Despite being one of the rainiest months in the Sacred Valley, January is a great time of year to visit Peru, with day hikes to a variety of ruins, fewer trekkers on the Inca Trail, unique urban festivals, and dry, sunny weather along the country's endless Pacific coast where surfing is a growing sport. Find out what to do and where to go in this monthly guide.

Weather 

Located just south of the equator, January tends to be the warmest and wettest month in Peru. There are three distinct climate zones:

  • The desert coastal strip: This area offers pleasantly warm weather during the summer months and very little rain. This region includes Mancora, Trujillo, Lima, Paracas, and Arequipa. Lima averages highs of 79°F (26°C) and lows of 66°F (19°C), and January brings dry, sunny weather and optimal swimming conditions for taking advantage of the Pacific Ocean waves. South of Lima, you'll experience slightly cooler temperatures than in the north (closer to the equator).

  • The Andean zone or highlands: This area is wetter in January, and temperatures range depending on your altitude. This region includes Huaraz, Machu Picchu, Cusco, and Lake Titicaca. If visiting the Cusco region, you'll experience highs around 66°F (19°C) and lows around 45°F (7°C), with periods of light to heavy rains. However, the clouds and moisture during this time of year should not deter you from visiting—the flora and fauna will be abundant, and there will always be breaks in the showers, as pictured above.

  • The large eastern area covered by the Amazon rainforest: This region is warm and humid year-round, with more rain this time of year. It includes Iquitos, Tarapoto, Manu, and Puerto Maldonado. Iquitos tends to see highs around 88°F (31°C) and lows around 72°F (22°C). Tropical rains usually occur in the afternoon in the form of a downpour or thunderstorm.

Crowds & Costs

Since January tends to be one of the wettest months to visit Machu Picchu and the Amazon region, travel during this time does offer the advantage of fewer visitors, greener scenery, and typically lower rates for flights and hotels. In general, trekkers somewhat avoid the mountains and canyons this time of year, so it is a good month to come if you're seeking solitude.

January, however, is one of the busiest and most expensive months along the coast. This is also the best time to find a lively atmosphere, full-service beach facilities, and outdoor festivals. 

Where to Go

Sunseekers will find this is a great month to visit the Peruvian coast. The most popular beaches are south of Lima: Punta Hermosa, Asia, Pulpos, Punta Negra, San Bartolo, and El Silencio. Farther south is the stunning Paracas National Reserve with sand dunes, untouched beaches, and diverse fauna. Consider local-favorite hideaways like Máncora on the northern coast, with pristine beaches and a relaxed atmosphere. Meanwhile, nearby Las Pocitas is less crowded and offers the area's nicest hotels and resorts. 

Rain or no rain, most visitors to Peru will head to the Sacred Valley and the ancient town of Cusco. Despite wetter conditions, Machu Picchu remains open in January (it's closed in February), though it will be significantly more challenging for those wishing to trek. (Hint: Inca Trail permits go on sale in January, and popular months sell out quickly.) A great alternative is to take one of several day-trips to explore ruins within the Sacred Valley. 

Off the beaten path, Northern Peru is an area often overlooked by tourists. Here, you can find beautiful landscapes with countless bird species, pre-Incan archaeology, including the adobe city of Chan Chan, and abundant nature in the cloud forest, with ample opportunities for treks, hiking, and exploring lakes and waterfalls. For more on this region, check out this article. 

In the Amazon Basin, there's plenty to see and do, with virtually no crowds, if you don't mind the rain. The area possesses the globe's highest levels of biodiversity and is one of the wildest places on earth, with coiling rivers, cloud forests, Indigenous communities, and wildlife. For instance, you can combine a trip to the jungle with the Inca Trail on this 12-day tour. 

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What to Do

Beaches & watersports: Summer season is a great time to flock to the beaches for swimming and lazing on the sand with a drink. The sport of surfing is growing in Peru, and many coastal towns north of Lima, like Cabo Blanco (home of the "Peruvian pipe"), offer excellent surf conditions. Kiteboarding, standup paddleboarding, diving, and whale- and dolphin-watching are also popular. 

Wildlife viewing on the Ballestas Islands: These islands, nicknamed "the Galápagos Islands of Peru," are accessible by tour boat from the beach town of Paracas (near Pisco). they're home to rare birds like pelicans, penguins, Peruvian boobies, and Inca terns. Sea lions, turtles, dolphins, and whales are also common in the park. Due to its ideal location on the Pacific coast, day trips can be made while you explore the dunes of Huacachina.

Sightseeing in Lima: Despite the fact that it hardly ever rains here, this layover city often gets overlooked for Cusco. But Peru's capital is rich in history and culture with beautiful architecture, cathedrals, fascinating museums, a growing culinary scene (including #6 and #7 on "The World's 50 Best Restaurants" list), nightlife, and great shopping. Make sure to spend an evening watching the sunset overlooking the bluffs at Miraflores.   

Trekking: There are numerous trekking opportunities throughout Peru, though you can expect rain if you're in the Andes or Amazon regions. This is your last chance to hit the Inca Trail before it closes during the month of February—here's a 5-day itinerary to try. Despite getting a little wet, you'll experience fewer crowds and lush flora and fauna. For shorter hikes, here's a list of Top Day Hikes in the Sacred Valley. 

History & Inca ruins: Within the Sacred Valley, you'll find a host of ruins like Ollantaytambo, Sacsayhuaman, and Pisac near the colonial city of Cusco. While these smaller sites are more spread out than Machu Picchu, you'll have your fill of Spanish colonial villages, handicraft markets, and Inca history if you manage to visit them all. 

Dig into local cuisine: The guinea pig dish called cuy is Peru's most authentic edible experience, often found in highland towns like Cusco and the Urubamba Valley. Also look for fresh ceviche, stir-fried beef, and creamy chicken dishes. Potato dishes are ubiquitous, having been cultivated in the Andes for 10,000 years. There are a dizzying number of types on offer (great with spicy cheese sauce). Also, make sure to try the picarones, or Peruvian doughnuts.

Events in January

New Year's Day, Nationwide. This national holiday is celebrated throughout the country. It's particularly big in Huancayo, where the fiesta continues until Epiphany (January 6). In this central highlands town, revelers wear costumes with black masks to commemorate slave forefathers who worked the area mines.

Festival de Marinera, Trujillo. 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.

Anniversary of the Foundation of Lima, Lima. In January, Peru's capital hosts various cultural activities by the Spanish foundation of Lima.

Full Moon, Máncora. Look for these all-night beach parties in coastal towns like Máncora, especially during the summer months. 

Traveling to Peru in January? Check out these great itineraries

Peru's Luxurious Coastal, Desert & Vineyard Tour - 7 Days. Venture both on and off the beaten path, discovering highlights up and down the coast while staying in luxury hotels. Start with a stay in Lima's upscale Miraflores district before hitting the road to the unspoiled desert beaches around Paracas. After visiting the Ballestas Islands (the "Galápagos of Peru"), you'll learn about pisco production in Ica and cap the trip with a scenic flight over the legendary Nazca Lines—ancient geoglyphs etched into the arid landscapes.

Hidden Gems of Peru: Amazon, Andes, Beaches & More - 16 Days. Experience Peru's diverse landscapes by boat, car, plane, and train. Begin with a food tour in Lima before escaping to the Amazon Rainforest for wildlife-studded hikes and boat trips. Next, head for the heights of the Andes to tour UNESCO-listed Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley's lesser-visited gems, from Inca ruins to salt pans and local villages. The adventure ends on Máncora's relaxing beaches for whale watching and swimming with sea turtles off the Pacific coast.

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