Visiting Peru in February

It’s another good month for beaches and a bad month for trekking and Inca sights if you’re planning a holiday in Peru in February. The Inca Trail is closed entirely this month for maintenance, and while Machu Picchu itself is still open, it’s wet, wet, wet during February, so it’s definitely not the best time to see the historic site in all its glory. There’s similar rainy weather throughout the Sacred Valley and muddy conditions along other trails through the Andes.

The wet season continues in the Amazon too so look towards the coast instead. Although it’s the rainiest month of the year in Máncora, you should still find plenty of sun if you head north to the beaches here. It’s another good month to see sea lions calving at the Islas Ballestas south of Lima and it’s dry in the capital itself if you can cope with the soaring temperatures – expect highs of at least 27C this month, one of the hottest of the year in the city. Arequipa is cooler and while it’s the rainiest month of the year here too, it’s still mostly dry to soak up the colonial architecture, cultural sights and try your hand at a cookery lesson. February is also another good month for flying over the Nazca Lines, but be prepared for high temperatures.

Festivals: The first Saturday of February is National Pisco Sour Day, celebrating the country’s national drink, a white brandy made from Muscat grapes. As well as tasting a few Pisco Sours, there’s also a chance to learn more about Peruvian culture.

The Feast of Candelaria is celebrated on February 2, although if you head to the town of Puno at Lake Titicaca, there are nearly two weeks of festivities taking place from February 1-12 including dancing and parades.

Carnaval is celebrated across Peru, usually in February (sometimes early March) with parades, processions and parties often linked to local traditions. Cajamarca is one of the best places to celebrate, known as the capital of Peruvian Carnival, with indigenous costumes, giant puppets, and a yunsa, a decorated tree which is slowly chopped down as everyone dances around it, before retrieving gifts from its branches.

The Festival de Verano Negro also takes place this month in Chincha, on the coast south of Peru, celebrating African culture in Peru. Usually running for around two weeks, you can discover more about Afro-Peruvian customs, enjoy music, dancing, food, crafts, competitions and parades

Best for: Beaches, sea lions, Nazca Lines, festivals

January – February – March – April – May – June – July – August – September – October – November – December

Region	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Coastal	● 26°C ☀️	● 27°C ☀️	● 27°C ☀️	● 24°C 🌤️	● 22°C 🌤️	● 20°C 🌥️	● 19°C 🌥️	● 19°C 🌥️	● 20°C 🌤️	● 21°C 🌤️	● 23°C ☀️	● 25°C ☀️
Machu Picchu	● 17°C 🌧️	● 17°C 🌧️	● 18°C 🌧️	● 18°C 🌦️	● 17°C ☀️	● 16°C ☀️	● 16°C ☀️	● 17°C ☀️	● 18°C 🌦️	● 19°C 🌦️	● 18°C 🌧️	● 17°C 🌧️
Amazon	● 28°C 🌧️	● 28°C 🌧️	● 28°C 🌧️	● 27°C 🌦️	● 27°C ☀️	● 26°C ☀️	● 26°C ☀️	● 27°C ☀️	● 28°C 🌦️	● 28°C 🌦️	● 28°C 🌧️	● 28°C 🌧️

Legend:
● Good weather
● Average weather
● Poor weather