When to go to Peru

Our Guide on When to Visit Peru

One of the reasons for Peru’s allure is that it has several unique climate zones to explore, and each has its own best time to visit, although for most areas that falls within the dry season, between May and October when days are warm and sunny. But if you plan to stick around Lima and the Pacific coast, November through March is the better time to go for warmth and sunshine. The Peruvian Amazon is best visited during the dry season with May through September the optimal time to come with less rain making it more accessible and temperatures slightly cooler. For hiking in the Andes and visits to Machu Picchu, you’ll want to avoid the rainy season, aiming for May through September, although April and October can be good months for weather and fewer crowds. The wettest months are January and February; in fact, the Inca Trail closes down entirely during the month of February due to the heavy rainfall. That helps to protect the route from too much damage while keeping hikers safe from treacherous conditions.

If you visit Peru during the rainy season, there will be fewer visitors, lower hotel rates and airfares, and more lush, green scenery. Just be aware that heavy rains can make traveling in the mountains unsafe. While it will be wet in the Amazon, there are always breaks in between showers and the flora and fauna will still be abundant. In addition to the wet and dry seasons, there are two “shoulder” seasons, which are very short here, consisting of April and November. These are transition months and while a little less predictable, the weather is generally good.