When to Visit Peru

Whether you’re planning a trip to Peru for outdoor adventures or history and culture, the best months to visit Peru will depend on the experiences you want. For a well-rounded holiday experience, the best time to visit Peru is during the dry season from May to September. The weather conditions are excellent around this time if you want to trek the iconic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Visiting during the wet season from December to March provides lush landscapes and fewer crowds. However, some trekking routes may be challenging.Read on for a season-by-season analysis so you can pick your best time to travel to Peru.

Is there any city on earth more mysterious than Machu Picchu? Despite being one of the ‘New’ Seven Wonders of the World, the Peruvian citadel ruins date back to 1450 and were hidden away for nearly four centuries. You don’t need to be an archaeologist to appreciate a visit to this “lost” city of the Inca civilisation. Hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to the UNESCO World Heritage Site each year to explore the beautifully restored temples of Machu Picchu’s upper urban sector and the agricultural warehouses of its lower sector—not to mention the incredible Andes views. Reachable by train or, if you’re feeling adventurous, a trek via the Inca Trail, the spectacular views are a must-see during your visit to Peru.

January is the best time to explore Peru’s Pacific coastline at the height of summer. However, while coastal towns allow for ample beach activities, the Andean highlands are different. Expect frequent rainfalls in the region throughout the month if you are heading there. However, this is also the last month to hike the Inca Trail before the hiking route closes in February when the monsoon peaks.Take this opportunity to explore the Sacred Valley — usually packed to the brim during high seasons. Frequent downpours in the Amazon this month cause a swell in the water level, allowing visitors to embark on a boat tour to previously inaccessible parts of this jungle.

Since some of Peru’s most popular hiking trails are closed due to rain in February, this month is the best time to hit off the beaten tracks and explore the country’s hidden gems. Escape the capital to embark on a trip through lesser-known trails across the country. Take a cable car to the ruins of Kuelap Fortress, considered to be a religious center of the Chachapoyas people, or head for the arid Arequipa, which offers perfect mountain-biking conditions. For those interested in nature, there is Gocta Waterfall, while those into culture and history will feel at home among the mummified remains of the Leymebamba Museum.

Rain can be a hassle if you are heading for Peru in March as this is the last month of the wet season. However, if you can stand a bit of rain, the month still offers abundant travel opportunities to some of the best Peruvian destinations.

April marks the end of the wet season and the beginning of sunny days in Peru. This is one of the best months to visit the country as the weather is perfect for hiking. However, despite this being an ideal time to explore highlights like the Sacred Valley, the tourist traffic is still sparse compared with other months, making your trip much more enjoyable.

The rainy season comes to an end in Peru in May. It is when the countryside is green and monuments, cleansed of their dirt and grime, look better. Since the crowds are slim in highlights across the country, you have most of the landmarks for yourself during this time of year. Be it visiting Machu Picchu, exploring Lima, or hiking through the Inca Trails, there is no shortage of activities that can be carried out this month.

June is the start of Peru’s dry season. This is when peak-season crowds are yet to settle in, which means that it will only be you and a few others exploring the Andean highlands, gazing at the iconic Machu Picchu, and wandering down the streets of Cusco. Clear skies and moderate temperatures during this month make city sightseeing tours in Peru a pleasant experience. Even the Peruvian Amazon, which stays warm and humid through much of the year, sees less rainfall during June, making it ideal for wildlife spotting.

July is an ideal time to visit both the highlands and the Amazon region of Peru. The weather during this time of year is dry, which means ample opportunities for a variety of outdoor activities, be it hiking in the Andes or enjoying sightseeing tours around Lima and Cusco. For the more adventurous crowd, there is the Peruvian Amazon, home to unique bird and animal species, and many more places to visit in Peru.

August lies smack in the middle of the winter season in the Southern Hemisphere, where Peru is located. However, despite winter, this is also the peak tourist season in the country, since most of the days during this month are warm and pleasant (although the mercury falls down at night). In addition to this, August is also a dry month, which means you are in for clear blue skies while hiking in the Andes.

September brings the joys of spring in Peru. The weather is warm and remains dry in most parts of the country, making it an ideal time to explore the country. Visiting major attractions like Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley is more manageable during this time of year. Moreover, sparse foot traffic means that you have better chances of capturing picture-perfect images during your trip to Peru in September.

October is the last month of the dry season in Peru. Mild temperatures and a rare chance of precipitation mean that this is the perfect month to visit the country. From big religious celebrations to stunning hikes and whale-spotting, October offers plenty of activities for all in Peru!

November in Peru is the beginning of the rainy season. However, even though some places like Machu Picchu experience lots of rain, others, such as Lima, are quite dry. This means that if you know where to go, November can be an ideal month to enjoy a vacation in Peru and avoid crowds. Discover the dunes around Huacachina or surf the northerly swells of Chicama. Listen to birdsongs in the Peruvian Amazon or be part of the Puno Week on Lake Titicaca’s shores.

From the mysterious Nazca Lines to breathtaking trekking trails and vibrant culture, Peru has plenty of activities for all types of travelers. And even though December is part of the country’s wet season, the weather in most areas of the country is mild, with a low risk of precipitation. Along with that, there are fewer tourists and plenty of celebrations, which make this month one of the best times to visit the many magnificent tourist attractions in Peru.

Peru boasts rich history, cultural diversity, and breathtaking natural scenery, making it an ideal summer destination for all kinds of tourists. From the stunning Lake Titicaca to the Ballestas Islands to beautiful beaches like Las Pocitas and Playa Roja, Peru’s natural beauty is on full display during summer. This is also the perfect time for visitors to explore the Peruvian culture and history in the cities of Lima and Ayacucho or to try sand surfing in Huacachina. The South American country also hosts various festivities during the summer season, such as the Bajada de los Reyes and the Trujillo Marinera Festival. There is something for everyone on a Peru trip during summer.

Peru is a country with a distinct blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. Starting from June and extending up to August, winter in Peru is an excellent season to visit. The weather is often dry and bright during this season, perfect for outdoor activities and thrilling adventures. There is a lot to do in Peru during winter, from climbing the Andes to discovering ancient ruins to exploring the mighty Amazon rainforest. Visiting Lake Titicaca and the spectacular Colca Canyon, home to the magnificent Andean condor, should also be on your bucket list on a Peru trip during the winter months.