A handy guide to Peru’s seasons
While Machu Picchu and Lima are generally considered the best places to visit in Peru, there numerous other destinations that are worth a visit, if you travel during the right season.
The dry season from May to September is recommended as the best time to visit Peru. Temperatures range from 60°F to 85°F (16°C to 27°C), which is especially ideal for those who want to explore the countryside. During this time, the weather is splendid, with sunny days and clear blue skies. However, booking in advance is essential due to the heightened demand during the peak season.
Expect a variety of climatic zones during your Peru vacation. The lands stretch over a vast distance from the north to the south. There is also a significant difference in altitude between the coastal areas and the Andes. Thus, the climate of Peru differs greatly from one region to another. Here is an overview on the weather to help you plan your Peru luxury tours.
Best Time To Visit
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- Welcome the New Year in an unusual fashion at Huancayo – with traditional dances and plenty of dress-up
- Head to Trujillo’s national dance festival, the Fiesta de la Marinera
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- Be surrounded by music and color at the Virgin of Candelaria Feast in Puno
- Join in water fights at the Carnaval festival in Cajamarca
- Soak up some sun at Mancora
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- Marvel at the colorful street art in Lima
- Explore the Amazon rainforest by boat
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- Watch unforgettable sunsets from the upscale, beachfront district of Miraflores in Lima
- Witness colorful processions during the Semana Santa festival in Ayacucho
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- Test your stamina at Huaraz, Peru’s trekking mecca
- Give in to the charms of the White City – Arequipa.
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- Join the colorful Inti Raymi festival in Cusco
- Set off on a boat ride in the sapphire blue waters of Lake Titicaca
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- Trek the famous Inca Trail and marvel at the ruins of Machu Picchu
- Stay in the midst of nature as you explore the Amazon from Iquitos
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- Take a horse ride up the Rainbow Mountains
- Sample fresh ceviche at one of Lima’s awardwinning restaurants
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- Hop on the Andean Explorer and discover the beautiful Peru countryside by train
- Head to Chiclayo and Trujillo for a fascinating history lesson
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- Gourmands head to Lima’s Mistura Food Festival – one of the biggest in Latin America
- View the Amazon rainforest from high above on a canopy bridge walk
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- Puno Festival week beckons with folk dances and festivities
- Ride the waves at Mancora
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- Enjoy beautiful displays of nativity scenes in Cusco
- Solve the mystery of the Nazca lines
- Work on your tan at the untouched beaches of the Paracas National Reserve
Best Time to Visit Peru by Region
Climate of Coastal Peru – Lima, Chiclayo and Trujillo
- Summer: December – March
- Winter: June – September
The weather on the coast of Peru is greatly influenced by the cold Humboldt current. During summer, temperatures range between 77-83°F on the northern coast while in winter, they dip to 50–59°F. The weather is more moderate in the South. During summer, the temperature in Lima rises to 77 while in winter, it dips to 59°F.
What to pack: Comfortable shoes and sun protection (sunglasses, hat and suntan lotion)
Climate in Peru Highlands – Cusco, Machu Picchu, Puno, Arequipa, Colca Canyon
- Dry Season: April – November
- Rainy Season: December – March
The climate in the Andes depends entirely on the altitude with two main seasons, dry and rainy. The best time to travel to Peru Highlands is between May to October when the skies are clear. Temperatures range between 32 to 85°F in the dry season and 41 to 68°F in the rainy season.
What to pack: Comfortable hiking boots and clothing that can be used for layering. A warm jacket is ideal for the chilly evenings.
Climate in Northern Peru – Cajamarca, Leymebamba, Chachapoyas
- Dry Season: May – September
- Rainy Season: October – April
It is easy to differentiate between the dry and rainy seasons in Northern Peru. Since Cajamarca, Leymebamba and Chachapoyas lie in remote areas, a trip to these destinations is not recommended during the rainy season. The best time to travel to Northern Peru is from May to October when temperatures range between 59 and 77°F.
What to pack: Waterproof jacket, comfortable hiking boots, sunglasses, hat and cream. A warm jacket or fleece is recommended for the evenings.
Climate in Northern Peru: Mancora
- Summer: December – March
- Winter: June – September
In Mancora, the temperatures rarely drop below 64°F and go above 90°F throughout the year.
What to pack: Sunglasses, hat and suntan lotion, swimwear, sandals.
Climate in the Peruvian Amazon Jungle – Puerto Maldonado, Iquitos
- Dry Season: May – November
- Rainy Season: December – March
The Peruvian Amazon also experiences two distinct types of climates, the dry and the rainy seasons. During the dry season, temperatures can rise as high as 80°F and it is considered to be the best time to visit Peru, while in the rainy season, heavy showers occur at least once every day. The region experiences high humidity levels throughout the year.
What to pack: Light cotton clothing with long sleeves and trousers to protect you from insect bites. A waterproof jacket is ideal, as are comfortable walking
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Best Places To Visit
Travel Guide
What vaccinations do you need before setting out on Peru holidays? How do you make payments in Peru? How can you protect yourself from altitude sickness? Discover all this and more by following this link.
Things To Do
Mystical ruins, indigenous communities and floating islands – Peru is brimming with treasures. Follow this link to see our list of top ten things to do.
Safety
The safety situation in Peru has steadily improved in recent years. The country benefits greatly from its growing tourism sector and therefore, local authorities take travel safety issues very seriously. Here are some safety tips for stress-free Peru holidays.
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