Best Time of Year to Visit Peru

Seasonal Planning for Peru Travel

Peru has three main climatic zones of varied and fluctuating weather: the Andes and highlands; the coastal areas; and the tropical Amazon, where every region has its own "best" season. Yet, the best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, from May to September, when sunny skies and cooler temperatures create ideal conditions for exploring Machu Picchu, trekking the Inca Trail, and experiencing the Andes. This period aligns with Peru's winter, and while you'll be competing with peak season throngs of like-minded travelers, consider May or September for more manageable crowds and fair weather.

Peru's summer (December to March) is the wet season in the Andes and the Amazon. Expect heavy rainfall and muddy trails in Cusco and Machu Picchu, though it's also when the Sacred Valley is at its greenest. On the other hand, this is the best time to enjoy the Peruvian coast—including Lima, Paracas, and Máncora—where sunny beach days are at their most welcoming.

Shoulder months like April and October offer a balance between decent weather and fewer crowds, particularly in the highlands. April is especially beautiful, with blooming flowers after the rains, while October sees warm days and relatively quiet trails. November, just before the rainy season, can also be a sweet spot for visiting the Andes without peak-season crowds.

If you're drawn to the Amazon, its "high-water" season (November to April) brings higher river levels, allowing boats to reach more remote areas, while the "low-water" season (June to November) makes for easier hiking and better wildlife spotting. No matter the season, though, Peru offers diverse landscapes that shine differently throughout the year. Yet for most travelers, the clear skies and accessibility of May through September make it the top choice.

See these tours and itineraries for ideas on Peru trip-planning. 

Climate Chart for Cusco

Spring in Peru (September to November)

Spring in Peru is a shoulder season that rewards travelers with mild weather and fewer crowds. In the Andes, trails around Cusco and the Sacred Valley are less busy than in peak dry months, making it a great time for hikes to Inca sites and visits to Machu Picchu without the same level of congestion. The landscapes remain green from the tail end of the dry season, so expect beautiful scenery without the heaviest rains.

Down on the coast, Lima and Paracas enjoy sunnier skies after winter fog, known locally as garúa, lifts, making this an excellent time to pair city explorations with a side trip to the Ballestas Islands for wildlife spotting. For an off-the-beaten-path option, head to Arequipa in October or November, when the weather is comfortable for exploring its colonial center and day trips to Colca Canyon. September to November is also the driest season in the Amazon, making it the best time to spot wildlife.

Events in Spring

Mistura Culinary Festival, Lima (September). For one week in mid-September, this massive food festival with international acclaim attracts over half a million visitors to sample the country's best restaurants and street food. Peruvian cuisine is one of the world's best, and Lima in particular features what is probably South America's most impressive culinary scene. The festival features over 200 restaurants and bars, not to mention plenty of outdoor vendors and food carts.

Lord of Miracles, Lima (October). This is the largest Catholic procession in the Americas, taking place in Lima most of the month.

All Saints and All Souls Day, Nationwide (November). This holiday is celebrated on November 2 all over the country with offerings of food, drink, and flowers taken to family graves. This day is especially colorful in the Andes, where some of the food and drink are enjoyed, and the atmosphere is festive rather than somber. 

Learn More

September in Peru
October in Peru
November in Peru

Summer in Peru (December to February)

This is the wet season throughout Peru's interior and jungle regions, and when tourism slows down for the year. January and February are the wettest months, with the rain starting to ease off going into March. Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail receive the fewest visitors during these months, partly because the hiking trails in the area get quite muddy. The Inca Trail closes entirely in February for maintenance, and the Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain trails may also be periodically closed for maintenance during this period. 

Yet don't be deterred! This is a great time to visit other regions in Peru, especially the many great beaches along Peru's coast, where cities like Lima, Trujillo, and Chiclayo enjoy sunny, warm weather. Beach destinations such as Máncora and Punta Sal shine in January and February, drawing both locals and travelers looking for surf, seafood, and nightlife. Pairing a coastal getaway with a few days in Lima for food-focused itineraries is a smart move this time of year.

In the Amazon, summer brings hot, humid conditions with frequent downpours. Still, it's also when wildlife is most active and river levels are high, making boat excursions deep into the jungle easier. Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado work as gateways, with lodges offering guided rainforest experiences. 

Events in Summer

Fiesta de la Purísima Concepción, Nationwide (December). Held on December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a national holiday celebrated with religious processions in honor of the Virgin Mary. This is a major religious feast day in Peru with masses and performances of native dances.

The Festival de Marinera, Trujillo (January). Taking place in Trujillo, a coastal city in northern Peru, this monthlong festival features dance competitions (including the marinera, an elegant couple's dance making use of handkerchiefs), parades, and even exhibitions of the Peruvian Paso, a breed of horse common in this region.

Carnaval, Highlands (February). Carnival is a Roman Catholic festival that brings the Peruvian highlands to life with music, rituals, and dancing. In particular, one popular tradition involves couples taking turns chopping down a symbolic tree laden with gifts. The couple who deals the final blow is in charge of arranging the festivities the following year.

Learn More

December in Peru
January in Peru
February in Peru

Fall in Peru (March to May)

A transitional season, it's still quite wet, but the rains start to die down by April and completely cease by May—widely regarded as a great time to visit Peru (the vegetation is lush green from the recent rains). On top of that, the crowds have yet to arrive. In the Andes, this is an excellent time to visit Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu—crowds from the peak trekking months have thinned, yet trails remain dry and the skies are still clear. September in particular is ideal for quieter treks like the Lares or Choquequirao, giving travelers a chance to explore ancient sites without the bustle of high season.

The Amazon begins to warm and see more rainfall by late fall, but this shift brings the rainforest alive with vibrant greenery and active wildlife, especially around Puerto Maldonado. On the coast, destinations like Paracas and Ica enjoy pleasant weather and fewer visitors, making it a great time for a desert adventure or wine tasting in the vineyards. 

Events in Fall

Verano Negro, Chincha (late February/early March). An Afro-Peruvian festival that celebrates the heritage of African-Peruvian culture through dancing, parades, and other activities. Verano negro is the traditional dance of the province of Chincha, south of Lima.

Fiesta de la Vendimia, Lima (March). If you happen to be in Lima in March, this is a great festival to witness. The festival is 75 years old and celebrates the ancestry and varieties of Peru, especially the turning of grapes into wine.

Semana Santa, Nationwide (March/April). The week leading up to Easter is an especially holy week in Peru, where processions and festivities are carried out along the streets.

Qoyllur Rit'i, near Cusco (late May/early June). A more traditional Peruvian festival—South America's largest Indigenous festival—celebrating the Andean rites at the foot of Ausangate, the tallest mountain in Peru.

Learn More

March in Peru
April in Peru
May in Peru

Winter in Peru (June to August)

Peru's winter coincides with the Andes' dry season, making it the best time for trekking and visiting iconic sites like Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and Cusco. Clear skies and cooler nights create perfect hiking conditions for the Inca Trail and alternative treks such as Salkantay or Lares. This is also the busiest time for tourism when much of the Northern Hemisphere has summer vacation (book your excursions and accommodations a few months in advance if you're visiting during Peru's winter). This is also festival season—Cusco's Inti Raymi in June brings colorful parades and ancient traditions to the streets.

Along the coast, Lima and nearby cities like Paracas are cooler and cloudier during winter, but it's a great time to explore the desert landscapes of Ica and Huacachina or take a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands. In contrast, the Amazon is drier and has fewer mosquitoes, making July and August ideal for wildlife spotting near Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado. For travelers seeking variety, winter offers the best chance to combine mountain treks, jungle exploration, and highland festivals in a single itinerary.

Events in Winter

Qoylloriti Pilgrimage, Sinakara Valley (late May/early June). A religious festival held in the Sinakara Valley of the Cusco Region that coincides with the full moon. What follows is a large procession, along with dancing, that takes place around the Lord of Quyllurit'i shrine.

Inti Raymi, Cusco (June). This is the largest festival of the year in Peru, marking the winter solstice with a nine-day celebration.

Virgen del Carmen, Paucartambo (July). For five days in July every year, this small mountain town comes to life with festivities. Thousands of tourists and locals flock to Paucartambo to partake in the party.

Learn More

June in Peru
July in Peru
August in Peru