Best time to visit Peru

Visiting Peru is complicated by huge differences in temperatures across the country’s different regions. The best time to visit Peru will depend on which regions you intend to go and what activities are you planning to do.

What is the best time to visit Peru

The dry season (May to September) is considered the best time to visit Peru. It’s also high tourist season in. Coastal areas, including Lima and Paracas, have mild temperatures and minimal rainfall. It’s an excellent time for visiting popular attractions like Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and Cusco. The Andean region experiences colder temperatures, particularly at higher altitudes, so be prepared for cooler weather if you plan to visit areas like Arequipa or Puno.

During the wet season (November to March) there’s more rainfall, especially in the Andean region and the Amazon rainforest. Trekking routes, such as the Inca Trail, may be closed due to heavy rains and landslides. However, the wet season can be an excellent time to visit the coastal regions, including Lima and northern Peru, as they experience warmer temperatures and fewer tourists.

The shoulder seasons (April and October) mark the transition between the dry and wet seasons. The weather can be more unpredictable, with occasional rainfall. It’s a less crowded time to visit popular sites like Machu Picchu, and you may find better deals on accommodations and tours.

Planning a trip to Peru? Perhaps our local experts in Peru can help you!

Best months to visit Peru

It’s challenging to choose the best time to visit Peru because of the change in the weather conditions across regions. January is the best month for a trip to the coast for fantastic weather, while May to September is the ideal period for visiting the Andes, Machu Picchu and the Amazon when it’s driest.

Since you’re unlikely to find the best time to visit all areas on a single trip, there’s little point in worrying about it. The country’s attractions are broad enough to override the need for guarantees of good weather.

Weather in Peru in January

Expect warm temperatures and abundant sunshine in Peru in January. Coastal areas like enjoy average temperatures of 77°F to 82°F (25°C to 28°C), perfect for beach visits and water activities.

In the Andean highlands, temperatures range from 50°F to 68°F (10°C to 20°C), ideal for exploring ancient ruins like Machu Picchu. The Amazon rainforest experiences high humidity and temperatures around 77°F to 86°F (25°C to 30°C).

For your holidays in Peru in January, try our tailor-made trips to Peru. Traveling in January can help save money due to lower prices and fewer tourists.

Weather in Peru in February

The weather in February is still pleasant weather and largely dry. Along the coast, temperatures hover around 77°F to 82°F (25°C to 28°C) with minimal rainfall, perfect for beach outings.

In the Andean highlands, temperatures range from 50°F to 68°F (10°C to 20°C), providing comfortable conditions for exploring and Sacred Valley‘s archaeological wonders.

The Amazon rainforest experiences tropical weather, with temperatures around 77°F to 86°F (25°C to 30°C) and occasional showers.

Traveling in February can also help save money due to lower prices and fewer tourists.

Looking for even more options for your winter getaway? Explore our guide to the best places for a February holiday.

Weather in Peru in March

Rainfall increases in the Amazon in March but the northeast coast still experiences temperatures of 77°F to 82°F (25°C to 28°C) and minimal rainfall.

In the Andean highlands, temperatures range from 50°F to 68°F (10°C to 20°C), creating comfortable conditions for hiking. Traveling in March can also help save money due to lower prices and fewer tourists.

Explore a hidden gem in Peru with our tailor-made trip. Discover rarely visited destinations, uncover rich archaeological remains, and be amazed by vast nature and stunning landscapes.

Weather in Peru in April

April brings favorable weather for exploration. Coastal areas like Lima, the capital city of Peru, enjoy temperatures around 73°F to 81°F (23°C to 27°C) with minimal rainfall, perfect for coastal activities and exploring archaeological sites.

In the Andean highlands, temperatures range from 50°F to 68°F (10°C to 20°C), providing pleasant conditions for hiking the Andes or visiting cultural gems like Arequipa. The Amazon rainforest experiences warm temperatures around 77°F to 86°F (25°C to 30°C) and increased rainfall, offering vibrant ecosystems and unique wildlife encounters.

With our tailor-made trip to Peru for nature lovers, you can explore one of the most ecologically diverse countries on earth. Peru boasts an impressive range of ecosystems, with 84 out of the 103 known ecosystems and nearly 90% of the world’s recognized climates found within its borders.

Weather in Peru in May

May to September is considered to be the best time to visit Peru. The weather in May is still comfortable for exploring much of Peru. Temperatures in the capital city of Lima hit around 70°F to 75°F (21°C to 24°C) and there isn’t much rain.

The Andean highlands have similar temperatures in April, ranging from 50°F to 68°F (10°C to 20°C), providing pleasant conditions for visiting Machu Picchu or trekking through

The Amazon rainforest has more showers and warm temperatures that hit 77°F to 86°F (25°C to 30°C).

Weather in Peru in June

Temperatures in Lima start to drop to around 64°F to 70°F (18°C to 21°C) in June, though rainfall remains minimal.

Colder temperatures are felt in the Andean highlands, dropping to 41°F to 59°F (5°C to 15°C), providing cool but manageable conditions for exploring the Inca Trail or visiting

The humid Amazon rainforest experiences Peru's warmest June temperatures of between 77°F to 86°F (25°C to 30°C) with regular rain showers.

Weather in Peru in July

In July temperatures drop again to around 63°F to 68°F (17°C to 20°C) but there is still little rainfall, meaning this can be a good time to explore the city.

Temperatures in the Andean highlands stubbornly stay at around 41°F to 59°F (5°C to 15°C), providing cool weather for trekking to Machu Picchu or visiting Cusco.

The Amazon rainforest remains warm and humid, with regular downpours.

Weather in Peru in August

August in Peru has pleasant weather for hiking the Andean highlands and trekking the Inca Trail.

Lima is largely dry, despite temperatures falling again to around 61°F to 66°F (16°C to 19°C), whilst the Amazon rainforest experiences the warmest temperatures of around 77°F to 86°F (25°C to 30°C) with occasional showers.

Weather in Peru in September

The low mist that descends over the Lima Valley in September will start to clear with temperatures sitting around 61°F to 66°F (16°C to 19°C) and occasional showers, creating a refreshing time to explore the capital.

In the Andean highlands, the relatively dry period starts to ease, ushering in more rain. This can be the time to explore cultural gems like Arequipa rather than hiking.

The Amazon rainforest is warm, with temperatures around 77°F to 86°F (25°C to 30°C), wet and vibrant.

Weather in Peru in October

Lima welcomes its coolest temperatures in October, whilst the Amazon heads into its hot and humid dry season with less rainfall.

It hardly rains in Cusco or around Machu Picchu either, so weather-wise it can be a good time to visit, though many will have the same idea.

Weather in Peru in November

In November, the coastal regions of Peru, such as Lima, have seen temperatures stick around 68°F to 73°F (20˚C to 23°C) with more chance of rain.

The air is fresh and crisp in the Andean highlands with little chance of downpours and warmer temperatures that fluctuate between 50°F to 68°F (10˚C to 20°C).

It’s also much drier in the Amazon and a good time to visit.

Weather in Peru in December

In December, coastal regions like Lima experience temperatures around 70°F to 75°F (21°C to 24°C) with minimal rainfall, providing ideal conditions for beach visits and water sports.

In the Andean highlands, temperatures range from 50°F to 68°F (10°C to 20°C), creating pleasant weather for trekking to Machu Picchu or exploring the Sacred Valley.

The Amazon rainforest experiences temperatures around 77°F to 86°F (25°C to 30°C) with occasional showers, offering lush landscapes and incredible biodiversity.

Climate in Peru

It’s worth taking a look at the weather conditions to assess when to visit Peru; the climate varies according to different physical characteristics and by altitude. Each region, from the desert coast, to the Amazon basin, to the Andes, has a different and varied climate and environment.

Whereas the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere fall around June to August, the height of the summer (verano) along the desert coast more or less fits the expected image of the Southern Hemisphere.

That’s to say it’s extremely hot and sunny between December and March (especially in the north), cooler and with a frequent hazy mist, known as garúa, between April and November. Only in the polluted environs of Lima that the coastal winter ever gets cold enough to necessitate a sweater.

Peak season in Peru

The peak tourist season in Peru generally coincides with the dry season, which runs from May to September. During this period, the weather is usually favorable with minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time to visit popular attractions like Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and Cusco. 

Traveling outside the peak season can help save money due to lower prices and fewer tourists.

The peak season attracts a significant number of tourists, so popular sites can be more crowded, and prices for accommodations and tours may be higher. It’s advisable to book your travel arrangements well in advance if you plan to visit Peru during the peak season.

In the Andes, the seasons are more obviously defined, with heavy rains from December to March and a warm, relatively dry period from June to September, the peak season. Inevitably, though, there are always some sunny weeks in the rainy season and wet ones in the dry. There is quite a difference between temperatures in the day and at night, so be sure to pack warm clothing.

The wet season in Peru

In the Andes and the Amazon Basin locals consider the rainy season (December to March) to be winter. 

In Arequipa in the south, the temperatures are really pleasant at this time of year. During the December to February period, you can expect the rainy season in the Amazon Basin and the Andes. Water levels are high at this time, and flora and fauna are abundant. At this time of year, the Inca Trail often closes during February due to possible landslides and maintenance. Machu Picchu itself remains open during this period. Traveling during the wet season can help save money due to lower prices and fewer tourists.

For those coming from the Northern Hemisphere spring is considered to be roughly from March to May. From March, the temperature on the coast begins to get milder. It’s still wet within the Andes, but you will find that it’s quieter with fewer crowds on the trails. The rainforest is still hot and humid – as it is all year.

In March to May, it is still hot in the coastal areas, but temperatures are beginning to drop. March is the end of the rainy season in Machu Picchu, and you can expect the area to be drier and warmer by May.

Average rainfall in Peru

In the coastal regions, such as Lima and the northern coast, the average annual rainfall is relatively low, ranging from 0 to 4 inches (0 to 100mm) per year. These areas are characterized by arid and desert-like conditions.

In the Andean highlands the average annual rainfall varies between 20 to 40 inches (500mm and 1,000mm). The rainy season in the highlands coincides with the summer months, from December to March.

The dry season in Peru

To minimize confusion, we’re talking about the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere – which are Peru’s winter months. Dry conditions and warm weather make this an ideal time to visit Peru.

Cusco is at its best, and you can make the most of the Andes’ fantastic trekking opportunities. It is cold though when the sun goes down, so take extra layers. The Amazon is hot all year but at its driest during the May to September period.

December to February can be the best time of year to visit Peru if you are traveling to the coastal regions, especially in the north. You can expect temperatures to be hot and sunny at around a pleasant 84.2°F (29˚C). There will be very little rainfall in coastal regions.

There is less rain in the Andes at this time of year, and it’s a good time to travel for those who want to go trekking or climbing. You’ll get some excellent views of the mountain peaks and clear blue skies.

Temperatures are much milder on the coast – at around 68°F (20°C)– than between December and March. Lima is also shrouded in gray mist at this time of the year. The coolest temperatures occur from June to October (lows of 59°F and highs of 68°F).

In the Amazon, temperatures are hot and humid, but this is the dry season, so there will be less rainfall and lower water levels. Traveling during the shoulder seasons can help save money due to lower prices and fewer tourists.

Best time to visit Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is an unmissable highlight of any trip to Peru. In the high season, from June to September, the entire Valle Sagrado swarms with visitors, and it might be difficult to avoid the crowds. If you plan to go in the high season, you need to book several months ahead as the trail is so popular.

Understanding the weather conditions is crucial when planning your visit. The whole area is quieter from October to April, but it’s wetter. The Inca trail is closed in February, which is usually the wettest month. It closes for annual maintenance and repair, although Machu Picchu itself is still open.

The month of May is quite a good choice as it’s the end of the rainy season, and the sky will be bright and clear with excellent views.

Rough Guides tip: check our Rough Guides Itineraries

Best time to visit Lima

If you are working out the best time to visit Peru and want to discover Lima, the capital city, at its best, the ideal period is between December and March. This is the warmest time of the year, when the sky is bright and sunny, and it’s a wonderful time to stroll around the colonial architecture and coastal park.

If you visit between April and November, you may experience a blanket of gray mist, although it hardly ever rains in the capital.