month to visit Peru for you.
January: Beaches in places like Mancora, Islas Ballestas day tours, Nazca Lines overflight, and fewer people at Machu Picchu.
February: Pisco Sour Day (the first Saturday in February), carnival, and archaeological sites near Trujillo.
March: Quieter beaches, verdant mountain views, Semana Santa (Holy Week) celebrations, and blooming flowers.
April: Andean skies clear to reveal luscious valleys full of orchids and quieter walking trails. Rainfall levels are lower in the Amazon as Peru’s rainy season comes to an end.
May: The Andes and jungle reveal their beauty: ice-climb, hike, raft, bike, or just enjoy being in the mountain ranges of Cusco, Huaraz, and more. Drier weather makes Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Machu Picchu, and the Amazon ideal for tours.
June: Celebrate Inti Raymi in Cusco and continue enjoying trekking and Amazon adventures in Peru’s dry season.
July: Great chances to see big cats in the Amazon, join in Independence Day celebrations (July 28-29), or enjoy stargazing in remote mountain areas with clear skies.
August: Peru’s busiest month, so try off-the-beaten-track treks in ideal weather in places like Chachapoyas and Gocta or perfect for rafting on the Apurimac.
September: As winter turns to spring (warm days, mostly dry weather), enjoy Cusco and the Sacred Valley, smaller crowds, and cloud forests filled with hummingbirds.
October: Moving month! Spot jungle animals before the heavy rains, which promote vegetation growth that hides them. Meanwhile, surf towns open, and hikers still enjoy relatively dry conditions in the Andes.
November: It’s quieter everywhere except the coast as summer (rainy season) comes to the Amazon and Andes. Check out All Saints’ Day celebrations on November 1.
December: Coastal regions are in full swing, from Paracas to Lima to Mancora. Inca Trail trekkers start early to trek among the summer flowers and dodge any afternoon rains.
Weather Across Peru by Region
Here is more information on Peru’s weather by region, based on popular destinations.
May to Oct: Dry season in the Amazon and Andes
- Cusco (3,300m): Average max/min temps: 22ºC /2ºC. Average 3 or 4 wet days per month.
- Tambopata (Amazon): Average max/min temps: 32ºC /24ºC. Average 4 to 5 wet days per month.
- Lima (sea level): Average max/min temps: 21ºC /15ºC with a 65-70% chance of clear skies.
- Arequipa (2,380m): Average max/min temps: 26ºC /9ºC. Sunny more than 340 days/year with minimal precipitation.
On highland treks: Conditions are generally dry. However, at this time of year, expect a range of conditions within a single day: cold/freezing nights at camps above 4,000m, where pre-dawn temperatures can be -5ºC; warm, spring-like mornings and afternoons; and cold evenings.
Note that mountain weather can be fickle and localised, and that precipitation is not unknown in the dry season. Expect temperatures to swing between sun and shade, sheltered and exposed ground and with altitude gain and loss. A quick-setting sun means temperatures drop fast.
In the cloud forest, e.g. around Machu Picchu, daytime conditions are generally warm or hot, and evenings are cool.
Nov to March/April: Wet season in the Andes and Amazon
- Cusco: Average max/min temps: 23ºC /6ºC. Average 13 wet days per month.
- Tambopata (Amazon): Average max/min temps: 31ºC /22ºC with a 40% chance of a rainy day.
- Lima (sea level): Average max/min temps: 29ºC /19ºC with an 80 % chance of cloudy skies.
- Arequipa: Average max/min temps: 25ºC /14ºC.
- On highland treks: Wetter conditions, with cooler days and milder nights than the dry season. Jan-Mar are usually the wettest months.
FAQs About the Best Time to Visit Peru
When is the Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu?
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is May to September, during the dry season in the Andes. These months offer clear skies and the best visibility of the surrounding mountains.
April and October are also excellent months, with fewer visitors and generally good weather.
The wettest months are January and February, although Machu Picchu remains open year-round.
What is the Rainy Season in Peru?
The rainy season runs from November to March, with the heaviest rainfall in January and February, particularly in the Andes and Amazon.
What is the Cheapest Time to Visit Peru?
The cheapest time to visit Peru is usually January to March, when fewer travellers visit due to wetter weather in the Andes.
Is Peru Good to Visit Year-round?
Yes. Peru can be visited year-round, as different regions have varying climates. When it rains in the Andes, the coast is often sunny, and the Amazon remains accessible year-round.
When is the Inca Trail Closed?
The Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance, although Machu Picchu itself remains open.
Choose the Best Time to Visit Peru
Peru offers incredible travel experiences throughout the year—from trekking to Machu Picchu and exploring the Sacred Valley to spotting wildlife in the Amazon and relaxing on the Pacific coast.
The dry season from May to September is generally the best time to visit Peru, though the ideal month depends on your interests and destinations.
At Andean Trails, our team has been running trekking and cultural tours in Peru for over 25 years, giving us first-hand experience of the country’s seasons and regional climates.
Our Peru specialists at Andean Trails can help you plan the perfect itinerary based on the best season for your trip. Contact us for more.
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