2 min summary When to go Map & highlights Things to do Machu Picchu The Inca Trail Alternative Inca trails Nazca Lines Families Tips Responsible tourism All our Peru guides

Best time to visit Peru

The best time to visit Peru depends on where you're planning on going. From Cuzco and the Highlands to Puerto Maldonado, Nazca and the coast, Peru has one of the most varied climates on the planet. Our climate chart will help you out - as will knowing that the Inca Trail closes for maintenance in February, the soggiest month.

Home\South America\Peru

Best time to visit Peru

Peru has one of the most varied climates on the planet, thanks to its wild, diverse geography

The climate varies by altitude, so even places which are beside each other on a map may be vastly different in temperature or rainfall - so these climate charts are very rough guides only. The seasons are loosely divided into wet and dry - with May-September being drier and clearer in the highlands, and much better for trekking. It's also the best time to visit Peru's Amazon basin, as wildlife congregates around the shrinking rivers, and mosquitos are fewer. The arid coast is also pleasantly cooler at this time. Just be prepared for how cold it can get at night in the mountains, and pack appropriately.

Call us for the best time to go to Peru

Cuzco & the Highlands Weather Chart

MIN °C

MAX °C

RAIN (mm)

JAN

153

FEB

136

MAR

120

APR

MAY

JUN

-2

JUL

-2

AUG

-1

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

116

Our Peru Holidays

When to visit Peru & when not to

In a nutshell: Peru is wet from November to March and dry for the rest of the year. The coast - especially in the south - tends to be drier, but the Amazon is always hot and wet. It is the world's largest rainforest, after all... January is one of the wettest months in the highlands of Peru and the Inca Trail tends to close for cleaning and maintenance at the end of the month and throughout February. Machu Picchu is still open at this time, though, for hikers following other routes, and those arriving by train. A few other national parks in Peru also close in February. However, the beaches are always open and this is the best time of year for heat on the coast. March and April are still wet within the highlands. However, you’ll find few other travellers on the trails and permits won't book out so far in advance. This is probably the best time of year to visit Arequipa, in the southwest, as temperatures are pleasant and rainfall is low. Amazon areas, such as Puerto Maldonado, are hot and humid all year round although there will be a little less rain from May through to September. Heading along the coast south of Lima in June will introduce you to the drizzle and thick fog caused by the dry garúa winds. If you’re searching for sunshine at this time, then head north to Trujillo for conditions more akin to spring. July and August are peak times to visit Machu Picchu; you will need to book at least six months in advance to secure a permit. If you'd rather visit after the biggest crowds have dispersed, then September and October could be the best months to get on the Inca Trail. November and December find the rains returning to the highlands and Cuzco, as well as Amazon areas in and around Puerto Maldonado. A mini high season towards the end of the year pushes prices up as travellers head to the beach over the holidays.

Need some help? Give us a call

Helpdesk

Hello. If you'd like to chat about Peru or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help. Rosy & team.

01273 823700 (UK)

rosy@responsibletravel.com

01273 823700 (UK)

rosy@responsibletravel.com

Our recommondations

Elena Larkin is a Latin America specialist at our supplier, Natural World Safaris. Originally from Lima, she tells us which is her best time to visit Peru's highlands, and why:

"For me personally, the best time to go and see the mountains is mid to late April, because it's after the rainy season and everything is green. But it's the end of summer, so it's still a bit warmer. My least favourite time is in July and August when it's filled with local families as well as tourists - it's just too crowded, and very cold. Also, if you arrive in Lima during April, it's just finishing summer - so it doesn't have the grey skies you can expect to find there for the rest of the year."

Festivals & events in Peru

February: Pisco Sour Day

The first Saturday of February is set aside to honour Peru's national drink: the Pisco Sour. It's also a great opportunity to discover Peru's fantastic food, as well as its traditional music and dance.

February: Virgen de la Candelaria

This 18-day folk festival takes place in Puno, beginning on 2nd February each year. The virgin is paraded through the streets, followed by hundreds of colourfully clad musicians and dancers, in a wonderful blend of Catholic and indigenous traditions and beliefs.

Did you know about...?

Carnival in Peru

Rio's not the only place to celebrate Carnival in South America. Throughout February you are likely to get drenched - as Peruvians indulge in traditional water fights. To mark the end of carnival, a symbolic tree - called a yunsa - is adorned with gifts. Couples compete to fell it with an axe, releasing the gifts. Cajamarca and Puno have some of the biggest carnivals.

More about Peru

Peru holidays travel guide

Our Peru travel guide is here to help you travel like a local, including a handy section on food, shopping and culture, plus what we rate and what we don't...

Peru highlights & itineraries

Our Peru map and highlights will help you make the most of your holiday, whether you’re seeking classic highlights, an Inca trek or combining Andes and Amazon...

Things to do in Peru

If you're hoping to rediscover Machu Picchu, explore the Amazon or get off the beaten track then read on for our top things to do in Peru...

Travelling to Machu Picchu

Our guide to Machu Picchu reveals the history of this sacred site, with tips on what to see, how to travel there and the best time to visit...

The Inca Trail

Peru's Inca Trail is one of the highlights of a South America holiday. Discover the history of the trail, the best time to go and a sample itinerary...

Alternative Inca Trails

There are several alternative Inca trails that lead to Machu Picchu, taking in cloud and rainforest, high passes and indigenous villages...

Why see Bolivia and Peru together

We explain why, when you cross the border at Lake Titicaca and see Bolivia and Peru together, you gain more than just an extra stamp in your passport...

Nazca Lines, Peru

The Nazca Lines in Peru remain one of the country’s great mysteries. Find out about the lines’ history, and how to view them from land and from the air...

Travelling in Peru with kids

Travelling in Peru with kids is a fabulous idea. Machu Picchu will delight children as much as parents, while long-lashed llamas are sure to enchant...

Peru travel tips

Our Peru travel tips page is packed to the rafters with sound, practical advice from our South America experts as well as our independent traveller reviews...

Responsible tourism in Peru

Porters' rights are one of the most important Peru responsible tourism issues. We also share information on volunteering, homestays and the environment...

All our Peru guides

Find all of our Peru guides in one place, for particular places in Peru such as Machu Picchu. Or perhaps you would like to know more about the different types of Peru holidays we offer such as culture or trekking the Inca Trail.

More relevant guides

Written by Vicki Brown

Why book with Responsible Travel

ABTA member P7085 so
you are fully protected

Claim your free gift
with every booking

£100 off for loyal customers

01273 823 700

Call for advice about
your next adventure

FCO foreign travel advice

Photo credits: [Page banner: McKay Savage] [Top box: Willian Justen de Vascincellos] [Elena Larkin quote: McKay Savage] [Pisco sour day: Matthieu Guyonnet-Duluc] [February: Virgen de la Candelaria: Veronica Bravo] [Did you know about?: Chihuanco]

Best time to visit Peru