Best Time To Visit Peru: Seasons of the Year & Best Activities To Do

Planning a Peru trip for yourself or your family? Are you soon checking Machu Picchu, the Amazon forest, and the Andean mountain range off your must-visit list? Then, you might wonder, “when is the best time to visit Peru?” 

Located near the equator, Peru has diverse landscapes ranging from beaches, lakes, lush forests, salt flats, deserts to snow-capped mountains. While the country only has wet and dry seasons, different parts of Peru and their various climates should be considered when planning a visit. 

So, the best time to travel to Peru would depend on your destination and planned activities. 

This article looks at Peru’s seasons and various climates to surface the best times to travel to the country’s different popular locations, such as Machu Picchu, the Amazon, and the capital city of Lima. 

Climate in Peru

Travelers can experience many different weather conditions in Peru depending on the season and region they visit. The country has 3 main regions, all with different climate conditions. 

Details on the weather conditions of all 3 at different seasons are given below.

The Coast 

On the coast, the weather is typically dry and mild, with temperatures ranging from 54°F to 84°F (12°C to 29°C), with high humidity and a thick fog during the winter months (May to October). The weather is warm and sunny in the summer (December to March). 

Apart from these months, the weather here is pleasant, with fog and clouds covering the area. Tourists frequently visit the north coast as it presents clear sunny days for most of the year. Trips to the coast can be really great in this South American archipelago.

The Andean Highlands 

In the Andes, the weather is cooler and drier than on the coast, with temperatures ranging from 19°F to 70°F (-7°C to 21°C) depending on the altitude. The dry season is from May to September, while the rainy season is from October to April. 

The weather can be unpredictable, and visitors to the Andes should be prepared for sudden changes in temperature and weather conditions.

The Amazon

The Peruvian Amazon jungle is located on the eastern side of Peru near the border of Colombia, Bolivia, and Brazil. The climate conditions in the jungle are subtropical. The temperatures barely go above 90°F (32.2°C) or below 68°F (20°C). 

The rainy season starts in November and stays till the end of March. The other months see clear skies with hot breezes flowing throughout the Amazon jungle. An expedition to this place is a must in your travel to Peru because of its beautiful geography and incredible wildlife.

Wet and Dry Season in Peru 

Peru receives 2 main seasons. The wet season has the months with the most rain, while the dry season receives no rainfall. 

Wet Season

The wet or rainy season starts between mid-October and the beginning of November. With the passing months, the rain starts to show its true might. 

Once January arrives, the clouds are at their full strength, pouring down rain at high speeds. Rain keeps the area wet for2 months straight, mainly affecting the mountainous region. 

Temperatures in these months are between 59° to 69°F (15° to 20.5°C) at the Amazon while dropping to 32°F (0°C) in the Andean region. If you visit Peru in the wet season, be ready to face muddy paths and damaged roads in the Andean highland region. 

Dry Season

The dry season usually starts at the end of March or sometime in mid-April. In this season, you won’t find any signs of rainfall. The warm breezes flow throughout the Andean highlands and Amazon region, whereas cold breezes move to the coastal areas. 

The overall weather is quite pleasant, with temperatures staying between 65° and 77°F (18.3° and 25°C) in the highlands. The jungle region has even better weather, with temperatures around 65° to 86°F (18.3° and 30°C). 

Discover the Best Times to Visit Peru 

For the Best Weather in Lima

Lima Peru is where you can easily spend more than a couple of days without getting bored. Most people love to visit the place during summer (December to April). In these peak season months, the skies are clear, and the weather is warm in Lima. 

Due to tourist-friendly weather conditions and the summer holiday, you will find a lot of crowds in the city. The bus services will be almost full, and prices will be high. 

If you are not on a low budget and want the best experience of the city, visiting in the summer months is recommended. However, if you want a cheaper experience, visit in the winter (May to November) when the temperatures are low, and La Garua (mist) covers the skies. 

For the Best Weather in Cusco

Unlike the capital of Peru, the best time to visit Cusco is in the dry season (May to November). The rainfall in this area in these months is minimal, and temperatures usually revolve around 68 to 77°F (20° to 25°C). 

If you visit in June, July, and August, you should expect large crowds in famous tourist spots. Please avoid visiting this area in the rainy season as the rain may influence your trekking experience in the great Machu Picchu and other day trips. 

So, carefully plan your excursion to Cusco to make the most of it.

For the Best Weather in Machu Picchu

The ruins of Machu Picchu are one of the most famous tourist destinations in Peru. Due to being a part of the Peruvian Andes region, the place receives 2 different seasons throughout the year (dry and wet). The dry season (April to November) is preferable since sunny days and clear skies will allow you to see the stunning Andean peaks. 

Most people without travel guides pick the summer season for hot days without realizing that the season comes with heavy rain. On the other hand, the dry season is a bit cooler but offers clear skies. The adventurous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is also available this season. 

The amazing trail leads to a beautiful sacred valley. Keep in mind the trek is closed in February. 

For the Best Weather in the Peruvian Amazon

The Peruvian Amazon is a rainforest, so be prepared to get wet regardless of the season you visit. The dry season, however, is much preferable as it receives less rain. It is also the time when the fauna come out, making the overall experience of the forest much livelier. 

The Amazon rainforest receives around 2.4 inches (60 millimeters) of rain monthly in the dry season. On the other hand, the wet season receives around 5.9 inches (150 mm) of rain each month. During the dry season, the temperature remains around the 80s, making it an ideal time to experience the mesmerizing jungle of Peru. 

Many tourists love to visit here during the wet season, mainly because of the high-water levels at the rivers, which allows people to explore the Amazon more by boat. Some small tributaries can only be accessed during the wet season. 

For Festivals

Peru is ideal for travelers looking to learn about culture and traditions. Fortunately, Peru has plenty of festivals for tourists to enjoy and learn. Villages are steep in traditions that are celebrated regularly, which any traveler will enjoy. 

The first big festival of the year, called La Candelaria, starts in February. In this festival, you can experience more than thousands of artists and dancers giving tribute to the Virgin of Candlemas, Quechua heritage, and Aymara. It is held in Puno, a city in the southern part of the country near Lake Titicaca.

Another great festival is the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia (National Wine Festival), held yearly at Ica, which is famous for its winery and hosts one of the best wine festivals in the country. The festival lasts around 10 days during the first week of March, so you can expect to experience some high-quality wine.

Another great city to visit for Peruvian culture is Cusco, which hosts 2 major festivals. One of these festivals is called the Easter Festival or Semana Santa. Over a thousand locals line the street following the parade of Christ, which starts from the church and marches towards Plaza de Armas. 

The second festival of Cusco is called the winter solstice (Inti Raymi). It takes place on 21st June every year. 

Most people love food festivals, and Peru is no less in that department. Lima’s Mistura Festival is one of the biggest food festivals in South America, held annually in September.

For the Cheapest Trip

The trip’s cost also depends on the weather, so if the climate conditions don’t bother you, you should visit Peru in the wet season. It is when most people avoid visiting the country due to bad weather. 

Lima, the city’s capital, has different weather than the rest of Peru. Therefore, if you plan to visit this city on a budget, plan your itinerary during the dry season. Apart from here, you should visit almost every other place in the summer season for a budget experience. 

Frequently Asked Questions – Best Time to Visit Peru

What Are the Best and Worst Months to Visit Peru?

The best months to visit Peru are May to September. It is known to be the dry season in Peru and the best time to travel. 

On the other hand, the worst season to visit any place in Peru except Lima is December to March. This is the wet season in Peru, with frequent heavy showers.

The best and worst times to visit Peru still depend on your travel preferences. It is a good idea to research the weather and events in the areas you plan to visit and plan accordingly.

What Is the Weather Like in Peru?

The weather in Peru varies from one place to another. The country has 3 main geographical zones: the coastal desert, the Andes mountains, and the Amazon rainforest.

Coast: Mild, dry weather with fog in winter and warm sun in summer. Temps range from 54°F to 84°F (12°C to 29°C).

Andes: Cooler and drier than the coast, temps range from 19°F to 70°F (-7°C to 21°C) depending on altitude. The rainy season is from October to April.

Amazon: Hot and humid year-round, temps range from 73°F to 91°F (23°C to 33°C). The rainy season is from December to May.

What Is the Rainy Season in Peru?

The rainy season in Peru varies by region. In coastal areas, such as Lima, it occasionally occurs from December to April, with heavy rain. Like Cusco and Machu Picchu, the Andean region has heavy rain, hail, and occasional snow from November to March. 

In the Amazon region, it’s from December to May with heavy rainfall that floods certain areas, but it also brings out more wildlife.

What Is the Hottest Month in Peru?

February is considered the hottest month in most of the cities in Peru. The temperature this month can go up to 80°F (26.7°C).

Conclusion – Best Time to Visit Peru 

So, what part of Peru are you headed to? Hopefully, this article can guide you to determine the best time to visit Peru, depending on your travel goals and preferences. 

There are so many great places to visit for your trip to Peru. The treasures you will have during this trip go beyond the souvenirs you will get, as the experiences and memories you will have will last a lifetime. 

A dry season vacation from May to October could mean large tourist crowds taking advantage of the warm weather to lounge on the beaches or hike through the Amazon. If you plan to go to Peru during the wet season, be prepared for rain, and adjust your packing and activities accordingly.

Whatever time you choose to visit, the memorable wonders of your South American travel to Peru will surely make it worth your while.

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