A tour to Peru has something to suit all tastes – whether you’re into lush rainforests and other picturesque scenery, indigenous markets or beautiful Inca ruins.
But when is the best time to visit the scenic South American country?
You can visit Peru at any time of the year, but some periods are better than others, depending on what you wish to experience. The Inca Trail, for example, is not accessible all year round.
Read on below to find out when it’s the best time for you to visit Peru.
Peru is located in the southern hemisphere and so has summer when it is winter in the UK.
The South American country generally has two seasons: a wet one and a dry one.
Peru spans three different regions with very different climatic and weather conditions, making the distinction between “wet” and “dry” somewhat blurred.
The three areas are:
The capital, Lima, and the country’s coastline, which consists mainly of desert, are hot and dry all year round with very little rain.
From December to April, temperatures in this part of Peru average 24–27°C.
From May to October, it is a lot milder, when the average daytime temperature drops to 18–22°C. It never gets as cold as it does here, but it is very humid at this time. In Lima during this period, you may experience the weather phenomenon, La Garúa: a thick layer of low-hanging cloud, creating fog with light drizzle over the city.
Peru’s mountain area and highlands vary greatly in height, so you can expect different temperatures depending on where in the highlands you are. The higher you go, the lower the temperature and humidity.
The highlands have two seasons: one wet and one dry.
The dry season lasts from April to October, when you can expect clear weather with average daytime temperatures of 21–22°C. However, the nights are somewhat chillier during this season, with temperatures dropping to as low as freezing, particularly in June and July.
The dry season is peak season for Cusco and Machu Picchu, which means nice weather, but most visitors, too.
The wet season extends from November to March, when temperatures are also milder. Temperatures average 19–21°C during the day and 7°C at night. The wettest months are January and February. It is typically dry in the morning with afternoon rain.
During the wet season, you can expect more rain, but fewer visitors. The landscape will also change colour from arid brown to lush green during this season.
Unlike Cusco and Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail CANNOT be visited all year round.
The Inca Trail is closed in February due to the weather and maintenance work.
We therefore recommend completing the Inca Trail between April and November to avoid mud. Remember to book in VERY good time, ideally 6–12 months before departure, as the trek may otherwise be sold out.
The Amazon Rainforest in eastern Peru has high temperatures and high rainfall all year round. However, the southernmost parts of the Amazon have cold winters.
Peru offers amazing experiences that you can experience all year round.
However, it is useful to note that:
Highlights abound on this tour, with visits to Cusco, the ancient Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, the breathtaking Andes Mountains, the vibrant communities around Lake Titicaca, and the charming colonial cities of Lima and Arequipa.
Experience the enchanting charm of Peru from the vibrant capital and coastal city of Lima to the ancient capital of the Incas, Cusco, and let yourself be captivated by the magic of Machu Picchu.
Discover the world’s largest rainforest with its unique nature and fascinating wildlife, combined with Peru’s other highlights: Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon, Arequipa and Lima.
Lace up your hiking boots and walk the legendary 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The tour also takes you to Lima, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca and the ancient capital of the Incas, Cusco.
Wonderful experiences await in Peru & Ecuador, with visits to the old Inca capital Cusco, the Inca ruins Machu Picchu, Ecuador’s capital Quito and the fairytale Galapagos Islands with their indescribable wildlife.
Take a 2-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu through the fairy tale landscape of the Andes. You will also discover the Inca capital, Cusco, as well as Lima, Arequipa, Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca.
Experience the Andes on a stunning trek to Salkantay mountain ending at Machu Picchu. You will also visit Lima, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca and the ancient capital of the Incas, Cusco.
Join us on a captivating journey through Peru, where you’ll see the mystical Nazca Lines, encounter wildlife at the Ballestas Islands, marvel at the dramatic depths of Colca Canyon, visit indigenous communities on Lake Titicaca, and explore the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu.
Highlights abound on this tour, with visits to Cusco, the ancient Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, the breathtaking Andes Mountains, the vibrant communities around Lake Titicaca, and the charming colonial cities of Lima and Arequipa.
Experience the enchanting charm of Peru from the vibrant capital and coastal city of Lima to the ancient capital of the Incas, Cusco, and let yourself be captivated by the magic of Machu Picchu.
Discover the world’s largest rainforest with its unique nature and fascinating wildlife, combined with Peru’s other highlights: Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon, Arequipa and Lima.
Lace up your hiking boots and walk the legendary 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The tour also takes you to Lima, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca and the ancient capital of the Incas, Cusco.
Wonderful experiences await in Peru & Ecuador, with visits to the old Inca capital Cusco, the Inca ruins Machu Picchu, Ecuador’s capital Quito and the fairytale Galapagos Islands with their indescribable wildlife.
Take a 2-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu through the fairy tale landscape of the Andes. You will also discover the Inca capital, Cusco, as well as Lima, Arequipa, Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca.
Experience the Andes on a stunning trek to Salkantay mountain ending at Machu Picchu. You will also visit Lima, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca and the ancient capital of the Incas, Cusco.
Join us on a captivating journey through Peru, where you’ll see the mystical Nazca Lines, encounter wildlife at the Ballestas Islands, marvel at the dramatic depths of Colca Canyon, visit indigenous communities on Lake Titicaca, and explore the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu.
Please note that this guide to Peru is a guideline only, and recommendations may change over time.
We therefore always recommend that you contact our travel consultants to work out the best time for you together.
Please contact us if you have any questions.
TourCompass – From tourist to traveller
