Every season in Peru tells a different story. One month you’re hiking through golden Andean light, the next you’re watching clouds roll over Machu Picchu or sipping coffee in a misty jungle lodge. The best time to visit Peru depends entirely on which of these worlds you want to step into.
In this guide, we’ll explore when to go, what the weather brings each month, and how to plan a trip that captures the best of Peru’s coast, mountains, and rainforest. Think of it as your personal compass to this extraordinary country.
Understanding Peru’s climate
Peru’s climate is a curious mix of opposites. You can go from desert to rainforest to glaciated peaks in a single day’s travel. The country stretches from the Pacific coast across the towering Andes mountains into the lush Amazon Basin. For that reason, the weather isn’t uniform. Instead, it’s divided into three main zones: the coast, the highlands, and the Amazon.
- Coastal region: Generally warm and dry all year, with misty mornings between June and October.
- Highlands and mountains of Peru: Cool, crisp air dominates, with dry weather from May to September and rain from November to March.
- Amazon rainforest: Hot, humid, and rainy, though showers often come in short bursts that don’t ruin your day.
In simple terms, May to September is considered the best time to visit Peru for clear skies and excellent hiking conditions, especially in the Andes and Machu Picchu region. That’s winter in Peru, but don’t let that fool you. Days are sunny and dry, perfect for being outdoors.
Best time to visit Peru by season
Each season in Peru tells a different story, with its own rhythm, colours, and reasons to visit.
December to March—the rainy season.
If you visit Peru in December or early in the year, expect rainfall, particularly in the mountains and Amazon. The landscape turns green and vibrant, and it’s a beautiful time for photography. This season is quieter for tourism, so you’ll find fewer crowds and better prices.
- Rain is common in the highlands, including Cusco and the Inca Valley Peru region.
- The Inca Trail often closes in February for maintenance.
- The coast, however, enjoys its sunniest weather, making it a wonderful time for beaches like Paracas and Máncora.
While trekking can be tricky during these months, visiting coastal cities or exploring museums and cuisine in Lima is a wonderful alternative. If you’re planning your Peru itinerary around festivals, this period includes lively celebrations like Carnaval, full of colour and traditional music.
April through May —the transition season
April and May mark the start of the dry season in the Andes. Rainfall decreases, the mountains in Peru turn emerald green, and waterfalls are still full from the recent rains. It’s one of the most picturesque times to travel.
This month is arguably the best time to go to Peru if you want excellent weather without the mid-year crowds. Trails are open, and visibility at Machu Picchu is usually perfect. For photographers, the mix of clear skies and lush scenery is a dream.
June to August – The dry season and peak travel period
These are the golden months for outdoor explorers. The skies are clear, the mountains of Peru are at their best, and festivals fill towns with energy. The Inti Raymi Festival in June is one of the most spectacular cultural experiences in South America.
If you plan a trip to Peru during this period, book early. June through August is high season, especially for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. Trekking in the Andes, including the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain day hike, is unforgettable this time of year. Expect chilly nights in the highlands but perfect hiking temperatures during the day.
September through November —the shoulder season
Spring in Peru is a sweet spot. It’s less crowded, with pleasant weather in most regions. The highlands remain dry, and the coast begins to warm up again. Wildflowers appear in the valleys, and wildlife spotting is excellent in the Amazon.
If you’re designing a Peru trip that mixes trekking and sightseeing, this period is one of the most balanced times. You’ll also find more availability for guided Peru tours, whether that’s cultural explorations of Cusco or multi-day hikes through the Andes.
Best months to visit Peru
Different months suit different interests, so let’s break it down.
- January to March: Best for coastal travel and beach lovers. While there are fewer crowds in tourist hotspots, the highlands often experience frequent rain.
- April: Lush landscapes and excellent conditions for outdoor adventures.
- May: Consistently rated as the best month to visit Peru thanks to clear skies and fewer tourists.
- June to August: Peak season for trekking, festivals, and exploring the mountains in Peru.
- September: Excellent for both hiking and cultural trips.
- October to November: Calm weather and smaller crowds.
- December: Warmer, wetter, and vibrant, particularly around Christmas celebrations.
If you’re curious about what the weather’s like in Peru in December, expect warm days of about 24 °C (around 75 °F) in Cusco and Lima, though the Andes often see regular afternoon rain. It’s not the best trekking season, but it’s perfect for cultural visits and enjoying festive traditions.
Best activities to do in Peru by season
No matter when you go, you'll always find the best activities to do in Peru
Dry season (May to September)
- Trek the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
- Visit the Sacred Valley, an unmissable part of any Peru itinerary.
- Explore the towering peaks of the Andes inside Huascarán National Park, home to some of the tallest mountains in Peru.
- Take a scenic Rainbow Mountain day hike.
- Go wildlife spotting in the Amazon, where the drier air makes boat travel easier.
Rainy season (December to March)
- Discover ancient history in museums and UNESCO sites.
- Lima is one of South America's food capitals, so you can enjoy delicious food there.
- Take part in fun events like Carnaval or the Fiesta de la Candelaria in Puno.
- Visit coastal towns for sunshine and surf.
The mountains of Peru are undeniably a star attraction, and for most travellers, they define the journey. The Andes offer endless trails, from gentle day walks to multi-day adventures that reach remote villages and crystal-clear lakes. For a real thrill, explore the Inca Valley Peru or take guided Peru tours that include the Lares Trail, which passes through traditional Andean communities.
If you’re looking for something interesting about Peru, here’s a fact: it’s home to over 3,000 varieties of potato, and the ancient Inca used to measure wealth by how much of it you could grow. Another fascinating titbit is that the Andean condor, often seen soaring above the Peru mountains, has one of the largest wingspans of any bird in the world.
Where to go in Peru: highlights and itinerary ideas
A good Peru itinerary should balance culture, nature, and relaxation. Here’s a starting point to help you plan your trip to Peru.
- Lima (1–2 days)
Begin your journey in the capital. Sample world-class cuisine and visit the historical centre. If you need to know about visa or entry rules before your adventure, see Peru’s visa requirements and entry procedures.
- Cusco (2–3 days)
Adapt to the altitude while exploring ancient streets, markets, and museums. The mix of Inca and Spanish architecture is very interesting.
- Sacred Valley (2–3 days)
Visit Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and local craft markets. This lush valley was once the Inca heartland. To dive deeper, read our guide on the Sacred Valley trip, often described as one of the best places to visit in Peru
- Machu Picchu (2 days)
No visit to Peru is complete without it. Hike the Classic Inca Trail, or if you prefer something shorter, consider the two-day route. For a visual breakdown of the path itself, see what the Inca Trail route looks like.
- Rainbow Mountain (1 day)
Locally known as Vinicunca, you can visit this colourful peak most effectively from May through October.
- Amazon Rainforest (2–3 days)
Head to Puerto Maldonado or Iquitos for wildlife cruises and canopy walks. If you’re curious when to combine these activities with your mountain travels, refer to the best time to visit the Amazon Rainforest.
You can add Lake Titicaca, Arequipa, or the Colca Canyon to your Peru trips to make them last longer. They all show different parts of Peru's culture and landscapes.
For a deeper dive into the country’s diversity, explore unique things to do in Peru.
Tips for planning your trip to Peru
- Book early for peak season. June to August fills up fast, especially for Inca Trail permits.
- Prepare for altitude. Cusco and the Andes can be challenging if you rush. Stay hydrated and take it slow.
- Pack smart. Temperatures can vary wildly between day and night. Our complete packing list for trekking to Machu Picchu covers everything you’ll need.
- Stay healthy. Read our tips for staying safe when travelling in Peru to avoid common issues.
- Combine coast, highlands, and jungle. Peru is one of the few countries where you can surf, trek, and explore the rainforest in one holiday.
- Learn basic Spanish. It helps enormously with interactions in smaller towns.
- Respect local customs. The Andean people value kindness and humility.
For even more practical advice, browse our guide to the top 15 Peru travel tips.
Peru interesting facts
Beyond its postcard landscapes, Peru is full of surprises. Here are a few lesser-known gems to share at your next dinner party.
- The Andes are the longest mountain range in the world, running right through Peru.
- The country is one of the world’s most biodiverse, containing 84 of the Earth’s 117 ecosystems.
- Lake Titicaca, straddling Peru and Bolivia, is the highest navigable lake on Earth.
- The Nazca Lines remain one of archaeology’s greatest mysteries (NatGeo).
- Peru is home to the Amazon River’s source.
If you want more inspiration for your trip to Peru, check out our post on why Peru is worth visiting.
Your adventure in Peru starts with the right season.
Peru changes with the seasons. The dry months bring golden light to the mountains of Peru, while the rains fill the valleys with colour and life. There isn’t one perfect time to go, only the moment that fits the journey you want.
May to September is the best time to travel to Peru, especially for hiking the Inca Trail or the Rainbow Mountain day hike. The wetter months have their own charm, too. Towns come alive with festivals, the hills glow green, and the crowds disappear.
Plan a Peru itinerary that feels personal. Spend time in the Inca Valley, wander through Andean villages, or venture into the Amazon rainforest. With curiosity and good timing, your Peru trip will be one to remember.
Start your journey with our Peru adventures.
