Weather in Peru in April

April is when Peru’s weather and landscapes start to change in interesting ways. If you’re planning a trip, it’s good to know what the weather will be like and what local customs to expect. Here’s our guide to the weather in Peru in April to help you discover Peru with Rough Guides.

Peru in April at a glance

April is a great month to visit Peru, with greener landscapes after the rainy season and improving conditions for hiking and big sightseeing routes.

• The weather is shifting into the dry season, so you get more sunshine and fewer rainy days, especially in the Andes.
• Average temperatures are around 60 to 70°F (16 to 21°C) in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, and about 68 to 77°F (20 to 25°C) in Lima.
• April is a very good time to visit because the trails start drying out and the mountains look fresh and green.
• Crowds are moderate, with fewer visitors than peak winter months like June and July, though Machu Picchu can still feel busy.

What is the weather like in Peru in April?

April is a transition month in Peru, and that’s exactly why it works so well. The rainy season is tapering off in the Andes, which means trails start drying out and travel becomes more reliable, but the landscapes are still fresh and green from the last few months of rain. For places like Cusco and the Sacred Valley, you’ll usually get clearer days and better visibility as the month goes on, with the chance of a lingering shower early on. It’s a great time for hiking if you like quieter trails and don’t want peak-season crowds.

On the coast, including Lima, the weather stays relatively stable, and you’re less likely to deal with disruptions. In the Amazon, conditions remain humid, and showers are still part of daily life, but they rarely stop you from getting out there. April also tends to be a better-value month, with lower tourist numbers before the busiest season kicks in. This can be a great time to plan your Peru itinerary.

Average daily temperatures in April

April sees the start of the dry season in most of Peru. Daylight hours continue to decrease gradually, averaging about 11-12 hours per day across the country.

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Coastal Region

Coastal temperatures remain pleasant (in places like Lima, Paracas National Reserve and Pisco), averaging 73°F (23°C). Rainfall is negligible at less than 0.1 inches (2.5 mm). The "garúa" fog in Lima starts to dissipate.

Andean Region

The Andes (in places like Cusco, Lake Titicaca, and Huascarán National Park) experience average temperatures of 54°F (12°C). Rainfall decreases significantly to about 2.4 inches (61 mm). This marks the beginning of the ideal trekking season.

Amazon Rainforest Region

The Amazon (places like Iquitos, Tarapoto, and Pucallpa) stays warm with average temperatures of 84°F (29°C). Rainfall decreases but remains substantial at 8 inches (203 mm). River levels begin to recede, revealing sandy beaches along the riverbanks.

Is April a good time to visit Peru?

April is a great time to visit Peru, especially if you’re heading for the mountains. The weather in Peru in April marks the start of the dry season in the Andes, which means clearer skies, fewer rainstorms, and trails reopening after the wetter months. It’s one of the best times to hike to Machu Picchu or explore the Sacred Valley—everything is still lush from the rains, but the mud has mostly dried up. 

Cusco is sunny during the day and cool at night, and crowds haven’t hit their peak yet. Down in Lima and along the coast, summer heat is starting to ease, but beach days are still on the table. 

The Amazon stays hot and humid year-round, but river levels are high, making boat travel easier. April falls in shoulder season, so prices and availability are better than in peak months. Just be prepared for a little of everything when it comes to weather. For more tips, see our guide to how to plan a trip to Peru. 

• Transition to dry season with milder temperatures and less rain
• Perfect hiking conditions on trails like the Inca Trail
• Fewer crowds at Machu Picchu and other major attractions
• Lush, green landscapes after rainy season
• Clearer skies for sightseeing

What about the crowds & costs?

April is part of Peru's shoulder season, which means you’ll hit that sweet spot between the busy and quiet times. You won’t face huge crowds at popular spots like Machu Picchu, making it easier to explore at a relaxed pace. 

Plus, prices for hotels and tours are usually lower than in the peak months of June to August, so you’ll get more bang for your buck. Just watch out for price hikes around Easter, especially in places celebrating Semana Santa. It’s a good idea to book your stay and tours early, especially if you’re heading to popular destinations.  If you're still deciding, see our guide to the best time to visit Peru. 

Where to go in Peru in April

April marks the start of the dry season across much of Peru, but the landscapes are still lush from recent rains. It’s one of the best times to explore before the high-season crowds arrive. Think green mountains, manageable weather, and a little breathing room.

Sacred Valley

April is a great month to explore the Sacred Valley. The heavy rains have tapered off, but the hillsides are still bright green and full of life. Towns like Ollantaytambo and Pisac feel fresher and less dusty than they do later in the season. You can hike, visit market towns, or just ride the train between sites. The Inca ruins are quieter this month too.

Arequipa

With its white volcanic stone buildings and backdrop of snow-capped peaks, Arequipa is a striking city any time of year. But in April, the weather is especially pleasant for wandering. The rains are gone, but the air still feels crisp and clean. Day trips to Colca Canyon are easier now, with better road conditions and a higher chance of spotting condors on the thermals.

Amazon Basin (Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado)

April is still part of the wet season in the Amazon, which means higher river levels and better access by boat. Many forest paths are flooded, but that opens up a different kind of travel — floating through the canopy on guided tours. Wildlife spotting is excellent, especially birds, monkeys, and river dolphins. It’s warm and humid, but it’s the rainforest at its most alive.

Things to do in Peru in April

April is the start of the dry season in the highlands, making it a great time for trekking and visiting Machu Picchu. The weather is clear, and the crowds are still manageable.

Experience Semana Santa

Semana Santa (Holy Week) is celebrated across Peru with major processions and ceremonies in cities like Ayacucho, Cusco, Arequipa, and Lima. Expect traditional music, dance performances, and special vacation foods like empanadas de Semana Santa.

Feria Internacional del Libro de Trujillo

If you love books, head to Trujillo for the International Book Fair. This event brings together local and international authors for book presentations, talks, and workshops. Beyond the literature, the fair often includes poetry readings, illustration workshops, and debates on contemporary literary trends. It's a great chance to pick up works by Peruvian authors, many of which may not be easily available outside the country. 

See Feria de las Cruces in Lima

The Feria de las Cruces (Festival of the Crosses) is celebrated in various districts of Lima. People decorate large crosses with flowers, and neighborhoods hold processions with music and dance. In some areas, you’ll also see competitions for the best-decorated cross and enjoy traditional foods served during the festivities. 

Puno Week

If you’re near Lake Titicaca, don’t miss Puno Week, which celebrates the mythical emergence of the first Inca, Manco Capac, from the lake. The festival features over 200 dance groups in colorful traditional costumes, music, and fireworks. One of the main events is the reenactment of Manco Capac and his sister-wife, Mama Ocllo, emerging from Lake Titicaca on ornately decorated boats.

Plan your trip with our Peru itineraries

Our Peru itineraries are crafted to help you experience the best of the country, stress-free. Think of them as a starting point — perfect for planning, but flexible enough to adjust to your own pace and interests. After all, travel is about freedom, but a little planning goes a long way.

• Peru itinerary 7 days: Perfect for travelers with limited time who want to experience the country’s cultural and archaeological highlights.
• Peru itinerary 10 days: Ten days lets you go beyond the basics with visits to Lake Titicaca and the Andean highlands, along with Machu Picchu and Cusco.
• Peru itinerary 14 days: A two-week adventure covering Peru’s top spots, from the Amazon rainforest to Arequipa and the Colca Canyon, plus the Inca heartland. A great option if you want to immerse yourself in a world of nature, adventure and ancient history.