Peru in September: Weather and Travel Tips
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.
- Kelley Lipphard
- From USA
Peru Weather in September
The end of September officially marks the start of the spring season in Peru, and the weather is dry and pleasant in most parts during this time of year. However, it varies between regions, which means that you can find different weather conditions as you travel around.
Northern Peru is typically sunny and warm. Coastal cities like Mancora and Las Pocitas have ideal weather conditions for a beach getaway. The average daily temperature in the Mancora district is 26°C, while the ocean around the area remains cool, with the water temperature hovering between 16°C and 20°C.
The south, on the other hand, is colder. Lima experiences mild weather with the mercury hovering between 15°C to 19°C. If you head toward Lima’s south, you will find that the coastal areas are relatively empty, as foggy conditions are likely to disrupt beach activities in this region.
It is warm and sunny during the daytime in the Andean region. But be prepared for cold nights. Towns like Cusco average around 21°C during the day, but temperatures can plummet to 4°C after sundown. The Amazon is the warmest part of the country, with the highs of 32°C on the hottest day in September.
Check out our travel guide on the best time to visit Peru for a seasonal overview.
Weather in Peru in September - 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 |
| Aug | Sep | Oct | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 20 | 21 | 21 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 15 | 15 | 16 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 68 | 70 | 70 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 59 | 59 | 61 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Why Visit Peru in September
Many of Peru's cities and regions are at their best this time of year. Below are four reasons why you should head for Peru in September.
- Fewer crowds: Peru still remains a lovely destination in September, albeit with significantly fewer crowds than in July and August. As a result, this month is the best time to travel to the country if you like a vibrant atmosphere but do not prefer queuing outside attractions.
- Lower prices: As the bulk of tourists starts to leave, businesses slowly begin to lower their rates. You will notice this more towards the end of the month. Therefore, if you want to save some bucks, plan your trip for the latter half of September.
- Dry season: Peru's dry season runs from April to October. While October can be a bit hit and miss, the weather in Peru in September is usually consistent, especially in the Andean highlands and the capital city of Lima.
- Festivals: Peru’s September calendar is full of festivities. The most notable events are the annual Mistura Culinary Festival in Lima and the International Festival of Spring in Trujillo. Relish the taste of Peru's finest cuisines during your stay in the capital city and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the spring festival in Trujillo.
Where to Go and What to Do
Pleasant weather conditions and diminishing footfall mean that you can have your pick of attractions in Peru in September. Be it hiking through the Inca Trail or Rainbow Mountain, this is the time to explore the great outdoors and find activities in Peru that best suits you! Feeling more adventurous? Venture into the depths of the Amazon, the largest rainforest in the world.
September is among the best time of year to visit the Amazon since the weather is dry, making trips through the rainforest more manageable. Fewer chances of rainfall along with few travelers also make hiking trips to Choquequirao, Santa Cruz, and the Cotahuasi Canyon more manageable. In the meantime, city dwellers can embrace the beautiful architecture of Lima without discomfort, given the cool and misty weather of the capital during this month.
A trip to Peru in September is bound to be a delightful experience. From the urban charms of the Peruvian capital to the ruins of Machu Picchu, there is no destination in Peru that cannot be covered during this month.
If you need help planning a customized trip to Peru in September, you can always reach out to our local travel experts in Peru to devise a personalized itinerary for you. For instant inspiration, browse through our Peru tours in September.
