Visiting Peru in March

It’s the last of the wettest summer months in the Andes and the Amazon this month. The Inca Trail is open once more, but while conditions improve throughout the month, it’s still not the best time for a holiday in Peru if you’re hoping to go trekking. If you’re determined to visit Machu Picchu, consider taking the train instead; you’ll also find that the site is quieter this month, but you may well find yourself visiting in the rain rather than under those clear blue mountain skies.

It’s also the last of the hottest months in Lima. Temperatures hover as high as 30C, although there’s always plenty happening in the capital if you’re prepared for the heat. After a few days in the city, head down the coast to the Islas Ballestas to discover the animals of the protected reserve, often dubbed Peru’s Galapagos – it’s the last month of the sea lion calving season if you’re hoping to see babies basking on the rocks here. There’s great beach weather along the coast as well, with sunny days and warm sea temperatures.

It’s easy to team the south coast and capital with a visit to the mysterious Nazca Lines, where you’ll find good conditions for flights over the archaeological site, as well as with Arequipa which is cooler and less rainy this month.

You can also find more sunshine at the coast in northern Peru, although be prepared for some days of rain this month around Máncora – the showers cut through the humidity, and you’ll still have plenty of sunbathing weather on the white sand beaches by the Pacific though.

Festivals: Holy Week and Easter take place in March (or April) with religious ceremonies and processions, but also some more unusual celebrations. Ayacucho is one of the most memorable, with carpets of flowers, markets, and a huge party between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Cusco is another good place to celebrate the occasion.

Best for: Beaches, sea lions, Nazca Lines

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