Peru is home to 28 of the world’s 32 climate types. This means the best time to visit Peru changes based on where you go and what you want to do. I’ve explored Lima’s coast, trekked the Andes, and sailed the Amazon rivers. Timing is everything, from trail conditions to hotel prices.
When deciding when to visit Peru, think about the seasons. The dry months, from April/May to October/November, offer clear skies and cool nights. It’s the perfect time for Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley. But, June to August gets crowded, and nights can be chilly at high altitudes.
The wet season, from December to March, brings rain to the Andes and Amazon. This makes trails muddy and increases landslide risks. But, it also means greener valleys and fewer tourists.
On the coast, January to March is beach season in Lima and the north. From April to December, the coast is cooler and foggier. In the Amazon, May to September is drier for better wildlife spotting. October to April has more water and cooler nights.
Shoulder months, like April to June and September to November, offer good weather and lower prices. This is my favorite time for fewer crowds and better deals.
If you’re visiting during the dry season (May to September), it’s the perfect time for outdoor adventures like trekking to Machu Picchu or exploring the Sacred Valley. You can even book guided tours in advance through trusted platforms like Viator to make sure you get a spot during peak travel months.
Festivals also play a role in planning your trip. Events like Inti Raymi in June and Peru’s Independence Day in July are big draws. Carnaval, Semana Santa, and local celebrations add to the mix. I choose the best season and weather for your interests, whether it’s trekking, culture, wildlife, or surfing.
Planning a trip to South America? While each country has its own climate, knowing the best time to travel across the continent can make your adventure smoother. For a broader overview, check out our guide on the best time to travel to South America.
Table of Contents
What You Should Remember
- Peru is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit Peru varies by region and activity.
- Dry season (Apr/May–Oct/Nov) = clear Andean skies, top trekking, and busy sites.
- Wet season (Dec–Mar) = greener landscapes, fewer crowds, and beachy Lima/north coast.
- Shoulder months (Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov) often deliver the best value and balance of weather.
- Amazon is best May–Sep for drier trails; Oct–Apr has higher water and daily rains.
- Expect microclimates in one trip—coast fog, mountain chill, and rainforest humidity.
- Plan around festivals like Inti Raymi and Independence Day to manage crowds and costs.
Overview: Peru’s Regions, Seasons, and What to Expect
I plan my Peru trip by region and season. This way, I find the best flights, pack smart, and see clear views. If you’re wondering about the best time to visit Peru, this guide helps.
Andes, Amazon, and Pacific Coast: Three climates, one trip
Peru spans from the Andes to the Amazon to the Pacific. The highlands, like Cusco and Machu Picchu, have sunny days and cold nights. The rainforest is always hot and humid.
The coast is drier and cooler, with beach heat in summer. Knowing this helps plan your trip. You’ll need layers for the Andes, breathable clothes for the jungle, and a light jacket for Lima.
Dry vs. wet season: When to go to Peru for your style of travel
April to November is dry in the Andes. Trails are clear, and photos are great. December to March is wet, with green valleys.
The Amazon is drier from May to September and wetter from October to April. The coast is warm from January to March and cool from April to December. For mountain views, visit in the dry season. For rainforest wildlife, go in the wet season. Beach lovers should visit in summer.
Shoulder seasons for value: April–June and September–November
I choose shoulder months for savings and fewer crowds. April to June and September to November offer mild weather and fewer showers. It’s a good time for value, with fewer tourists and better deals.
- April–May: Fresh skies, blooming valleys, clear views.
- September–October: Warm days, cool nights, good trekking weather.
- Coast: Pleasant days for city explorations.
What season is it in Peru right now? How regional weather varies daily
Peru’s seasons are opposite the Northern Hemisphere. June to August is winter, with cool days and dry trails. December to February is summer, with rainy afternoons and sunny beaches.
Check the current season before planning your trip. Microclimates change quickly, so plan for variations. The best time to visit Peru depends on your destination and preferences.
Andean Highlands: Machu Picchu, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Inca Trail
I plan my trips to high places with the weather and views in mind. The Andean highlands are the heart of Peru’s beauty. Book your trips early and start early for the best light and trails.
Dry season (April–November): Clear skies, cool nights, peak trekking
April to November means clear skies and cool nights. June to August can be cold, but the views are stunning. Trails are also dry and easy to walk on.
Permits sell out quickly in peak season. I book Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail early. April and November are great times to visit Peru.
Wet season (December–March): Greener hillsides, fewer crowds, muddy trails
Rain returns and the valleys turn green. Expect cloudy ridges and slippery steps. Mountain roads might be closed due to landslides.
I carry a waterproof jacket and boots. Fewer people mean lower prices. It’s a good time for budget travelers.
Best months to visit Machu Picchu: April–May and September–October
April to May and September to October offer green landscapes and clear skies. Trails are less crowded, and the morning light is beautiful.
These months are the best for visiting Peru. April and May are great, and September and October are similar. Early November is also a good time.
Inca Trail closures and conditions: February maintenance and landslide risk
The Inca Trail is closed in February. Heavy rain increases the risk of landslides. I take the train to Aguas Calientes and hike other routes.
Outside February, I watch the weather and road conditions. Being flexible is key, even in the best months.
Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, and alternative treks (Lares, Salkantay)
Rainbow Mountain is best in dry months. I wait for clear weather to avoid slippery slopes.
Humantay Lake is a great day trip for Salkantay views. Lares and Salkantay are quieter alternatives. They’re good when Machu Picchu is full.
- Dry months: early starts, sun protection, layers for cold nights.
- Wet months: waterproof boots, trekking poles, buffer days for delays.
- Permits: reserve Machu Picchu and Inca Trail well ahead in June–August.
- Backups: Lares, Salkantay, and day hikes keep plans flexible year-round.
Weather around Machu Picchu changes with the seasons. January to March is rainy; April is dry; May to August is clear. Choose the best month for your trip.
Amazon Rainforest: Tambopata, Puerto Maldonado, Iquitos
I plan my jungle days with a simple goal: more wildlife, fewer hassles. The weather in Peru’s Amazon is always hot and humid. So, I choose dates based on river levels and trail conditions.
Best time to visit Peru Amazon: May–September for drier trails and wildlife
May to September offers drier trails and better wildlife sightings. Paths in Tambopata and Puerto Maldonado are less muddy. Clay licks near hides are active at dawn.
July is the driest month, with warm days and cool mornings. This makes it easier to see animals. Boats can reach oxbow lakes, making it great for canoe floats and hikes.
This time also means better travel logistics and fewer leeches. It’s the best balance of comfort and access.
Rainy season (October–April): Daily showers, high water, cooler nights
October to April brings daily showers and swollen rivers. Nights are cooler, and mornings are warm and misty. High water limits hikes but opens flooded forest channels for canoeing.
I pack quick-dry layers and adapt to changing plans. These months offer deals on stays and tours. It’s great for those who don’t mind wet boots and flexible plans.
Wildlife viewing and river levels: How seasons change sightings and access
In the dry season, rivers expose sandbars and clay licks. This attracts macaws, capybaras, and caimans. In wet months, animals move to the canopy and creek edges.
I trade long hikes for paddle time in blackwater creeks near Iquitos. The dry season in Peru runs from April to October. Ecuador’s driest month is September. For more info, check this guide on the best time to to Peru.
Pacific Coast & Lima: Beaches, Fog, and Urban Adventures
I plan my Lima days around sun, surf, and food. The coast has its own rhythm, so timing is key. If you’re deciding when to visit Lima or planning a longer trip, this part of the journey rewards careful planning.
Best time to go to Lima: January–March for warm water and clear skies
From January to March, I wake up to blue skies and beach weather. This is the best time for swimming and sunset walks on the Malecón. Ocean temps rise, and the vibe is festive.
- I mark it as the best time to travel to Lima for quick getaways and easy day trips.
- It’s also the best time to visit Lima Peru if you want rooftop bars and late-night ceviche without a chill.
Garúa season (April–December): Cool, gray, and great for food and culture
From April to December, garúa—Lima’s cool marine fog—rolls in. Skies turn soft gray, the air is mild, and I swap beach hours for museums and markets.
- I book tables at Central, Maido, and Siete—no sun, all flavor.
- It’s a good time to visit Lima for urban exploring, even without the tan.
Beaches and surfing: Máncora peak in December–February; Chicama in spring
When I crave heat, I ride north to Máncora in December–February—think 86–104°F days and lively breaks. For long rides, I time Chicama’s famed left for spring swells around September–November.
- This stretch can be the best time to go to Lima Peru if you pair city eats with surf missions.
- It also works as the best time to visit Lima when you want both beach and culture in one trip.
When is low season in Lima Peru: April–November for fewer beachgoers
If you prefer value and space, April–November is your answer when asking when is low season in Lima Peru. I find cheaper stays, calmer boardwalks, and easier reservations across Barranco and Miraflores.
- Use this window as the best time to visit Lima Peru for museum-hopping and markets.
- It’s often the best time to go to Lima for pairing with Nazca flights and Paracas wildlife tours at dawn.
Month-by-Month Guide: Weather, Festivals, and Travel Ideas
I plan my Peru trips by month to match the weather, crowds, and costs. This guide helps you choose the best month to travel to Peru. It ensures you get the right vibe without spending too much.
December–February: Beach season, sea lion pups at Islas Ballestas, closed Inca Trail in February
I head to the coast now. Lima’s gray fades, and Máncora and Punta Sal offer perfect swimming weather. Surfers find steady waves, and Paracas is great for boat trips to Islas Ballestas, with sea lion pups in January.
- Andes and Amazon: frequent showers, slick trails, and road delays from landslides.
- Inca Trail: closed in February; Machu Picchu stays open with lighter crowds.
- Festivals: Lima’s anniversary (Jan 18), Pisco Sour Day (first Sat of Feb), Carnaval, Feast of Candelaria in Puno.
Is December a good time to visit Peru? Yes, if you love warm water and city sun. Check the temp in Peru in December before booking. Then, compare with this month-by-month guide to fine-tune your dates.
March–May: Improving Andean weather, quieter trails, fiesta season
Rains ease by April. Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Lake Titicaca become crisp and clear, with flowers in bloom. Trails dry out, and prices often sit below peak.
- Great window for Machu Picchu with fewer tour groups in March and April.
- Holy Week adds color and processions across Cusco and Ayacucho.
- Photography pops: green terraces, misty mornings, sharp afternoon views.
I call this a stealth pick for the best month to travel to Peru if you want value and breathing room.
June–August: Peak Andean trekking, Inti Raymi, best Amazon conditions
Skies go deep blue, nights turn cold at altitude, and trekking hits its stride. Salkantay, Lares, and the Inca Trail deliver reliable trail days.
- Inti Raymi in Cusco anchors June with epic pageantry.
- Amazon lodges shine with lower rainfall and excellent wildlife sightings.
- Book trains, permits, and stays early—this is peak season.
If you prize clear views, this stretch often feels like the best month to go to Peru—just pack layers and plan ahead.
September–November: Shoulder season serenity, great Sacred Valley touring
Days stay dry and sunny, mornings cool, and crowds thin. It’s my favorite time to linger in Pisac markets, bike Moray and Maras, and slow down in Ollantaytambo.
- More last-minute deals on hotels and tours than mid-year.
- Surf improves around Chicama and Pacasmayo; Lima’s food scene peaks.
- Wildflowers linger on highland hikes; trail traffic eases.
For balance on cost, weather, and space, this shoulder stretch can rival the best month to travel to Peru. It’s perfect if you skipped the heat and prefer cool, clear highland days.
best time to visit peru by travel style and region
I plan my Peru trips by matching the season to the experience I want. The best time to go to Peru changes by region. I consider trails, surf, or wildlife first, then check rainfall and crowds. If you’re wondering when is a good time to go to Peru without breaking the bank, timing is everything!
Best time of year to visit Peru for trekking and Inca sites
For Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley, I aim for April–May and September–October. That’s when best to go to Peru for crisp mornings, green hills, and steadier trails. June–August brings bluebird skies but also the biggest crowds and colder nights—book permits early and pack layers.
February is off-limits for the Inca Trail, and December–March can be muddy with slides. When permits sell out, I switch to Salkantay or Lares, or pick day hikes like Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain in the dry months. It’s a peru good time to visit if you value flexibility and views.
Best time to visit Lima Peru and the coast for sun and surf
Lima and the northern beaches shine from December to March. I get warm water, clear days, and lively boards from Miraflores to Máncora. If you ask when best to go to Peru for beach weather on a budget, target late February to early March for deals after the New Year rush.
From April to November, Lima turns cooler and gray under the garúa. I lean into food and culture—Barranco evenings and market tours—while surfers chase spring swells at Chicama. It’s a peru good time to visit if sun isn’t a must.
Best season to travel to Peru for wildlife in the Amazon
The best season to travel to Peru for jungle wildlife is May–September. Trails are drier in Tambopata and around Puerto Maldonado, and I’ve seen more macaws, caimans, and playful capybaras. Boats run smooth, and guides can reach hidden clay licks.
High-water months from October to April bring flooded forests and canoe access deep into the oxbows. Rain is frequent, but birdlife bursts. If you’re weighing when is a good time to go to Peru for variety, both windows reward curiosity—just pack the right layers.
Good time to travel to Peru for crowds, costs, and comfort
For balance, I love the shoulder months: April–June and September–November. That’s the best time to go to Peru if you want fair prices, milder weather, and shorter lines at major sites. Rooms in Cusco and Aguas Calientes are easier to score, and guides have more time for you.
- April–May: Green valleys, improving trail conditions, value stays.
- June–August: Peak clarity and festivals, highest demand and rates.
- September–November: Dry treks, calmer crowds, warm coast days.
If you’re deciding when best to go to Peru on a tight budget, book those shoulders early and travel midweek. It’s a peru good time to visit when you want comfort without the peak-season cost.
Practical Tips: Packing, Altitude, and Booking
I pack for different climates in Peru. In the Andes, I wear layers like a down jacket and hiking pants. I also bring a sun hat and sunglasses for UV protection.
In the Amazon, I wear long clothes and use insect repellent. A rain jacket and quick-dry socks are useful for wet activities. Near the coast, I bring a swimsuit and light sweater for cooler evenings.
Altitude affects everyone differently. I start slow in Cusco and drink lots of water. I avoid alcohol and use coca tea or pills for altitude sickness.
Booking in advance is key. I book trains and Machu Picchu entry early. I also plan flexible stays for side trips.
My advice is to book early and be flexible. This way, any time can be great for visiting Peru. Whether surfing or exploring, being prepared makes a difference.
I check the weather before packing. Weather changes by altitude and coast. This helps me pack efficiently and stay ready for any weather.
- Essentials: passport copies, travel insurance details, power bank, and universal adapter.
- Health kit: electrolytes, blister tape, hand sanitizer, and any prescriptions.
- Footwear: broken-in hiking shoes for the Andes, breathable trail shoes for the Amazon, and sandals for the coast.
- Money: small bills for markets and tips; ATMs are common in Lima and Cusco.
Final Thoughts on the Best Time to Visit Peru
The best time to visit Peru depends on what you want. For clear views and easy trails, April–May or September–October is perfect. June–August is also great, but nights can be chilly and places like Machu Picchu get crowded.
If you love beaches and sunny Lima, December–March is the time to go. Pair it with visits to Paracas, Nazca, or Arequipa. The highlands might rain, though.
For the Amazon, May–September is best. You’ll find dry paths, easy river travel, and lots of wildlife. Places like Tambopata and Iquitos are great for spotting animals.
If you’re watching your budget, April–June or September–November is the way to go. You’ll avoid the crowds and enjoy good weather. It’s a smart way to plan your trip.
Consider Peru’s different climates and festivals when planning. Book important spots early. This helps me choose the best time to visit Peru without any doubts.
For a quick look at the seasons, check this guide on the best time to visit. It helps me plan my trip.
In short, the right time means more sunshine, wildlife, and amazing views. Whether you love trekking, surfing, or jungle adventures, Peru has something for everyone. Plan well, stay open to surprises, and Peru will welcome you with open arms. Whether you’re visiting Peru, Brazil, or Chile, timing is everything. For a full continent-wide guide, explore our post on the best time to travel to South America.
Choosing the right season will make your trip to Peru unforgettable. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out top-rated Peru tours on Viator and secure your spot before they sell out.
