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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.

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Peru Weather in August

Peru’s three distinct climate zones with varying weather conditions mean that the weather is not the same in different parts of the country. The Andes has clear weather during this month, with is perfect for hiking and outdoor activities. Trekking through the Inca Trail and wandering among the ruins of Machu Picchu are more attainable during this time of the year. Here, the mercury remains under 20°C during the daytime, but brace yourself for a significant drop in temperatures at night, especially in high-altitude regions.

The remote possibility of rain also makes exploring the Peruvian Amazon all the more inviting in August. Along Peru's coastline, temperatures average between 15°C to 18°C in August. Many popular beach towns like Mancora and Paracas are warm and sunny during this time of the year. However, some areas, like the capital city of Lima, may be foggy. This coastal region sees a dense blanket of a gray sea mist at this time of year.

To find out how August compares to the rest of the year, go through our travel guide on the best time to visit Peru and check out the seasonal overview.

Weather in Peru in August - Rainfall and Temperatures

JulAugSep
Avg Daily (°C)212021
Avg Nightly (°C)151515
Avg Daily (°F)706870
Avg Nightly (°F)595959
Avg Rainfall (mm)111

Why Visit Peru in August

Rocky beach in Huarmey, Ancach region, Peru
Huarmey, in recent days, is gaining the attention of visitors and establishing itself as a must-visit destination in Peru.
Couple admiring the spectacular view of Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu contains an intricate system of Inca ruins and is also considered an Incan pilgrimage site.

August is a busy month, but do not let the crowds deter you. There are numerous reasons to head to Peru during this month. We have listed a few of them below:

  • Low precipitation: August falls in the middle of winter in Peru. Much of the country is dry during this time of year. This means fewer chances of your travel plans getting delayed by rains and bad weather conditions.
  • Best hiking conditions: August presents you with a spectacular view of clear blue skies and pleasant weather conditions. This is when the trails that scour the country’s mountains are more accessible than ever.
  • Accessibility: Traveling in the peak season means all attractions are accessible. Explore the Inca ruins scattered throughout the country, including the one in Choquequirao, or relax in Lake Titicaca in the Andean foothills as you cruise along the Bolivia-Peru border. If you want a relaxing beach getaway, head to a tranquil beach hidden amid the cliffs of Huarmey in Tuquillo.

Where to go and what to do

traditional Peruvian Paso Horse and Marinera Dance, Peru
Peruvian Paso Horse and Marinera Dance is a mix of Spanish contradanza and Andean zamacueca and is an elegant and stylized reenactment of a courtship.

One of the most popular activities among travelers heading to the country during this month is the Inca Trail, South America's most famous multi-day trek. It starts from the historic city of Cusco and takes you to the mind-blowing Inca ruins of Machu Picchu.

As the hike takes four to five days to complete, August's mild temperatures and minimal rain make it the best time to hike Machu Picchu. However, if you prefer a less-crowded trek in the Andes, head for the Cotahuasi Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. Situated to the northwest of Arequipa in a highly remote location, hiking this 5,353-meter-deep canyon is one of the most underrated things to do in Peru.

The other destination that you should not miss out on is the Peruvian Amazon. Either scorching temperatures or incessant downpours make exploring this rainforest difficult for most of the year. Luckily, August has the perfect weather to visit the Amazon for wildlife spotting and meeting indigenous communities.

While in the country during this time, you might also want to visit the isolated north. Dry autumn months make exploring the archaeological sites of Chan Chan and the picturesque glaciers of Huascaran National Park in August a much more pleasurable experience.

Given the mild weather conditions throughout much of the country, you can take your pick of Peru's wonders during August. Whether you are an avid hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or a city dweller, you will find an activity of your interest in Peru in August.

Wondering how long it takes to cover it all? Check out our travel guide on how many days to spend in Peru for more ideas and insights. If you need help with planning a customized trip to Peru in May, you can always reach out to our local travel experts in Peru who can devise a tailor-made itinerary for you.

For a quick overview, browse through available tours to Peru in August.

Related Months:
Peru in July
Peru in September

Published by Will Cooper, updated on September 1, 2022

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