When to visit Peru? Weather, Seasons, and Tips
Choosing the best time to visit Peru depends on where you’re going and the kind of experiences you want. The country has three major regions (the coast, the Andes, and the Amazon) each with its own climate patterns that can shape your itinerary.
Whether you’re planning your first trip, heading for a bucket-list visit to Machu Picchu, or hoping to see the Amazon at its calmest, understanding Peru’s seasons is the key to avoiding weather surprises, managing altitude, and planning transport smoothly.
This FAQ guide walks you through the best months to visit each region and helps you match your travel dates to the experiences you’re most excited about in a convenient question&answer format. As an alternative, you can read our page about Peru on our main website.
What is the best month to visit Peru?
The best months to visit Peru are June, July, and August for clear skies and trekking, or May and September for fewer crowds and balanced conditions.
The dry season (May to October) offers the sunniest and most stable climate in the Andes, with minimal rain, ideal for hiking and sightseeing.
June to August are most popular, especially for Machu Picchu and Cusco, with tourism peaking during school vacation and major festivals like Inti Raymi (June).
May and September provide excellent weather with fewer crowds and lower costs.
April and October are comfortable shoulder months when landscapes are greener after rains.
Official sources:
- Peru Government campaigns (gob.pe)
- U.S. State Department (travel.state.gov)
- U.S. Embassy Lima (pe.usembassy.gov)
- CDC Traveler’s Health (cdc.gov)
What month is cheaper to fly to Peru?
Flights are cheapest between January and March, during Peru’s rainy season.
Airfare and hotels are usually at their lowest January–March, with the rainy season discouraging mass tourism in the Andes and Amazon.
Round-trip tickets from North America can drop to $300–$900, though some coastal areas like Lima offer enjoyable city experiences year-round.
April, October, and November are also affordable options, balancing modest fares with stable weather.
Official sources:
- Peru Government tourism guidance (gob.pe)
- CDC Traveler’s Health (cdc.gov)
- U.S. Embassy Lima (pe.usembassy.gov)
What is the rainy season in Peru?
The rainy season in Peru runs from November to April, peaking between December and February.
Rain rains heaviest from November through April, especially in the Andes and the Amazon Basin, producing lush green scenery but risking travel delays and occasional landslides.
The coast remains mostly dry due to its desert environment. The Inca Trail is closed each February for maintenance.
Official sources:
- CDC Traveler’s Health (cdc.gov)
- Peru Government tourism (gob.pe)
What is the hottest month in Peru?
The hottest month in Peru is February, especially along the coast.
February brings peak summer heat, with Lima averaging 76°F (24°C) and highs of 82°F (28°C).
Northern coasts sometimes reach over 90°F (32°C), while the Amazon region experiences increased warmth and humidity.
In the Andes, October can have warm daytime temperatures, although nights remain cool year-round.
Official sources:
- CDC Traveler’s Health (cdc.gov)
- U.S. Embassy Lima (pe.usembassy.gov)
What is the coldest month in Peru?
The coldest month is July, especially in the Andean highlands.
During Peru’s winter (June–August), high-altitude areas like Cusco and Lake Titicaca experience nighttime lows near 28°F (-2°C) and occasional frost.
August is the coldest month on the coast, where Lima drops to average minimums of 63°F (17°C), often shrouded in coastal fog (“garúa”).
Official sources:
- Peru Government campaigns (gob.pe)
- CDC Traveler’s Health (cdc.gov)
Where is the best weather in Peru?
For the Andes, the best weather is from May to October; for the coast, from December to April.
Andean destinations enjoy dry, sunny days and cool nights during May–October, prime for hiking and sightseeing.
The Peruvian coast is warm and dry December–April, perfect for beaches and outdoor dining.
The Amazon is best visited May–October for fewer mosquitoes and comfortable jungle conditions.
Official sources:
- Peru Government tourism (gob.pe)
- CDC Traveler’s Health (cdc.gov)
What is the off-season in Peru?
Peru’s off-season runs from November to February.
Lower fares and hotel rates are available in the rainy season (November–February), especially in the Andes and Amazon.
Urban destinations like Lima and Arequipa, and major cultural festivals such as Virgen de la Candelaria (February), remain attractive to city explorers during this time.
Official sources:
- Peru Government campaigns (gob.pe)
When not to go to Peru?
Avoid January and February due to heavy rain and potential travel disruptions.
January and February see highest rainfall, risk of landslides, and disruption of the Inca Trail, which is closed in February.
June–August brings crowds and higher costs in key destinations like Machu Picchu.
Official sources:
- Peru Government tourism (gob.pe)
When not to go to Machu Picchu?
Avoid visiting Machu Picchu in late January and February.
Heavy rain and the closure of the Inca Trail during February make these months the least reliable for visiting Machu Picchu.
Travel disruptions and poor visibility are common; alternative trekking routes may be limited or closed.
Official sources:
- Machu Picchu Official Page (machupicchu.gob.pe)
When is the dry season in the Andes?
The dry season in the Andes runs from May to October.
This period features clear skies, mild daytime temperatures, and limited rainfall, ideal for hiking and photography at altitude.
However, nights can drop below freezing in June and July, so warm clothing is recommended.
Official sources:
- CDC Traveler’s Health (cdc.gov)
- Peru Government campaigns (gob.pe)
What are the best months to visit Machu Picchu?
The best months to visit Machu Picchu are June, July, August, and September.
These high season months guarantee dry weather and the best visibility for photography and hiking, but also the largest crowds and need for advance reservations.
Shoulder months (April, May, September, October) offer very good sightlines and fewer tourists.
The site is open year-round but trekking is not permitted in February due to maintenance.
Official sources:
- Machu Picchu Official Page (machupicchu.gob.pe)
When is the best time to visit the Amazon in Peru?
The best time to visit the Amazon is during the dry season, from May to October.
May–October provides warmer days (up to 90°F/32°C), lower humidity, and fewer insects, making conditions comfortable for jungle lodges and river cruises.
Rainy season (November–April) brings lush scenery and increased birdlife, which may appeal to dedicated wildlife enthusiasts.
Official sources:
- CDC Traveler’s Health (cdc.gov)
- Peru Government tourism (gob.pe)
If you require precise climate data or festival dates sourced from official Peruvian agencies, MINCETUR (Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism) and PromPerú are authoritative references. For health and entry requirements, the CDC and your national foreign office advisories are recommended.
No matter when you choose to visit, Peru offers incredible landscapes, rich culture, and year-round opportunities for adventure. Once you’ve decided on your ideal travel season, explore our dedicated guides to plan the rest of your trip: from preparing for high elevation in our Altitude & Acclimatization FAQ, to securing tickets in the Machu Picchu Planning Guide, staying safe with our Safety & Health tips, or organizing transport across regions with the Transportation & Itineraries FAQ. You can also return to the main Peru Travel FAQ for more essential planning insights. With the right timing and preparation, your trip to Peru will feel both smooth and unforgettable.
