The Best Time to Visit Peru

When Is the Best Time to Visit Peru?

If you’re looking for the best weather, head to Peru anytime from May to October. This is the dry season in Cusco, which is characterized by sunny days, clear blue skies and chilly evenings.

Remember that this is also the busiest time of year, so make sure to book well in advance.

Now, let’s continue and have a more in-depth look at the weather of the different regions.

Peru’s Climate

Peru is known worldwide for its mega diversity with various plants and animals due to the different climate zones in the country. By the way, did you know that Peru has 28 of the 32 climate zones in the world?

The cold Humboldt current, the 994 miles (1599 km) long dry desert coast, the Andean mountains and the Amazon rainforest are responsible for the diverse weather in Peru. Additionally, you will encounter numerous microclimates between these regions, leading to further variations in the weather.

As Peru is right on the equator, you will only experience the rainy- and the dry season. Now let’s see what this means for each region.

Peru’s Coastal Region

The most visited Peruvian cities by international travelers that are located on the coast are Lima, Paracas, Huacachina and Mancora.

 

Peru’s Coastal Region in the Rainy Season

The rainy season is from May to November and is also known as “Garua”. Lima, the capital, has the nickname “Lima la Gris”, as in these months the entire sky tends to be covered with clouds most of the time.

Even if the season is called the rainy season, there is hardly any precipitation and the humidity reaches up to 80% on the coast. Temperatures vary between 59-68°F (15-20°C) during the day and can drop to around 46-59°F (8-15°C) in the evening.

 

Peru’s Coastal Region in the Dry Season

The perfect time to visit the Peruvian coast is from December to April, as you can expect sun almost every day. The temperatures rise up to 75- 90°F (24-32°C) during the day. This weather is ideal for a tour to the Huacachina Oasis in Ica or for enjoying the waves in Mancora.

Peru’s Andes

Most travelers spend the majority of their time in Cusco, the former capital of Peru. What you always need to remember about the weather in Cusco is that it can change very quickly.

 

Peru’s Andes in the Rainy Season

The rainy season in the Andes is from November to March. During these months, you will experience a lot of precipitation. The temperatures during the day reach a maximum value of 64°F (18°C) and can drop to 44°F (7°C) at night.

Some tours may not take place due to flooding or landslides. The Inca Trail and the Salkantay Trek will be closed for one month in February as the routes are maintained.

Also, it’s likely that the rainbow mountains can be covered in snow or that Machu Picchu is covered by clouds. However, the rainy season also comes with an advantage – fewer travelers!

 

Peru’s Andes in the Dry Season

The dry season in the Andes is from April to September/October. Even if it rains much less, the temperatures are characterized by significant differences between day and night.

You can enjoy the sun during the day and expect temperatures of up to 68°F (20°C), whereas at night it tends to get chilly and you need to put on another layer as the temperatures drop to 32°F (0°C).

As always, good weather attracts many people which is why these months are the most crowded ones. We recommend our Best of Cusco in 4 Days tour for that, because it helps you explore the must-visit sites while the weather will be mostly sunny and dry.

 

Peru’s Amazon Rainforest

Before you plan your tour in the Peruvian rainforest, you should consider the high- and low water season, as this will have a strong impact on your overall experience.

You won’t be able to escape the high humidity, because it’s around 80 – 100% the entire year round. More info about that in our Amazon travel guide.

 

Peru’s Amazon Rainforest in the Rainy Season

The high water season in Iquitos takes place from December to May and is characterized by almost daily rainfall. During this time, the water level in the Amazon can rise by up to 23 feet (7m). Be prepared for temperatures of around 86°F (30°C).

The rainy season offers the advantage that you can cross some parts of the Amazon by boat that you would otherwise not be able to reach during the low water season. This way you can discover even more exotic animals, such as pink dolphins, river otters, manatees and more.

These months are very popular among tourists, which is why this is the most visited time.

 

Peru’s Amazon in the Dry Season

The low water season is from June to December. During these months, there is a lot less rain and temperatures rise up to 93°F (34°C). Unfortunately, the humidity remains high and the only thing that makes the temperatures more bearable is that you will be bothered by fewer mosquitos! That’s a reason to be happy, believe us.

The biggest difference to the high water season is that you will hike a lot more to get deeper into the jungle instead of using a boat or a canoe.

 

Overview of Peru’s Climate

Zone	Dry Season	Rainy Season	Recommendation	Clothes
Coast	December – April	May – November	February – April: you can expect the most hours of sunshine and rarely see Lima’s grey sky	Shirts, swim suit, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hats
Andes	April – September/ beginning October	November – March	Before July or in September to enjoy the best weather and escape the crowds	Thermal underwear, warm jacket, gloves, t-shirts, pullovers, hats, hiking boots, hiking pants, sport clothes
Jungle	June – August	September – May	May – June, due to the weather and activities that you can experience in the jungle	Dri-fit clothing, light cotton clothing, long-sleeved shirts and t-shirts, hats, sunglasses, insect repellent