Peru offers a diverse range of climates and landscapes, each with its own unique attractions and best times to visit. Whether you're exploring the Andean highlands, relaxing on the coast, or adventuring through the Amazon rainforest, knowing the ideal time to travel can enhance your experience. When is the best time to visit Peru? Here’s a detailed guide to help you plan your trip to Peru.
The Peruvian highlands have two distinct seasons: the dry season from May through October and the wet season from November through April. If you plan to do any hiking tours, the best time to visit is during the dry season. Read more about: Weather in Peru.
If you plan to do the Inca Trail during the dry season, you will need to book well in advance as only a limited number of groups are allowed on the trail each day, and spaces fill up quickly, especially during the high season from June to August. The Inca Trail is open year-round, except it is closed in February for maintenance.
Visiting the Andes presents two main challenges: dealing with rains or navigating through crowds of tourists. During the rainy season from December to March, you can expect unpredictable weather with sun, rain, and sometimes hail cycling throughout the day. This is the low season in Cusco, with fewer tourists, and adventure tour agencies still offer treks during this time. Most hikers, however, prefer the dry season from April to October. The mayor tourist destinations of Peru like Machu Picchu, Cusco, Colca Canyon, Arequipa or Lake Titicaca can be visited throughout the year.
For those who want to avoid the rainy season and don't mind the influx of tourists, the dry winter season from May to September is ideal. June and July host significant Incan ceremonies like Inti Raymi and Qoylluriti, filling the streets with celebrations and festivities. This period also coincides with the (summer) vacation months of many people, making it the high season for tourism in the Andes of Peru, the most popular region for travellers.
So, if you prefer fewer crowds and can handle the wet conditions, visit during the rainy season from November to April. If you want to experience cultural festivities and don’t mind the crowds, the dry season from May to October is best.
If you plan to visit the beach during your trip to Peru, the best time to visit is from December to March, as these are the sunniest months of the year on the coast. It’s summer on the coast during the rainy season in the highlands.
Lima and the central coast can be misty and chilly from April to November, making it less ideal for beach activities. For better beach options, head north where you’ll find beautiful beaches (Mancora, Trujillo) and surfing opportunities.
The weather in the Amazon is fairly consistent year-round with frequent rain. The wettest months are from December to April, but this doesn’t deter tourists as rainfall usually lasts only a few hours and doesn’t significantly affect travel plans. So you can plan your trip to Iquitos, Tambopata or Manu throughout the year!
Visitors arrive in Peru during all months. The major celebrations in Peru, like the festival of the Virgin de la Candelaria in Puno, occur during the wettest months undeterred by rain. No matter when you visit Peru, you will find many exciting things to see and do and are sure to enjoy your trip to Peru!