Best Time to Visit Peru

February 08, 2023 | by: Kuoda Authors

Peru is located in western South America, and sits next to the Pacific Ocean. It is such a big and diverse country, the best time to visit really depends on where you want to go and what you want to do. The climate varies from the highlands, to the beaches and the jungle. This fascinating and unique country stands out with its cultural and natural treasures, mysteries and breathtaking hikes. Peru is also home to natural wonders like the Amazon, Lake Titicaca, and the Andes. It’s an incredibly beautiful country with countless destinations to discover.

How to visit Peru

Peru is a magical country which pulls you in with its authenticity, natural beauty and strong traditions.There is so much to explore and to experience. The country offers something for everyone. You can connect to the mysteries of the Incan Empire, or explore the animals and wild creatures of the Amazon. You can go shopping for days in the streets of Miraflores in Lima, or soak up the sun with a juicy cocktail on one of the sandy beaches in the north. Kuoda specializes in creating curated and tailored tours to Peru, and other South American countries, which will include everything that your heart desires to ensure the perfect journey to the sacred land. We are more than happy to hear more about your special requests and look forward to arranging your next trip. Contact us now for more information.

Weatherin Peru

Spring runs from September to October, and temperatures are cool to warm. It rains often, but not as much as in the rainy season or in November. December to February make the summer months in Peru. This is the midst of the rainy season in the mountains and the rainforest of Peru. The hottest weather in Peru is in February. Autumn is from March to May, and in these months one can expect less rain than in the wet season, and it can be a very special time to visit as everything is green and fresh after the wet season with smaller crowds. The ideal time to visit is June to August, which forms the winter season in Peru. Rainfall is at the minimum amount and this provides clear skies for day- and nighttime sightseeing. On the Peruvian coast the temperatures tend to be quite cool, with no pronounced temperature fluctuations, and in the mountains, it is dry with warm temperatures during the day. Temperatures can get below zero in the higher altitudes during the night.

• Spring & Summer

The Southern Hemisphere’s spring falls in November to January. During this time the crowds at Machu Picchu are a lot smaller, and the weather on the coast of Peru is hot. It is really considered the rainy season, but it is still a beautiful time to visit. The water from the rainfalls feed the plants and vegetation of the Andes and the Amazon, leaving beautiful green views for people who pass by.

• Fall & Winter

Fall and Winter form the dry season in Peru and they fall between April and July. It can become quite cold in the Andes during this time, but the dry conditions are ideal for hiking. The Amazon has less rain making it easier to access stunning trails in the jungle. The desert is a bit cooler during this time and more comfortable to visit. Overall, the drier months offer more opportunities for outdoor excursions

When To visit

• Machu Picchu

Located in the Andes mountains of Peru, this is the most important stop for travelers who come from all around the planet to experience one of “The Seven Wonders of the World” in Peru. It is important to consider the weather conditions when planning a trip to Machu Picchu, as it can definitely influence your experience. April to June are the best months to visit Machu Picchu as these months start at the end of the rainy season, making it lush and green, and the beginning of the winter season – so it is not too cold. This is the ideal weather for hiking the Inca Trail.

• Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca is located at one of the highest points in Peru at 3812 meters above sea level, higher than Cusco and Machu Picchu, and the entry point of the lake is in the city of Puno. This makes the climate here wide and varied. The high altitude means that temperatures can be cold at any time of the year, though weather conditions do vary slightly between the different seasons. April to October is considered the dry season, and offers clear and blue skies with little to no rain. This is the ideal time to visit as one can explore the area without getting wet. The wet season stretches from November to March, but provides warmer temperatures with more frequent rains. The rain can cause poor visibility and can make it difficult to view the lake.

• The Amazon

The Amazon Jungle of Peru is a kingdom of flora and fauna. Discover the rawness of mother nature’s untouched beauty on a boat on the Amazon-river, or explore the jungle on foot through a jungle trail. The weather conditions of the jungle are divided into two main seasons: the high-water season and the low-water season. The lowwater season runs from June to November. This is the warmer season in the Amazon as less rain is expected. Temperatures can rise up to 37°C. There is only about 10% less rain than in the high-water season, as this is the rainforest, so this is the better season to visit as you will be able to access more trails that would be flooded and impossible to access during the wet season. May and June offer the best weather conditions throughout the year, with fewer crowds.

• The Peruvian Coast

The summer months in coastal Peru falls between November and March. Lima is hot and humid during this time of the year and further along the coast it tends to be sunny with clear skies, and the ocean temperature is perfect for swimming. November to January is the best time of the year to visit coastal Peru. It is not ideal to visit Lima during the months of May to September. A dense fog called “La Garua” tends to hang over Lima city during these months, causing low temperatures and light drizzle-rains. Spending time outside during these months can be quite gloomy and unpleasant.

Best Time For

• Sightseeing

The best time to visit Peru for sightseeing takes into account the weather conditions and the crowds of people that visit during different times of the year. Whether you are travelling from Lima to the mysterious rock formations and stunning hiking trails of Marcahuasi, or all the way to Cusco and the Sacred Valley, or on a train to see Machu Picchu the best months for sightseeing are May to August. These are the winter months in the Southern Hemisphere. It is the dry season in the mountains and these conditions are perfect for viewing the archeological sacred sites as there is little to no rain, which gives way to crystal clear views.

• Culinary Tour

Peru is not only famous for the amazing mountains, beaches and the jungle. It is also famous for the gastronomy, and a lot of food lovers and chefs travel here to experience the diversity of food here. Some of the most robust flavors across Peru can be experienced mainly between May and August. The regions of the coastline, the Andes and the rainforest provide very different kinds of culinary experiences which fall into the winter months of the Southern Hemisphere. Access to delicious seafood, rich chicken meals and fresh ceviche are all accessible through the drier weather conditions during this season.

• Trekking

Peru is well-known for its beautiful and sacred mountains. The Andes are spread across the country, creating the largest concentration of snow peaks of the Americas. Some of the most popular trekking destinations in Peru include the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the Ausangate Trek, Colca Canyon and the Salkantay Trek. June, July and August form the peak season and are the busiest trekking months in Peru. One can expect bigger crowds but great weather conditions for trekking. It is cold and dry during this time with no rain. November to January are less popular months for hikers as it forms part of the rainy season. February is the wettest month in the Andes. The Inca Trail is closed throughout the month and reopens in March. May, October and September are the best times for trekking as it is way less crowded than the peak months, plus it’s dry, and warmer than June, July and August.

The Ideal Time for

• Families

Peru is a great place to travel for families. It is a big country with lots to offer to all kinds of families and it is known to be safe for travelers. The best time to travel really depends on what your family’s interests are and where in Peru your family wants to go to. It best to consider visiting Peru, as a family, during the drier months. These months are between May and August, and provide stunning views of all the archeological sites and comfortable climate for more access to all the outdoor excursions that may be influenced by bad weather.

• Couples

As a couple, the best time to visit Peru is between May and August which form the driest months of the Southern Hemisphere. It is pleasant to spend time outdoors as the skies are clear and there is no rain during this time. Whether you prefer romance on the beaches of the north, or the magnificence of the highlands and the stunning views of the mountains of the Andes – the weather is the best for all outdoor activities during this period. The weather is mild in these months and provides access to see the wildlife in the Amazon, and it also allows for longer hikes – like the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.