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November in Peru is when things start to shift from dry to wet season, but it’s still a good time to travel if you plan around the weather. Conditions vary a lot by region. The coast stays mild and dry, the highlands start to see more afternoon showers, and the Amazon gets increasingly humid with heavier rain. Landscapes begin to turn green again after months of dryness. You’ll also notice fewer crowds than in peak months, which can make some places feel more relaxed.
Peru in November at a glance
Peru has a bit of everything in November as the seasons begin to change.
Temperatures range from 60 to 75°F (16 to 24°C) on the coast, 45 to 65°F (7 to 18°C) in the highlands, and 70 to 88°F (21 to 31°C) in the Amazon
It’s shoulder season, so it’s easier to find decent prices and fewer crowds than in December or January
Early November tends to have better weather and lighter visitor traffic than later in the month
On average, costs are a lower than during peak travel months
The weather in Peru in November really depends on where you are. Along the coast, including Lima, it’s usually warm and dry. Mornings can be misty, but it burns off quickly. In the Andes, around Cusco and the Sacred Valley, the rains start to return, usually as afternoon showers. Mornings are often dry, which is when most people plan their hikes or visits to archaeological sites like Machu Picchu. The Amazon region sees the most rain, with high humidity and frequent downpours, but it’s still manageable if you’re prepared.
Rainfall numbers give a clearer picture: Lima gets less than 0.1 inch (0.5 mm), Cusco sees around 3 inches (75 mm), and areas of the Amazon can get more than 10 inches (250 mm). Trails in the Andes can get muddy as the month goes on, and flights in or out of remote areas may see minor delays if rain gets heavy.
If you’re aiming for a Peru itinerary that avoids big crowds and still catches decent weather, early November hits a nice balance. Just pack layers and a rain jacket, and you’ll be set.
Peru’s weather in November depends a lot on where you are, but in general, things are warming up on the coast, staying steady in the jungle, and still pretty mild in the highlands.
Along the coast, including Lima, daytime temperatures hover around 70°F (21°C), with nights rarely dipping below 63°F (17°C). This is actually one of the warmer times of year here, as summer is just around the corner.
Up in the Andes, around Cusco and the Sacred Valley, you’ll get daytime highs around 65°F (18°C). It cools down quickly after dark though, with nights dropping to about 45°F (7°C). Layers are a good idea, especially if you're heading out early or staying out late.
In the Amazon, the heat stays consistent. You can expect daytime temperatures around 88°F (31°C) and warm nights around 70°F (21°C), along with high humidity. It’s hot and sticky, but that doesn’t really change much throughout the year.
How to plan a trip to Peru in November if you want to swim? Ocean temperatures along the coast sit around 63 to 65°F (17 to 18°C). It feels chilly to most swimmers, but some find it refreshing. You’ll get about 12 hours of daylight in November, with sunset coming a bit earlier than in summer but still giving you plenty of time to explore.
November is actually a pretty solid time to visit Peru if you’re looking to catch that window before the full rainy season sets in. The weather is mixed depending on where you go. On the coast, it starts warming up with mostly dry days. In the Andes, there’s some rain, but it usually comes in the afternoon, so mornings are still good for hikes or exploring ruins. The Amazon sees more frequent showers, but rivers are navigable and wildlife sightings can actually improve as animals move closer to the water.
You’ll also notice fewer travelers around. It’s not totally empty, but you won’t be elbowing through crowds at major sites either. Early November has a nice rhythm to it. Quiet trails, active wildlife, and local festivals like All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day (November 1 and 2), which bring out strong community traditions without feeling staged for tourists.
Machu Picchu is still accessible, and the trails haven’t turned to mud yet. Rainforest lodges are open, and you’ll start to see that fresh green growth return after the dry months, especially in the Sacred Valley and jungle edges. This is one of the best times to visit Peru.
Why November is a good time to visit:
Coast starts warming up with dry, sunny days
Andes mornings stay clear for hiking and ruins before afternoon showers
Amazon wildlife more active as animals gather near rivers
Rivers are full and easily navigable for jungle trips
Local festivals (All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day) bring authentic community celebrations
Rainforest lodges remain open with lush new growth after the dry season
November is part of the shoulder season in Peru, which means you get decent weather without the heavy crowds of the peak months (June to August). While places like Machu Picchu start getting busier, it’s still less crowded overall.
Prices for hotels and activities are generally more reasonable, but they may start to creep up as December approaches. It’s a good idea to book ahead to lock in better deals, especially for popular spots like the Inca Trail.
November’s shifting weather means different things depending on where you go. Some regions are still dry, others are just starting to get rain, and that mix can actually work in your favor if you want variety in your trip. You can cover a lot of ground this month without dealing with high-season crowds. Here are some of the best places to visit in Peru in November.
Lima
As summer approaches, Lima starts to feel more pleasant. The coastal fog that lingers through winter begins to elevator, and you’ll get clearer skies and daytime temperatures around 70°F (21°C). It’s a good time to enjoy the city’s food scene, with more restaurants setting up tables outside. The historic center is easier to explore without the midyear tourist traffic, and views of the Pacific get noticeably better than in winter. The Larco Museum is a solid pick for a dry afternoon indoors.
Cusco and the Sacred Valley
This region sees the beginning of the rainy season in November, but most of the showers come later in the day. Mornings are still generally dry, so early starts work well. The mountains start turning green again after the long dry stretch, and that contrast makes the scenery pop. You’ll find fewer people around popular spots like the Pisac market or Sacsayhuamán, and the shifting weather brings a dramatic quality to the landscape.
Machu Picchu gets quieter in November compared to the busier months, and early rains bring out the greens in the surrounding hills. It’s common to start the day with fog, which slowly clears to reveal the ruins beneath. The classic Inca Trail is still open and manageable this time of year, but if you want something different, the Salkantay route is another good choice. Trails can be damp, but they’re usually still passable, especially earlier in the month.
Arequipa and Colca Canyon
November is a pleasant time to be in Arequipa. The days are warm and mostly dry, and the air feels cleaner as the rains begin clearing dust from the region. Head to Colca Canyon early in the morning to see Andean condors riding the air currents before clouds build up later in the day. The volcanic landscapes around here also take on a different mood when the light shifts, making it a good time for photographers.
Iquitos and the Amazon Rainforest
Rainfall starts picking up in November, which actually works in your favor if you’re here to see wildlife. Rising river levels make it easier to get deeper into the forest of Iquitos by boat, and many animals stay close to the water’s edge. It’s also a great time for birdwatching since fruiting trees attract a lot of activity. Rain tends to come in short bursts, so most days still allow time for excursions, especially in the morning and early afternoon. Just bring lightweight rain gear and you’ll be fine.
November is quieter and still offers good conditions for outdoor adventures. It’s also a chance to visit less-known regions and experience Peru without the crowds. Here are the best things to do in Peru in November.
Día de la Canción Criolla in Lima
The Día de la Canción Criolla, celebrated on October 31st and extending into early November, is a vibrant celebration of Peru's musical heritage. This national vacation celebrates Creole music with concerts, dance performances, and street parties throughout Lima. Experience the lively atmosphere as people local to the area showcase traditional Peruvian waltzes, festejos, and marineras.
Puno Week Festival
Early November brings the exciting Puno Week Festival to the city of Puno. This week-long celebration commemorates the legendary birth of Manco Cápac, the first Inca. The festival is a spectacular display of Andean culture, featuring colorful parades, traditional dances, and music performances that highlight the region's Aymara and Quechua heritage. The event reaches its climax on November 5th with a dramatic reenactment of Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo's emergence from Lake Titicaca.
November’s relatively dry weather makes Machu Picchu a strong focus for 11-day Peru trips that want a classic Inca route with a little more breathing room before the December rush. With fewer crowds than during the peak season, you can enjoy a more serene experience at this iconic Incan citadel. Comfortable temperatures and a reduced chance of rain also make it a good month for exploring the ruins and hiking Huayna Picchu.
Día de los Difuntos (Day of the Deceased)
Experience this important cultural event on November 1st and 2nd, especially in Andean regions like Cusco. Join people local to the area in cemeteries as they honor deceased loved ones with flowers, favorite foods, and music. In some areas, you might witness the preparation of "t'anta wawa" (bread babies), a traditional offering.
Beach season in the north
As November marks the beginning of summer in Peru, head to northern coastal towns like Máncora or Punta Sal. With temperatures rising and crowds still relatively low, it's an ideal time to enjoy the beautiful beaches, try surfing, or go whale watching as humpback whales begin their migration.
In November, you might get early rain in the Andes, but trails are still open and crowds are lighter. It’s a good time to pair the mountains with the jungle or coast.
Peru itinerary 7 days: You could base yourself in Cusco, explore nearby ruins, and take the train to Machu Picchu. If you want slower travel, the Sacred Valley makes a nice base with smaller towns and open landscapes.
Peru itinerary 10 days: You might start in Lima for a couple days, then head to Cusco and the Sacred Valley. From there, either visit Lake Titicaca or spend extra time hiking or exploring smaller Andean towns.
Peru itinerary 14 days: Two weeks gives you room to combine Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu with time in the Amazon or Arequipa. You could also visit Colca Canyon or take a slower route through the highlands.
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Dre Roelandt is originally from the United States but lives and works in Berlin, Germany. They are an in-house senior editor at Rough Guides. Dre is a writer and fine artist with a passion for travelling.
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