Traveling to Peru is always a great move, as this South American country offers everything you need to make your stay unique. However, it's important to understand the best time to travel to Peru according to your preferences and needs.
This Andean country is characterized by its diverse climate across different regions. Compared to other countries, Peru has only two main seasons: dry and rainy.
The dry season in Peru occurs from April to October. During this period, the weather is warmer, and rainfall is infrequent. The rainy season, on the other hand, extends from November to March.
Something to consider before traveling is that Peru offers enjoyable experiences in every season. However, climatic variations depend significantly on the region you choose to visit.
If you're packing your bags to explore the wonders of the south and you're unsure if it's the right time to travel, besides checking the requirements to travel to Peru, we recommend reading this blog until the end. Find out when it’s best for you to visit Peru!
Dates of the Seasons in Peru
A key factor in understanding the best time to travel to Peru is knowing how its seasons work. The astronomical seasons in this country last approximately three months and are the same across all regions.
Currently, Peru has four seasons:
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Summer (December-March)
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Autumn (March-June)
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Spring (July-September)
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Winter (September-December)
Although the country has four seasons, each region has diverse climatic characteristics depending on whether it's the wet or dry season.
Best places to visit during the rainy season
Believe it or not, the best time to travel to Peru greatly depends on the type of experience you want and the region you're visiting. This country has plenty to offer travelers in any season, rainy or dry. If your flight is scheduled during the rainy period, we'll provide you with a list of some must-see places that you should visit. Let's check them out!
Peruvian Coast, your best option in the rainy season
During the rainy season, various destinations await your visit. The Peruvian coast is your ideal ally if you want to fully enjoy the sun and temperatures ranging between 25°C and 30 °C.
Lima
Lima is an option you can't miss. Speaking specifically about the capital, the best time to travel to Peru is the rainy season, or summer, from December to March. The great advantage of traveling to Lima during these months is enjoying a warm climate with plenty of sunshine. Thus, you can fully enjoy exploring the parks and beaches, which are local treasures.
If you travel in the winter season, from June to September, you'll find Lima cloudy and humid. The city remains interesting, although cooler than usual.
Paracas
Paracas is a must-stop for anyone visiting the country. In this case, the best time to visit Peru is between February and March.
During this period, the climate is much friendlier, and the winds are moderate. Outdoor activities during the summer are an unmissable opportunity to enjoy stunning landscapes. Additionally, it's perfect for excursions and tours around the area.
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If you want to experience a unique tour, we recommend checking out our Huacachina and Paracas Full-Day Tour (Ballestas Islands) + Pisco Winery.
Huacachina
The best time to travel to Peru depends greatly on the region you plan to visit, and in the case of Huacachina, the rainy season is slightly preferable.
During this period, the weather is warmer, though there's a possibility of occasional rain. This season offers various opportunities for you to discover wonderful beaches and enjoy exciting water activities that may interest you.
Trujillo and Chiclayo
The coastal region has wonderful places to explore. If you're concerned about choosing the best time to travel to Peru, you should know that Trujillo and Chiclayo are excellent destinations year-round, though particularly recommended from January to May.
The climatic characteristics of these regions are warm during these months, making it an ideal opportunity to visit their beaches. Additionally, you can explore other attractions, such as the Tucumé pyramids.
Piura and Máncora
Between December and March is the best time to travel to Peru if your destination is Piura or Máncora. Both locations are situated on the northern coast of Peru, offering a warm climate. Two attractive highlights of Piura and Máncora are their vibrant nightlife during this period of the year and their appealing beaches.
What to visit in Peru during the dry season?
While it’s true that the best time to visit coastal Peru is during the rainy period, there are many other regions with excellent tourist attractions that you can consider during the dry season. In this section, we'll explore destinations worth visiting if you have a trip planned to Peru during the dry season.
Peruvian Highlands, the ideal destination in dry weather
The highlands are an unmissable destination that you'll find spectacular during the dry season, from May to September. Generally, the climate varies significantly due to the altitude of this southern region of the country.
Cusco
Cusco is one of Peru’s main tourist destinations. It’s best to visit between May and September to fully experience the visual spectacle of Machu Picchu.
Guided hikes throughout the region are among the top activities you can't miss if you want to experience the best of Peru. Additionally, you can take part in one of the region's most important festivities: the Inti Raymi festival.
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You might want to learn more about this destination with our Machu Picchu Mountain Tour + Circuit 1.
In the dry season, landscapes take on a more arid appearance, dominated by earthy tones and dry vegetation due to intense sun exposure. Furthermore, as this is peak tourist season, attractions tend to be busier.
However, if you prefer avoiding strong sun exposure and would like greener landscapes with fewer visitors, we recommend visiting during the rainy season. During this period, clouds envelop Machu Picchu, creating an even more mystical, enigmatic, and unique atmosphere.
Additionally, during the rainy season, you might be fortunate enough to see a slight covering of snow on Rainbow Mountain, adding an even more impressive natural spectacle.
Note: It's important to mention that in February, access to the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance.
Puno
Puno is another essential destination during the dry season in Peru. In this case, the best time to visit Peru is from May to September, offering stable weather with temperatures between 15°C and 20°C.
A must-see attraction on your itinerary is the impressive Lake Titicaca. The dry season provides ideal conditions to explore the charms of this region.
Huaraz
Huaraz is another excellent choice during the dry season. At this time, you'll enjoy much clearer skies and extremely pleasant weather. There are numerous activities you can enjoy when choosing the best time to visit Peru, including hiking and exploration tours.
Arequipa
The best time to visit Peru depends greatly on your chosen destination, and Arequipa is a clear example. The popular “White City” is characterized by offering pleasant weather conditions during the dry period.
An interesting aspect of this season is that daytime temperatures are usually mild, while nights are significantly cooler. From April to November, it’s ideal to visit places such as the Colca Canyon.
However, remember that the Arequipa region is known for its natural beauty. If you wish to see greener and more lush landscapes, the best time to visit is during the rainy season when vegetation reaches its peak splendor.
Peruvian Amazon, options for the dry season
If there's something characteristic about the Peruvian Amazon, it's its tropical climate with stable temperatures throughout nearly every month of the year. Rainfall is heaviest between December and March, making the dry season a much better choice to visit this destination.
Manu National Park
The best time to travel to Peru, specifically to Manu National Park, is between May and October.
The biggest advantage of visiting during this time is the warm and pleasant climate in the region. Additionally, during the dry season, water levels are lower, allowing you greater opportunities for close encounters with the natural wildlife of the area.
Iquitos
Between June and September is the most convenient period for a trip to Iquitos. The weather at this time is more accessible due to lower rainfall.
The main attraction of Iquitos is undoubtedly its impressive nature, bringing you closer to the Peruvian jungle in its full splendor. Both hikes and boat tours are ideal during this season.
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If you want an incredible experience, you should read more about our Iquitos three-day, two-night tour.
However, during periods of extreme drought, river levels can drop so much that some excursion sites accessible by boat during the rainy season can only be reached on foot. If you'd prefer avoiding hikes and exploring the jungle by boat, we recommend visiting during the rainy season.
Tambopata
If you're planning to visit the Tambopata National Reserve in Madre de Dios, the best time is during the dry season from May to October. This period is ideal for discovering nature, enjoying the best of local wildlife and vegetation, and embarking on adventures through guided jungle excursions.
Where to go between seasons?
At this point, you likely have a clear idea about the best time to travel to Peru. However, if you're planning your trip between seasons, there are still plenty of excellent options available for an amazing experience in this country. Some of these options are:
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Cusco and Machu Picchu: pleasant weather between April-May and September-October. Rainfall isn't as intense, and there are fewer tourists than during peak season.
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Arequipa: the months of April-May and September-October (shoulder seasons) offer a great opportunity to explore the White City more thoroughly.
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Paracas: between April and October is ideal due to stable weather conditions and lower tourist numbers.
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Peruvian Amazon (Iquitos, Tambopata, Manu): ideal times to visit are between April-May or September-October, when rainfall is less intense and visitor numbers are lower compared to peak season.
Conclusion
As you’ve seen, the best time to travel to Peru greatly depends on the region you choose to visit. If you’re traveling during the rainy season, it’s best to choose the coastal region, while during the dry season, both the highlands and the jungle offer attractive tourist options. Regardless of your choice, we encourage you to consider our recommendations to ensure a unique travel experience.
Do you have a tour in mind? Trust Guru Explorers and choose the ideal itinerary for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the peak tourist season in Peru?
Peru experiences its highest tourist influx between June and August, coinciding with the dry season. Additionally, many countries have vacation periods during this time, making it the peak travel season.
What is the low tourist season in Peru?
The low tourist season in Peru is from November to March. If you travel during these months, you’ll typically find fewer tourists. However, rainfall tends to be heavier, depending on the region you visit.
What is the best time for birdwatching in Peru?
It depends on the region, but generally, the best time to visit for birdwatching is from May to October, during the dry season.
When is it cheapest to travel to Peru?
Traveling during the low season, from November to March, usually means you can access lower prices.
Why travel to Peru during the rainy season?
Believe it or not, visiting Peru during the low (rainy) season has its benefits. First, prices are more affordable compared to the peak season. Additionally, the rains enhance the landscapes, making them lush and vibrant. If you visit the coast during the rainy season, it coincides with summer, a perfect time to enjoy beautiful local beaches.
Why travel to Peru during the dry season?
The dry season allows you to diversify your travel experiences across interesting regions like the Peruvian Amazon and the highlands. Although it coincides with peak tourist season, it’s worth it to visit destinations such as Arequipa, Machu Picchu, and many more.