- Best Time to Visit Peru Guide - January 23, 2022
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Whether you’re visiting Peru to trek up legendary Machu Picchu or explore the country’s renowned culinary scene, there’s no shortage of cultural wonders in this South American paradise. Peru’s vast landscape includes mountains, rainforests, beaches, and deserts, meaning it will appeal to all sorts of travelers. At its core, Peru is a tropical country bordering the equator, but extreme elevations and winds from the Humboldt Current create a unique variety of microclimates.
For travelers beginning to plan their Latin American adventure to Peru, the first step will be to decide which parts of the country to explore and then understand the weather patterns those areas will experience over the course of the year. Here, we’ll break down Peru’s two main seasons, wet and dry, so you can determine the ideal timing for your trip. Enjoy this ultimate guide to Peru and discover the best places to make the most of your journey!
Best Time to Visit Peru: Weather Consideration
The Offseason
Peru’s wet season typically spans November through April, or summer in this part of the world, with warm temperatures and sporadic showers that typically last a few hours at a time. This means different things for different parts of the country, depending on whether you plan to explore the desert, rainforest, or mountains. Whether you’re exploring other parts of South America during your trip or just sticking to Peru, you’ll find that this time of year is relatively laid back across the continent.
In the desert, which also includes much of the country’s bays and beaches, you won’t still won’t find much rainfall but rather hot, dry weather with temperatures reaching upwards of 95 degrees or more. In the Amazon, wet weather helps alleviate some of the scorching heat and elevates water levels in the rivers.
This makes things like rafting and other water adventures a bit easier to navigate, though you’ll have to deal with the occasional rain shower, of course! And in the mountains, where temperatures typically hover in the 60s, afternoon showers are common and can create some dense fog and mist. December through March, you may also experience snow showers in the Ausangante region, though they won’t create any significant snow buildup.
Heavy rainfall means Peru’s lush landscape will be as green as ever, with beautiful views of rolling hills and lush jungle, as well as colorful flowers. The Sacred Valley will certainly be green and flourishing, and native flowers will be blooming with bright colors and all sorts of tropical varieties.
Consistent rain also tends to mean clean, crisp air, which can often be muddied by dust in the dry season. It brings a fresh feeling to the air which may appeal especially to people with breathing difficulties or other sensitivities. Temperatures are also warmer during these months, which may be quite appealing to those traveling from cold parts of the world looking for a winter escape! You can enjoy dry, warm sunshine on Peru’s beaches during this time, without the interruption of fog or mist, which are common along the coast during the dry season.
It’s no secret that many people visit Peru for hiking. With this in mind, the wet season can cause some significant challenges in the way of slippery trails and heavy fog. Many of the Machu Picchu treks will be closed during this time of the year, and for those climbs that you are able to make, those stunning mountaintop views may be obscured by fog and mist.
Other outdoor activities are also subject to a rainy interruption since afternoon showers are common this time of year. If your plans include biking, rock climbing, fishing, or other weather-dependent activities, you might think twice about visiting during the wet season. Or, just opt to keep your plans fluid and adjust as necessary.
The heat is also something to take into consideration. While some people might be seeking out a warm, tropical escape, it can also mean scorching temperatures in certain parts of the country. If you’re planning to stick to the coast, you’ll certainly enjoy endless sunny days, but with temperatures reaching as high as 95 degrees or more. If you’re particularly sensitive to heat, plan on hitting the beach early in the day or perhaps avoid this season.
Finally, if a trek through the Amazon is in your Peruvian itinerary, keep in mind that rain showers aren’t something you can typically weather through. Rain is extremely heavy here, and you likely won’t be able to push through with just a poncho. Keep this in mind for any jungle exploring you’d like to do and follow the instructions of local guides to make sure you’re taking the proper safety precautions.
High Season
Peru’s dry season is also the country’s equivalent of winter and lasts May through September. Typically, this is regarded as the best time of year to travel to Peru since you won’t have to deal with any surprise rain showers or treacherous terrain. On the coast, this is the time of year when you may find fog, mist, and generally high humidity, though temperatures will certainly be a bit milder than in the wet season. If you’re simply looking for a place to enjoy some water views, though, a trip to Lake Titicaca is a safe bet with clear skies through the high season.
Around Machu Picchu and the Andes highlands, you’ll find clear skies and beautiful views this time of year. You’ll experience mild temperatures ranging from 54 to 74 degrees here. And in the rainforest, the dry season is when temperatures can skyrocket up to 90 degrees, but the landscape will likely be easier to navigate without the threat of heavy showers.
May through September are peak travel months for many parts of the world, and in Peru, people travel during this time for the clear, blue skies and consistently dry weather. If you’re planning to do outdoor activities like hiking, this is likely to be the time of year you want to visit. You’ll notice that other avid hikers will flock to the area during these months, and Machu Picchu trails, as well as famed Rainbow Mountain, tend to get particularly busy starting in June and ending after August.
And, of course, if you’re taking a long hike or climbing to the peak of a mountain, you’ll want to make sure you get the best view possible. The dry season promises clear views, which will certainly make your long journey worth it! You’ll also experience some wide variations in temperature if you visit during the dry season, and you can expect it to get quite cold at night. Make sure you plan ahead and bring suitable clothing for both hot and cold weather!
The month of September is also a great time for those looking to avoid the peak tourist rush but still enjoy the best of the dry season. Around Lima, you’ll notice that fog begins to lift along the coast during this time, and the city hosts its famous food festival, Mistura. And you’ll find that there’s plenty going on all around the country, like the Dia de Santa Rosa de Lima in August and other smaller events throughout the season.
Best Time to Visit Peru for Budget Travel
Traveling during the wet season (November through April) means fewer people and cheaper rates. If you’re looking to explore the cities and local museums, you’ll enjoy short lines and fewer crowds, in addition to a general decrease in the overall “touristy” feel of the country’s biggest attractions. Hotels, airlines, and organized tours are also more likely to lower their rates this time of year, but keep in mind that availability might be somewhat limited as a result. Make sure to plan well in advance so that you can accommodate these potential scheduling challenges. It’s also a good idea to anticipate giving your local hosts and tour guides a more sizable tip this time of year since fewer tourists mean less revenue for these businesses!
There are a few other things to note though, in order to make sure you’re getting the best value for your trip!
- Peruvians often vacation to the coast from December – February, so prices may increase around that time.
- July and August are when most Europeans take their vacations, so that’s when you’ll find peak prices.
- Opt to travel during the very beginning or very end of the dry season to find the best deals while still getting the benefit of the pleasant weather.
- Look up the country’s major national holidays ahead of time, as you can expect locals to be vacationing on these days. Availability may also be limited on some of the more popular excursions and attractions.
Best Time to Visit Peru to Avoid Crowds
If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation away from the swarm of tourists, it’s best to travel to Peru during the wet season when both international and local travelers are less likely to visit. Opt for October or November travel to enjoy the best sites and attractions before locals descend on them during their holiday breaks from December through February. Or, travel in March or April at the end of the summer season and before international travel picks up in May.
Of course, sometimes it’s just not possible to avoid the peak months as those traveling with kids or planning a summer holiday have to stick to the high season of June – August. As you can imagine, the primary downside to traveling during the busy season is the crowds. You’ll certainly be sharing Peru’s most popular sites with many other people, and you’ll want to book your excursions well in advance, especially if you want to do any guided hikes or jungle exploring. That’s not to say you won’t be able to enjoy a wonderful, relaxing trip, though. Just make sure to plan ahead!
Best Time to Visit Peru for Events and Festivals
Peru is rich in culture, and visitors can enjoy a variety of festivals and special events throughout the year. Check the list below to see some of the country’s top celebrations!
- January – Trujillo Marinera Festival: A celebration of the traditional marinera dance with competitions, parades, and more!
- February – Fiesta de la Candelaria: Peru’s largest festival and a celebration of the Virgin of Candelaria with music, dance, and elaborate costumes.
- February – Carnaval: Enjoy a week’s worth of celebrations in anticipation of Lent. Most events will be held in the city of Cusco.
- March – Festival Internacional de la Vendimia: Venture out to Peru’s wine country for the annual harvest celebration, usually during the second week of March!
- June – Inti Raymi: This traditional festival held on June 24th is not to be missed! It’s an annual celebration of the winter solstice and a great way to learn more about the country’s local culture.
- July – Virgin del Carmen: Travel to the little town of Paucartambo for this elaborate festival dedicated to a young woman, Carmen, who was said to bring miracles and fortune to the town.
- August – Pachamama Raymi: On August 1st, join in the celebration of the earth as farmers and locals acknowledge their bounties and harvests of the year with games and more!
- September – Mistura: Don’t miss the foodie event of the year in Lima! Mistura is a celebration of Peru’s culinary history with plenty of events throughout early September.
FAQs
Answer: The beginning and end of the dry season (May and September) offer the best of the dry season with fewer crowds, though June through August is typically the high season for travel here. June is when you’ll see an influx of hikers to Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain, and it’s also when the Festival of the Sun occurs, with events and other festivities around the country all month long.
Answer: February is the hottest month in Peru, with the average daily high being 75 degrees.
Answer: January and February are the two rainiest months, and you’ll find that most hiking excursions and treks are closed for the month of February.
Answer: In general, Peru is a safe country for tourists, though, like many other places, you should be cautious in Peru’s larger cities. Tourists have reported high crime and theft rates during peak seasons in crowded areas like Lima. So stay alert and keep valuables close!
Answer: In general, Peru is a safe country for tourists, though, like many other places, you should be cautious in Peru’s larger cities. Tourists have reported high crime and theft rates during peak seasons in crowded areas like Lima. So stay alert and keep valuables close!
Answer: Peru is quite affordable, and tourists can enjoy a full day of activities on a modest budget. However, if you plan to hike the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, you should plan to spend a decent chunk of your budget here.
Conclusion
While there’s certainly a lot to consider when planning your trip to Peru, I think it all comes down to deciding which activities you’ll most enjoy. Traveling during the dry season is almost mandatory for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers, as unpredictable weather can wreak havoc on your plans. For those looking to enjoy the coast and a more relaxed, slow-paced vacation on the beaches of Peru, November through March are optimal times for sunshine and warmth. And if you’re simply looking to enjoy the country’s cultural attractions, cities, and rich food scene, then there truly is no bad time to travel!
As always, make sure to research any local activities, celebrations, or holidays before you go in order to prepare for crowds or influxes of tourists. But also remember that these festivities are often a great way to learn about the country’s culture and history, so don’t miss out!
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