Peru is a country of wildly and wonderfully different topography – and the same can be said for its weather! Whilst the country doesn’t experience the same extremes as some of its counterparts in the Far East, Peru still has its own very distinct weather patterns. Generally, there are two main seasons, wet and dry (more on those later), but there are also two shoulder seasons that for many, can be one of the best time to visit. Your ideal time will depend on where exactly you want to go, how willing you are to brave the rain (or not!), and whether you’re happy sharing some of the highlights with others… Now, read on to find out the best time to visit Peru.
May to October – dry season
Whilst May to October usually signals winter in the southern hemisphere, this is actually Peru’s best (and busiest) season. The weather is marginally cooler, although certainly not cold by northern hemisphere standards, and it’s in these months that the country is driest. If Machu Picchu is on your list, this is the perfect time to travel. Hikers particularly will enjoy the peak conditions of the trails and the slightly cooler days. It’s also an ideal time to visit neighbouring Cusco and the Sacred Valley (days are eminently dry, sunny and lovely), as well as the Amazon. Even though these are the cooler months, temperatures can still hit 32 degrees in the jungle – which might give you an idea of what the warmer days would be like. In addition, the forest also sees some of its lowest rainfall from May to October. Finally, Lake Titicaca is also beautiful at this time of year and with its endless blue skies and low chance of rain, it’s truly when the lake is at its finest. Nights do get chilly, however, so pack a warm coat – and book a lodge with a fireplace!
Down at the coastline, the cool days and sea mists can certainly add a bit of a chill to the air so sun loungers may wish to wait until the higher temperatures hit. Surfers are also better off waiting until later in the year when the swell is better, but generally it’s still a pleasant temperate for discovering what the coast has to offer.
December to March – wet season
As the name suggests, this is Peru’s wettest time of the year and travelling between December to March will mean you’re almost guaranteed to encounter rain somewhere, but certainly not everywhere and certainly not all the time. The temperatures are also much higher and if you’re looking to hit the beach, this is the time to do it. Not only is the weather ideal for relaxing on the sand, the sea temperature is beautifully warm and October to March sees the best swells rolling through for anyone who’s a keen surfer. If the beaches of Lima and Paracas are on your hit list, now’s the time to go.
If you don’t mind getting a little wet, this can also be a good time to visit Peru’s highlights. Top sights will be much less crowded than during the dry season, but bear in mind that the Inca Trail closes in February.
The Amazon is pretty much a no go at this time of year. The area receives 80% of its annual rainfall in January and February, and that’s a deluge we wouldn’t like to be caught in! Avoid January and February and there will certainly be less rain, but you will still need to be prepared to get wet.
April & November – shoulder season
We love to travel in shoulder season. No, it’s not the ‘peak’ time with the best weather BUT it’s pretty close to it and you’ll be riding on the coattails of those balmy, blissful days. For a little beach time, November is ideal. The days are starting to warm up nicely, there’s a great swell coming through for surfers, and the beaches won’t be as crowded as they could be in a month’s time.
Another upside to this time of year is the lack of other visitors. In peak season, you’ll more than likely be sharing the top sights (Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley in particular) with other travellers, so if you want a little breathing space and good weather, consider April or November.
Very lastly, shoulder season can offer better rates. Many properties lower their prices during these months and ramp up the special offers. Keep your eyes peeled, or chat to our team, for the best deals and tips and tricks.
