When is the Best Time to Visit Peru?

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Best time to visit

Peru is a treasure trove of experiences, offering everything from the exploration of ancient ruins to the indulgence in delectable cuisine. To maximize your experience, understanding the best time to visit Peru for various activities and attractions is essential.

We'll delve into the optimal times to visit Peru for favorable weather, vibrant cultural festivals, wandering through Machu Picchu, diving into Lima's gastronomic scene, and basking on the Peruvian coast. Additionally, we'll pinpoint the worst time to visit Peru, helping you steer clear of any potential drawbacks.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a culinary aficionado, or in search of adventure, Peru offers something for everyone. So, let's embark on this journey through our guide and pinpoint the best month to visit Peru, ensuring your trip is nothing short of spectacular.

 

Our Experts Say...

"Peru is a country made up of a huge range of different landscapes and climates, from snow-capped mountains to tropical rainforests to wild coastlines, making it possible to visit year-round. The dry season is between April and October making these the most popular months to visit. February is the wettest month on the whole, with the Inca Trail ceasing to operate at that time. The 'shoulder' months of March and November allow visitors to benefit from smaller crowds, lower rates, and likely good weather. As a predominantly Catholic country, Easter and Christmas are very popular, as is the end of June for the vibrant, local Inti Raymi festival, celebrated in the streets of Cusco."

Simon Hunt, Latin America Specialist

Monthly Climate Guide for Peru

, Peru

Average temperatures (Fahrenheit) and rainfall (mm)

Jan
72°F 8mm
Feb
72°F 12mm
Mar
71°F 11mm
Apr
72°F 6mm
May
73°F 1mm
Jun
74°F 1mm
Jul
73°F 0mm
Aug
75°F 1mm
Sep
73°F 1mm
Oct
71°F 3mm
Nov
74°F 2mm
Dec
72°F 4mm
Jan
67°F 18mm
Feb
66°F 27mm
Mar
66°F 22mm
Apr
67°F 13mm
May
67°F 6mm
Jun
67°F 3mm
Jul
67°F 2mm
Aug
69°F 4mm
Sep
71°F 7mm
Oct
69°F 13mm
Nov
71°F 14mm
Dec
67°F 20mm
Jan
67°F 15mm
Feb
66°F 13mm
Mar
67°F 12mm
Apr
65°F 9mm
May
65°F 4mm
Jun
65°F 1mm
Jul
64°F 2mm
Aug
67°F 4mm
Sep
70°F 8mm
Oct
67°F 10mm
Nov
69°F 8mm
Dec
67°F 13mm
Jan
65°F 22mm
Feb
67°F 3mm
Mar
64°F 41mm
Apr
59°F 55mm
May
53°F 46mm
Jun
52°F 232mm
Jul
51°F 130mm
Aug
52°F 120mm
Sep
55°F 78mm
Oct
57°F 61mm
Nov
61°F 26mm
Dec
69°F 11mm
Jan
95°F 15mm
Feb
94°F 14mm
Mar
95°F 14mm
Apr
94°F 16mm
May
94°F 16mm
Jun
92°F 14mm
Jul
88°F 9mm
Aug
95°F 11mm
Sep
97°F 9mm
Oct
96°F 14mm
Nov
95°F 17mm
Dec
94°F 17mm

The climate of Peru is diverse due to its varied geography, which includes the coast, highlands, and jungle. These variations in climate zones contribute to distinct seasonal changes throughout the country, affecting the best time to visit Peru.

From May to October, it's the dry season in Peru, offering clear skies and minimal rainfall, ideal for exploring landmarks like Machu Picchu. This period is widely regarded as the best time to go to Peru, especially for outdoor activities. The weather in Peru in May signals the start of dry season, with Peru in September and October continuing to provide excellent conditions for visitors.

The rainy season in Peru, from November to March, sees significant rainfall, particularly from December to March, which might be considered the worst time to visit Peru for highland adventures. However, coastal areas remain warm and drier, making Peru in November and January still appealing to some travelers. Peru in April marks the transition to drier months, offering mixed weather conditions.

The dry season is optimal for sightseeing and hiking, while the rainy season offers lush landscapes and fewer crowds, albeit with more planning required. By aligning travel plans with these climate patterns, visitors can enjoy their best time to visit Peru, from ancient ruins to vibrant cities and rainforests.

 

Seasonal Guide for Visiting Peru

Peru is in the southern hemisphere, so its seasons are the opposite of Europe, being warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. However, Peru’s two distinct seasons are the wet season and the dry season. Here’s how to navigate these two seasons for the best time to travel to Peru and the best things to do while there.

Best Times to Go to Peru for…

On a journey to Peru, vibrant festivals, exquisite cuisine, and the lush Amazon await. But knowing the best time to visit these enchanting offerings is key. Here's what to know.

 

Peru’s Cultural Festivals

With its rich tapestry of cultural festivals, Peru offers a vibrant showcase of its diverse heritage that captivates visitors year-round. Inti Raymi stands out as a highlight in Cusco every late June, celebrating the sun god Inti with dazzling processions and performances, providing a window into the Incan civilization's traditions.

Qoyllur Rit'i, blending Incan and Christian traditions, draws thousands to the Sinakara Valley near Cusco for a spiritual pilgrimage marked by the procession of the Qoyas, embodying the mountain spirits. Meanwhile, in February, the Carnival of Oruro mesmerizes with its UNESCO-recognized parade of costumes, music, and dance, embodying the country's rich cultural tapestry.

The best time to visit Peru for these festivities is during the dry season from May to September, offering clear skies and minimal rainfall, perfect for exploring.

 

Exploring Lima's Food Scene

Lima's culinary scene is a feast for the senses, blending indigenous flavors with international influences to create unforgettable dining experiences. Food enthusiasts flock to Lima, especially during the Mistura Food Festival in September, a highlight for its vibrant showcase of Peru's diverse cuisine, cooking demos, and live music.

The months featuring food festivals, particularly September, are ideal for those pondering the best time to visit Peru for a culinary adventure. Beyond festivals, Lima offers various food tours that dive into the city's rich food culture, from bustling markets to gourmet restaurants, providing a deeper understanding and appreciation of Peruvian gastronomy.

 

The Peruvian Amazon

The Peruvian Amazon is a vast, sprawling wilderness teeming with life and mystery. It covers a whopping 60% of the country, offering an adventure that's both wild and wondrous. Here, you'll find yourself surrounded by a dizzying array of plants and wildlife, more diverse than almost anywhere else on Earth. For those looking to explore this dense jungle, there's no better way than hopping on an Amazon cruise. These luxurious voyages provide a unique lens through which to view the jungle's heart, all while enveloping you in comfort.

When's the best time to visit Peru's Amazon? Aim for the dry season, stretching from May to October. This is when the jungle is most welcoming, allowing travelers to fully engage with its beauty without the hindrance of heavy rains. Picture cruising down the world's largest river, the Amazon, with the sun casting a golden glow over an endless canvas of green. It's an unparalleled experience.

Or, if the northern reaches, call you; Iquitos is just a 2-hour flight from Lima. Here, luxurious cruises like the Aria Amazon await to take you on an unforgettable journey. Just remember, the worst time to visit Peru's Amazon is during the rainy season when the deluge can dampen your exploration plans. So, plan wisely, and let the Amazon's wild, untamed beauty captivate your adventurous spirit.

Meet Our Peru Experts

Our team of Peru specialists are waiting to help you book your next adventure. Contact us today to start planning your personalized trip.

Best Time to Visit Peru FAQs

  • What is the best weather in Peru for Machu Picchu?

    The best weather in Peru for Machu Picchu is during the dry season from May to October. This period offers clear skies and fewer rain showers, making it ideal for hiking and exploring.

    Find out more about what to do and see in Machu Picchu.

  • When is the best time to visit Peru and the Galapagos?

    The optimal time to visit Peru and the Galapagos Islands is May to September. This period aligns with the dry season in Peru and a pleasant time in the Galapagos with mild weather and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities.

  • When is the best time to visit Peru and Brazil?

    The best time to travel to Peru and Brazil is during the Peruvian dry season and the Brazilian winter, around May to September. This timeframe offers favorable weather for exploring Peru's attractions and comfortable temperatures in Brazil, especially in the southern regions.

  • When is the best time to visit Peru and Bolivia?

    Visiting Peru and Bolivia is most recommended from May to October. This period coincides with the dry season in both countries, facilitating travel and access to major sites, including the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia.

  • When is the best time to visit Peru and Chile?

    The ideal months to explore both Peru and Chile are from April to June and September to November. These months offer pleasant weather for visiting Peru's highlights and exploring Chile's diverse landscapes, from the Atacama Desert to Patagonia.

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