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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!

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Peru Weather in October

Aerial View of Lake Titicaca
Aerial View of Lake Titicaca as Seen from Condor Hill Viewpoint or Mirador de Kuntur Wasi, Puno, Peru

October is your last chance to enjoy a vacation in Peru before the arrival of the rainy season. This country has three separate climate zones, but on average, the weather in Peru in October is dry and mild. If you are craving hot, sunny days, head towards the coast. Lima, located in the central coastal area of the country, experiences highs of 20℃ and lows of 15℃. Temperatures get warmer as you head north, closer to the equator.

The Andean highlands are also pretty warm and dry during this period. October is also the best time to visit Machu Picchu, as temperatures in the area range from 12℃ to 25℃. Here, rainfall is not so common and you will find way fewer tourists than in the high season. On the other hand, it is hot and humid in the Peruvian Amazon during October, with the mercury soaring up to 32℃! Plus, despite October being the last month of the dry season, the rainforest sees afternoon showers on occasions.

If you would like to get a seasonal overview, please check out our travel guide on the best time to visit Peru.

Weather in Peru in October - Rainfall and Temperatures

SepOctNov
Avg Daily (°C)212122
Avg Nightly (°C)151617
Avg Daily (°F)707072
Avg Nightly (°F)596163
Avg Rainfall (mm)111

Why Visit Peru in October

Humpback whale at jump
Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) in Los Organos, Piura, Peru
People selling and buying fruits at a market in the streets
Street vendors gathering to sell their products in Cusco, Peru

From encountering fewer tourists to participating in one of the largest religious processions in the world, there are numerous reasons for traveling to Peru in October. We have listed a few of them below.

  • Fewer tourists: Even though October falls in the dry season, it sees fewer crowds as July and August are the most-preferred months among travelers. This means that you can discover sites such as the Sacred Valley and Cusco without people butting in for a selfie.
  • More affordable rates: October is ideal for people on a budget. This is your chance to book hotels and flights at a more affordable rate compared to high-season prices.
  • Perfect weather for trekking: With no sign of rain clouds far and wide and mild temperatures across much of the country, Peruvian mountains could as well be your backyard in October. Be it Ausangate trek, Inca Trail, or Colca Canyon, this country offers numerous options when it comes to trekking.
  • La Procesión del Señor de los Milagros: Peru hosts one of the largest religious processions in the world, La Procesión del Señor de los Milagros, in October. Every year, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims descend on downtown Lima to attend this event. This is the day when people worship the Lord of Miracles, a painting of Jesus Christ created in the 17th century by an African slave from Angola. In addition to enjoying this unique cultural experience, you can also try local dishes prepared for the procession, such as mazamorra morada (purple pudding) and turron de dona pepa.
  • Whale-watching: Do not miss out on the chance to see colossal humpback whales swimming in the ocean during your trip to Peru in October. These animals come to the northern coast of Peru, between the states of Piura and Tumbes, at this time of year to mate. Several companies organize tours with local marine experts to give tourists the chance to spot these majestic creatures.

Where to go and what to do

Sarchophagi at Chachapoyas in Northern Peru
Six huge and elaborately decorated sarcophagi (up to two meters in height) ledged on a narrow cliff edge above a river gorge in Chachapoyas, Peru

Hike through the Quarry Trail, a less trodden path to Machu Picchu, which takes about four days to complete. Make sure that you take pictures of breathtaking Andean vistas and Inca ruins along the way. October is also an ideal month to explore popular touristy places without dealing with the side effects of mass tourism. Go on a food tour while in Lima and, while there, explore the city center and visit Museo Convento San Francisco y Catacumbas. Other options include a visit to the floating islands of Lake Titicaca and a day trip to see the mysterious Nazca Lines.

Nature-lovers should also add the Amazon Rainforest to their itinerary and grab the last chance to discover this place before the arrival of the wet season. Take a boat to Iquitos, wander through Parque Nacional Manu and spot a variety of wild animals in the jungle.

Although underrated, the last month of the dry season is one of the best times to travel to Peru. The country experiences low precipitation and warm temperatures during this month, making it the perfect time for hiking trips. October is also ideal for those who cannot stand big crowds and you will be able to cover some of the most popular highlights of Peru without queuing for hours at the entrance.

If you need help with planning a customized trip to Peru in October, you can always reach out to our local travel experts in Peru who can devise a personalized itinerary for you. For instant inspiration, check out our trips to Peru in October.

Related Months:
Peru in September
Peru in November

Published by Will Cooper, updated on January 4, 2024

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