Peru in April: Beginning of Sunny Days
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.
- Kelley Lipphard
- From USA
Peru Weather in April
April is the beginning of the dry season and is considered the best time to travel to Peru. But given the country’s topography, you must be prepared to find different weather conditions as you travel from one region to another.
Peru’s coastal area has spring-like temperatures and sees abundant sunshine during this time of year. Lima, located in the central coastal region, sees highs of 24℃ and lows of 18℃. The weather tends to get warmer as you head north, towards the equator. However, the Andean highlands are colder, especially during the evenings. The mercury can drop down to 5℃ in cities such as Cusco while reaching 19℃ during the day. Machu Picchu experiences mild weather conditions in April, with eight days of rain during the whole month.
On the other hand, it is sweltering hot in the Peruvian Amazon, with highs of 31℃ and lows of 22℃. But unlike the other climate zones, the Amazon Rainforest is never fully dry. The area still experiences heavy rains in April, especially during the afternoon.
For a seasonal overview, visit our guide on the best time to visit Peru.
Weather in Peru in April - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 25 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 21 | 21 | 22 | 23 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 20 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 18 | 17 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 19 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 77 | 77 | 77 | 76 | 74 | 70 | 70 | 68 | 70 | 70 | 72 | 74 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 68 | 70 | 70 | 68 | 65 | 63 | 59 | 59 | 59 | 61 | 63 | 67 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 3 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Mar | Apr | May | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 25 | 24 | 23 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 21 | 20 | 18 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 77 | 76 | 74 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 70 | 68 | 65 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 3 | 1 | 0 |
Why Visit Peru in April
Even though most people prefer to visit the country in the middle of the dry season that starts from May, a trip to Peru in April is still worth it. Below are some of the reasons why you should head to the country during this time of year.
- Fewer crowds: Most people avoid traveling to Peru in April because of sporadic showers. But the truth is that unless you want to visit the Amazon Rainforest, rainfall is rare during this month. This means that you can cover the top sights of the country while avoiding peak-season crowds.
- Lower prices: April is also ideal for travelers who are a bit tight on budget. Rates are more affordable during this month than during the high season, meaning that you will find plenty of good deals on your flight and accommodation.
- Hiking trails beckon: Peru is known for its trekking routes, and April is an ideal month for those who wish to discover the country on foot. This is primarily because the country sees minimal rainfall throughout the month. Enjoy views from the top of breathtaking Rainbow Mountain or hike through the rugged paths of Salkantay.
- Semana Santa: Semana Santa (Holy Week) is among the most prominent celebrations in Peru. A majority of the Peruvian population is Catholic and, for this reason, Easter is of great significance in the country. If you visit Peru during this period, you will witness long vigils, huge processions, and holy masses. Head for Cusco, Ayacucho, and Arequipa if you wish to enjoy some of the most stunning celebrations.
Where to go and what to do
Considering mild temperatures and lower chances of rainfall, April offers plenty of activities for those traveling to Peru. For instance, this month is one of the best times to visit Machu Picchu. Not only is the weather perfect, but there are fewer tourists as well. To get the best views of this citadel, hike to the top of Huayna Picchu.
Make sure that you include Cusco and Sacsaywamán in your itinerary during your trip to the country. Another option is to explore Qorikancha, one of the most important temples of the Inca Empire. About one hour's drive from Cusco, there is Moray, a stunning agricultural laboratory set up by the Incas hundreds of years ago. For lovers of wildlife, there is Paracas National Reserve in the southern part of the country with its towering sand dunes, jagged cliffs, and a variety of unique wildlife.
Lima is an open-air museum for those who wish to learn more about Peruvian culture. Plus, you can mingle with the locals while sampling some of the best foods in Peru while in the city. There are plenty of destinations to explore in Peru in April. To craft a suitable itinerary, you can read our travel guide on how many days to spend in Peru.
Low chances of precipitation, mild temperatures, and fewer tourists mean that you will not regret a trip to Peru in April. Plus, whether you want to participate in Semana Santa, enjoy long trekking journeys, or get to know the Inca culture, there is no shortage of Peruvian activities to take part in.
If you need help with planning a customized trip to Peru in April, you can always reach out to our travel experts in Peru who can devise a tailor-made itinerary for you. For instant inspiration, browse through our trips to Peru in April.
