When Is The Best Time To Visit Peru?

Peru is one of the most popular travel destinations on Earth. Yet, timing a trip there can be tricky. 

Learn how each of Peru’s distinct seasons affects visitors, and discover which time of year is best for your trip. 

Understanding Peru’s Seasons

Peru encompasses multiple climates in South America. So, seasons express themselves differently in Peru’s distinct regions. 

Three Climate Regions 

Peru’s climate regions are

  • The Sierra (Peruvian Andes Mountains)
  • The Peruvian Andes hold both tropical and subtropical biomes.
  • Cusco, Machu Picchu, and The Sacred Valley are in The Sierra.
  • The Chala (Peru’s Coast)
  • This is a rare tropical desert climate.
  • Lima, Trujillo, and Callao are in The Chala.
  • The Selva (Peru’s Amazon Region)
  • This covers eastern and south-eastern Peru. 
  • Iquitos, Pucallpa, and Manu National Park are in The Selva.

Seasonal Weather In Peru: Overview and Resources

Peru experiences three seasons. 

1. Dry Season / Winter (May-September)

It brings the lowest temperatures, driest humidity levels, and the most hours of sunshine. 

2. Rainy Season / Summer (December-March)

Also called the “green season,” this time of year brings the heaviest rains and highest average temperatures. It’s the most humid season in the Sierra and Selva regions.

3. Shoulder Seasons (April, October, and November)

During these transitional months, precipitation levels, hours of sunshine, and average temperatures generally fall between the rainy and dry seasons’ extremes.

Typical Peruvian Weather By Month (Lima, Cusco)

To see the average seasonal weather data in the Sierra and Chala regions throughout the year, plus typical monthly rainfall, we invite you to use our Peruvian Weather Table. 

The table lists temperature and rainfall averages by month. The “Lima” column organizes key information about weather in The Chala region. The columns “Urubamba,” “Cusco,” and “Machu Picchu” lay out the same details for destinations in Peru’s Sierra.  

Find it under “Weather & Clothing” on Caravan’s Peru Tour page.  

For more precise seasonal information on Peru’s Sierra region, check out “Machu Picchu Weather By Month.” It specifies monthly weather data averages, including: 

  • Humidity levels 
  • Precipitation levels
  • Daytime and nighttime temperature ranges

Seasonal Weather In The Selva (Peru’s Amazon)

Here’s how seasonal changes affect Peru’s Selva region. 

Typical Monthly Rainfall Levels In The Selva (Per Season)
Dry Season (May-September) 7.5-8 in. per month (average)
Rainy Season (December-March) 10-12 in. per month (average)
Shoulder Season (April) 12+  in. total  (average)
Shoulder Season (October-November) 9 in. per month (average)
Average Temperatures In Peru’s Amazon (Consistent Year-Round)
Average Daytime Temperature (Range) 80°F to 89°F (27°C to 32°C) 
Average Nightly Temperature (Range) 69°F to 75°F (20°C to 24°C)

Notable Seasonal Weather Features By Region

In addition to levels of rain and heat, each of Peru’s climate regions has unusual seasonal weather features.

Garúa Makes The Chala’s Dry Season Foggy 

Dry season brings Garúa, a moist fog that settles over Peru’s coastal desert region, thanks to the Humboldt Current. 

Thus, Lima experiences fewer than 35 hours of sunshine per month, June – September. 

Seasonal Snow and Floods In The Sierra 

Andean destinations like Cusco occasionally experience overnight snowfall in May-August. 

Rainy season storms often cause landslides and flash floods. Trails are frequently shut down abruptly. The Inca Trail is closed every February. 

In The Selva, “Dry Season” Is a Misnomer

Peru’s Amazon averages 7-9 inches of rainfall during each of its driest months.

Contrastingly, the U.S.’s wettest cities only average 6.5-8.0 inches of precipitation during their rainiest months:

  • Miami, FL: 8 in. of rain in May
  • Seattle, WA:  7.5 in. of rain in November
  • Buffalo, NY: 4.5-6.5 in. of rain/snow in November 

Best Time for Hiking & Adventure Travel

Peru’s ancient citadels and extraordinary natural vistas make it an ideal destination for outdoor adventures. If that’s your dream, here’s when to plan a trip.

The Best Hiking Seasons Are Shoulder Seasons

The shoulder seasons are ideal for most Peruvian adventure trips. 

April, October, and November are the best months for most outdoor excursions—whether you’re exploring The Sacred Valley, enjoying Peru’s shores, or hiking to Machu Picchu. Here’s why:

  • Andes mountain trails are less crowded (vs. dry season).
  • Trails are safer, rarely experiencing severe weather (vs. rainy season).
  • It’s easier to score deals and discounts (vs. peak seasons) 
  • Mild days and cool (not freezing) nights are ideal when working up a sweat hiking. 
  • Warm northern swells make the beaches of Máncora and Lima great for surfing and sailing.
  • The coast is Garúa-free, clearing the Chala region’s skies.

Note that the shoulder seasons are not ideal for visiting Peru’s Amazon. 

While Selva destinations are safer compared to the rainy season, severe weather and disease outbreaks are still a risk during the months of April, October and November. 

Adventuring During The Dry Season: Pros & Cons

The dry season is the most popular time of year to visit Peru. Those months have a lot going for them! But, there are a few drawbacks. 

Dry Season Pros

Benefits of planning a Peruvian adventure during the dry season include:

  • Experience the most sunshine and comfortably temperate days in the Andes.
  • Enjoy the clearest views of Machu Picchu, uninterrupted by fog. 
  • Mosquito populations, rainfall, and temperatures drop to their lowest levels. 

Dry Season Cons

Drawbacks of outdoor travel in Peru’s dry season: 

  • It’s peak season in the Sierra, driving up prices and crowding trails.
  • Cold (oft below-freezing) nights in the Andes can make overnight hikes uncomfortable.
  • Garúa settles on Peru’s coast. Boat tours and several beach-based operations close for the season. 

During The Rainy Season, Stick Close To Lima 

The “rainy season” is warm and sunny in Peru’s Chala region (including Lima). Popular seasonal coastal adventures include:

  • Walking tours
  • Paragliding
  • Beach camping (either at Tuquillo Beach or the campgrounds of Máncora) 
  • Horseback riding 

However, other Peruvian regions are riskier. They face high storm, flood, and outbreak risks from December through March.

Dry Season Is Best For An Amazon Trip

Dry season is the ideal time of year for a trip to Peru’s Amazon. 

The risks of severe weather, floods, and outbreaks are dramatically reduced. Moreover, migration patterns make it perfect for observing rainforest wildlife. 

Caravan Brings You To The Best of Peru

From April through October, Caravan invites you to an all-inclusive, guided, eight-day Tour of Peru and Machu Picchu. 

Join us for an unforgettable Peruvian adventure. 

To book your spot on a dry- or shoulder-season tour, call 1-800-227-2826. Or, phone +1-312-321-9800 to learn more.

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