Best time to visit Peru

The best time to visit Peru is between May and September as this is the driest season across much of the country, and the best time to visit Cusco or trek to Machu Picchu. One exception is Lima, where the thick fog known as La Gaura hangs over the capital during this period, with low temperatures through the southern hemisphere’s winter season. And if you’re heading to the coast, it’s warmest and sunny from November to March, perfect for swimming, although Lima is hot and humid throughout the summer.

Otherwise, the wettest months are December to March when it’s warmer but rainy, especially in the Amazon, while the Inca Trail closes entirely during February. During the shoulder months of April and October, conditions can be more unpredictable.

Read below for more information on Peru’s different regions. If you’d like some help planning your trip then feel free to give us a call or send an e-mail. You can either create your own route using our bite-sized trips or pick a ready-made itinerary. You’ll be travelling semi-independently, with 24-7 local support if you need it.

View the best time to visit Peru by region or by month:

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

 

Typical Monthly Climate in Peru

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

From May to September, Lima is shrouded in a dense fog called La Garua; a thick layer of low-hanging clouds paired with low temperatures and gloomy drizzle. The further away from Lima you travel along the coast, the sun gradually begins to break through the mist. November to March are the summer months in coastal Peru. At this time of year Lima is hot and humid while further along the coast it’s warm and sunny and the temperature of the ocean is great for swimming.

The Andes highlands have two seasons: wet and dry. During April to November it rarely rains and the days of endless sunshine offer an even better view of the rugged mountain peaks against a clear blue sky. Mid-December to March sees some very heavy showers and temperatures can drop quickly when the sun disappears behind the clouds, and also as you reach higher altitudes. Although you’ll probably get a bit wet, you can still trek to Machu Picchu during these months, although the Inca Trail closes during February.