Best time to visit Peru

The best time to visit Peru is between May and September as this is the driest season across much of the country, and the best time to visit Cusco or trek to Machu Picchu. One exception is Lima, where the thick fog known as La Gaura hangs over the capital during this period, with low temperatures through the southern hemisphere’s winter season. And if you’re heading to the coast, it’s warmest and sunny from November to March, perfect for swimming, although Lima is hot and humid throughout the summer.

Otherwise, the wettest months are December to March when it’s warmer but rainy, especially in the Amazon, while the Inca Trail closes entirely during February. During the shoulder months of April and October, conditions can be more unpredictable.

Read below for more information on Peru’s different regions. If you’d like some help planning your trip then feel free to give us a call or send an e-mail. You can either create your own route using our bite-sized trips or pick a ready-made itinerary. You’ll be travelling semi-independently, with 24-7 local support if you need it.

From May to September, Lima is shrouded in a dense fog called La Garua; a thick layer of low-hanging clouds paired with low temperatures and gloomy drizzle. The further away from Lima you travel along the coast, the sun gradually begins to break through the mist. November to March are the summer months in coastal Peru. At this time of year Lima is hot and humid while further along the coast it’s warm and sunny and the temperature of the ocean is great for swimming.

The Andes highlands have two seasons: wet and dry. During April to November it rarely rains and the days of endless sunshine offer an even better view of the rugged mountain peaks against a clear blue sky. Mid-December to March sees some very heavy showers and temperatures can drop quickly when the sun disappears behind the clouds, and also as you reach higher altitudes. Although you’ll probably get a bit wet, you can still trek to Machu Picchu during these months, although the Inca Trail closes during February.

The rainforest of Peru has a sub-tropical climate and from October to April it rains a lot of the time. Nights can get cool. During the dry season temperatures can soar to 32C or higher. Not surprisingly, humidity in the rainforest is high throughout the year.

Travel tip: plan a visit to the Peruvian jungle at the end of your trip. After you’ve visited Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, it’s just a 30-minute flight from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco. From there you can get a direct flight back to Lima.

If your heart is set on the classic Peru holiday of trekking the Inca Trail and seeing Machu Picchu, January definitely is not the best time for a holiday in Peru. It’s wet, with often heavy rainfall this month, so while it’s visiting is more of a challenge and you’ve got a higher chance of seeing the lost city of the Incas through a haze of drizzle. It’s also the wet season in the Amazon, so not the best time to enjoy the rainforest as wildlife is harder to spot and some areas may be less accessible.

Instead, start the year in one of Peru’s drier corners. Now is when to go to Peru for a break by the beach – head to the far north to Máncora, where the temperatures are normally in the high 20Cs and there are only a few rainy days this month.

Or it’s also a good month to see the fascinating Nazca Lines, as the weather conditions mean there’s less chance of flights over the archaeological site being cancelled – temperatures do hit around 30C so be prepared for the heat though. It’s easy to combine this with a visit to Lima, where it’s also hot this month, and Arequipa where it’s a bit cooler and still mostly dry. Don’t miss the protected reserve of the Islas Ballestas along the way as the sea lions are calving this month, so you’ll spot babies along with their mothers basking on the rocks.

Festivals: Start the New Year in festive style with the feast of the Three Kings on January 6, or Bajada de los Reyes. While it’s marked across the country, some of the most memorable celebrations take place in Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley, with processions, music and dance.

On January 18, Lima marks its birthday with a string of festivals, including traditional dances, concerts, performances and other cultural events throughout its parks and squares, celebrating the day the city was founded back in 1535.

Best for: Beaches, sea lions, Nazca Lines

It’s another good month for beaches and a bad month for trekking and Inca sights if you’re planning a holiday in Peru in February. The Inca Trail is closed entirely this month for maintenance, and while Machu Picchu itself is still open, it’s wet, wet, wet during February, so it’s definitely not the best time to see the historic site in all its glory. There’s similar rainy weather throughout the Sacred Valley and muddy conditions along other trails through the Andes.

The wet season continues in the Amazon too so look towards the coast instead. Although it’s the rainiest month of the year in Máncora, you should still find plenty of sun if you head north to the beaches here. It’s another good month to see sea lions calving at the Islas Ballestas south of Lima and it’s dry in the capital itself if you can cope with the soaring temperatures – expect highs of at least 27C this month, one of the hottest of the year in the city. Arequipa is cooler and while it’s the rainiest month of the year here too, it’s still mostly dry to soak up the colonial architecture, cultural sights and try your hand at a cookery lesson. February is also another good month for flying over the Nazca Lines, but be prepared for high temperatures.

Festivals: The first Saturday of February is National Pisco Sour Day, celebrating the country’s national drink, a white brandy made from Muscat grapes. As well as tasting a few Pisco Sours, there’s also a chance to learn more about Peruvian culture.

The Feast of Candelaria is celebrated on February 2, although if you head to the town of Puno at Lake Titicaca, there are nearly two weeks of festivities taking place from February 1-12 including dancing and parades.

Carnaval is celebrated across Peru, usually in February (sometimes early March) with parades, processions and parties often linked to local traditions. Cajamarca is one of the best places to celebrate, known as the capital of Peruvian Carnival, with indigenous costumes, giant puppets, and a yunsa, a decorated tree which is slowly chopped down as everyone dances around it, before retrieving gifts from its branches.

The Festival de Verano Negro also takes place this month in Chincha, on the coast south of Peru, celebrating African culture in Peru. Usually running for around two weeks, you can discover more about Afro-Peruvian customs, enjoy music, dancing, food, crafts, competitions and parades

Best for: Beaches, sea lions, Nazca Lines, festivals

It’s the last of the wettest summer months in the Andes and the Amazon this month. The Inca Trail is open once more, but while conditions improve throughout the month, it’s still not the best time for a holiday in Peru if you’re hoping to go trekking. If you’re determined to visit Machu Picchu, consider taking the train instead; you’ll also find that the site is quieter this month, but you may well find yourself visiting in the rain rather than under those clear blue mountain skies.

It’s also the last of the hottest months in Lima. Temperatures hover as high as 30C, although there’s always plenty happening in the capital if you’re prepared for the heat. After a few days in the city, head down the coast to the Islas Ballestas to discover the animals of the protected reserve, often dubbed Peru’s Galapagos – it’s the last month of the sea lion calving season if you’re hoping to see babies basking on the rocks here. There’s great beach weather along the coast as well, with sunny days and warm sea temperatures.

It’s easy to team the south coast and capital with a visit to the mysterious Nazca Lines, where you’ll find good conditions for flights over the archaeological site, as well as with Arequipa which is cooler and less rainy this month.

You can also find more sunshine at the coast in northern Peru, although be prepared for some days of rain this month around Máncora – the showers cut through the humidity, and you’ll still have plenty of sunbathing weather on the white sand beaches by the Pacific though.

Festivals: Holy Week and Easter take place in March (or April) with religious ceremonies and processions, but also some more unusual celebrations. Ayacucho is one of the most memorable, with carpets of flowers, markets, and a huge party between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Cusco is another good place to celebrate the occasion.

Best for: Beaches, sea lions, Nazca Lines

The drier weather is finally beginning, although you can expect mixed conditions as the wettest months come to an end but before the best of the winter conditions. It does mean that if you’re willing to risk the showers, you can find it’s much quieter along the trails through the Andes, especially the popular Inca Trail but also alternative routes like the Lares Trek and Salkantay Trek past the spectacular Humantay glacial lake. It’s best to postpone more challenging hikes such as Vinicunca, or Rainbow Mountain, until next month when conditions are even better though.

If you’re not keen on trekking until the weather picks up, you can also take a train journey through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu, explore by car, or try a one-day hike for a taste without having to camp along the way. If you visit towards the start of the month, you could still be lucky enough to see the orchids in bloom. Depending when Easter falls, you could combine your visit to the Inca sites with time celebrating in Cusco – it’s worth a visit at any time, and the rains are starting to lessen here as well, although you’ll find the best weather towards the end of the month.

The dry season is beginning around Lake Titicaca as well, although you can still expect it to feel cool at altitude, especially outside the warmth of the day. Try an island-hopping trip to learn more about life on the world’s highest lake.

There are more ancient sites to discover elsewhere, such as Kuelap, called the Machu Picchu of the north, on its dramatic mountaintop home. The weather is often unsettled in this corner of Peru, but it’s the start of the driest months here as well. Add some beach time at Máncora where the temperatures are still gloriously hot but with fewer showers than the past few months.

There are more beaches to enjoy in the south as well, along the coast near Lima, with the hottest months over in the city but before the fog of winter rolls in. Save some time to see the wildlife of the protected Islas Ballestas reserve. You’re unlikely to see baby sea lions any more, but there’ll be plenty of adults as well as penguins and birds and it’s quieter this month; try to visit as early in the morning as possible for calmer seas. It’s also quieter at the Nazca Lines, and very slightly cooler than the summer highs, while the driest months are beginning at Arequipa – it’s easy to combine them all on a trip from the capital.

The drier weather is finally coming to the Amazon as well, with a better chance to spot some of the wildlife, although high water levels after the rainy months mean it’s trickier this early in the year. As you’re heading into the rainforest, you can still expect some showers year-round.

Festivals: Holy Week and Easter take place in April (or March) with religious ceremonies and processions, but also some more unusual celebrations. Ayacucho is one of the most memorable, with carpets of flowers and markets, and a huge party between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Cusco is another good place to celebrate the occasion.

Best for: Exploring without the crowds, Lima & the south, Inca sites, beaches

It’s one of the best months for a holiday in Peru, with dry weather in the Andes, Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca and the Amazon, so you can see some of the country’s highlights without the crowds of peak season but with better weather than the shoulder month of April. The landscape is still lush and green, so it’s a wonderful time to go trekking and soaking up the fantastic views of the Andean scenery.

There are options for every level too, with a one-day hike to get a taste of the Inca Trail if you don’t fancy a multi-day hike and camping overnight, or for an unforgettable adventure, mountain biking, rafting and ziplining your way there. There’s plenty of choice if you fancy a longer trek too; it’s a good month for the classic Inca Trail experience, before the busiest months of the year, but you can also try alternative routes including the Lares Trek and Salkantay Trek.

If you’d love to see the spectacular scenery of the more remote Salkantay route but want an alternative to the four-day route, there’s a day trip from Cusco to the Humantay lake, to see mountains and glaciers reflected in the still waters. Or for another challenging but rewarding climb in the Andes, head to Rainbow Mountain, aka Vinicunca, with its otherworldly stripes and swirls. You can also head to Machu Picchu and the sites of the Sacred Valley without needing to trek at all – choose a train journey or the chance to explore by car.

Mornings and evenings are still cool at Lake Titicaca but you’ll have to share this fascinating destination with fewer other people this month. Try an island-hopping trip to learn more about life on the world’s highest lake. From here, it’s easy to head to Arequipa and a chance to spy condors soaring over the Colca Canyon with some of the best conditions to spot these majestic birds, but before the coldest months of winter. It’s getting cooler at the Nazca Lines as well, and you can also see more wildlife at the protected Islas Ballestas reserve before winter begins in earnest, although Lima can be cold and misty this month.

For another taste of the Andes, trek through the world’s highest tropical mountain range at Huascarán National Park, with snowy peaks reflected in sparkling blue lagoons. Or head towards the border with Ecuador to discover the Machu Picchu of the north at Kuelap, once home to the Warriors of the Cloud Forest, with a chance to discover one of the world’s highest waterfalls, the Gocta Falls.

Over towards Bolivia, there’s always some rain in the Amazon – it is a rainforest, after all – but May marks the start of the driest months, so you can expect to see more wildlife around water sources and as the vegetation thins out in the Tambopata National Reserve. The water levels of the Amazon river itself have dropped slightly but it’s still very easy to get around.

Festivals: Q’oyllur Riti mixes pre-Colombian fertility rituals and Catholic ceremony on the Tuesday before Corpus Christi, usually in late May (or early June), with a chance to discover Andean traditions in the mountains at Ausangate as well as a pilgrimage to a site associated with a miracle.

The Fiesta de las Cruces takes place in early May, with crosses covered in flowers and paraded to churches and to the top of hills in the area around Cusco, with vigils held overnight.

Best for: Exploring without the crowds, Inca sites, trekking and hiking, condors in the Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, the Amazon

If you’re wondering when to go to Peru, it’s hard to beat June – while it’s one of the busiest months of the year, it’s a fantastic time for a holiday in Peru, with great trekking through the Andes, drier weather in the Amazon and at Lake Titicaca, some unusual festivals and a chance to spot condors, just for starters.

Unless you’re very unlucky, you’ll get to see Machu Picchu in the sunshine, as well as some spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks in the Andes, glacial lakes, lush green valleys and more fascinating Inca sites. The Inca Trail is busy this month, so you’ll need to book well ahead for permits to trek here (and to visit Machu Picchu) – if you do miss out, you can also explore the Sacred Valley and the Lost City of the Incas by train or car. You can also find alternative routes including the Lares Trek and Salkantay Trek. Or arrive in adventurous fashion after mountain biking, rafting and ziplining to get your heart racing.

There are easier hikes as well if you’d prefer a gentler option (or you have less time to spend). Try a one-day hike rather than the complete Inca Trail or soak up the astonishing scenery on the Salkantay route without having to walk the whole thing, with a day trip from Cusco to the Humantay glacial lake. There are other challenges to tackle as well, including the unusual stripes of Vinicunca, better-known as Rainbow Mountain.

For another taste of the Andes, Huascarán National Park is home to the world’s highest tropical mountain range, and you’ll have perfect conditions to walk here as well, overshadowed by snowy peaks and overlooking blue mountain lagoons. Kuelap, called the Machu Picchu of the north and once home to the Warriors of the Cloud Forest, has its own dramatic mountain home and it’s easy to team this with the Gocta Falls, one of the world’s highest waterfalls.

Or head to the Colca Canyon where it’s one of the best months to see condors soaring on the thermals, especially if you arrive in the mornings – combine it with Arequipa, a visit to the Nazca Lines or a stay at Lake Titicaca. It’s busier than ever there this month, although you can escape out onto the world’s highest lake itself on an island-hopping trip. For another boat trip with a difference, head to the Amazon and the Tambopata National Reserve, where you can explore the rainforest along the river.

If you’re looking for beaches, it can be cool and foggy around Lima, including in the capital itself, but there’s sun to be found further north at Máncora.

Festivals: There’s a month of festivities based on indigenous traditions which build up to Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, on June 24, marking the Winter Solstice, for a chance to see what the original Inca celebrations might have been like.

Best for: Visiting Inca sites, trekking and hiking, condors in the Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, the Amazon

It’s another busy month at some of Peru’s most popular destinations, including the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca, with some of the best weather to explore. It’s midwinter in the southern hemisphere so be prepared to wrap up warmer at altitude, and you may even find snowfall in the Andes if you’re venturing higher into the mountains. But the conditions are still good for trekking, whether you’re planning to tackle the Inca Trail (which you’ll need to book well ahead for) or an easier one-day hike. There are other routes to try as well, including the Lares Trek and Salkantay Trek, plus the dramatic colours of Rainbow Mountain, as Vinicunca is known, although these will also be busier during peak season. To get your heart racing, swap walking for mountain biking, rafting and ziplining, or you can stick to day trips for a taste of the spectacular peaks, including a day trip from Cusco to the Humantay glacial lake, as well as exploring the Sacred Valley and the Lost City of the Incas by train or car.

Lake Titicaca can get positively chilly this month with winter in full force, but there are dry, clear days and blue skies to make the most of the scenery at the world’s highest lake – an island-hopping trip is a great way to discover more about life here, while also seeing some of the highlights. The Colca Canyon can also get very cold in the early mornings, the best time see condors, but it’s well worth wrapping up warm to do it. The same goes for the Nazca Lines where it’s hot by midday but cooler first thing when conditions tend to be best to fly over the archaeological site. It’s pleasantly warm at Arequipa this month, and easy to combine all these sites into one trip.

For a quieter taste of Peru’s ancient sites, Kuelap has been called the Machu Picchu of the north, built before the Inca Empire and once home to the Warriors of the Cloud Forest, in a dramatic mountaintop setting in northern Peru. Or head into the Andes in Huascarán National Park; it’s peak season here as well, but the trek tends to be quieter than the popular routes leading to Machu Picchu, with spectacular snowy peaks reflected in blue lagoons.

If you’re hoping to see some of Peru’s wildlife, midwinter isn’t the best time to visit some of the reserves along the coast, but it’s a good month to head to the Amazon and the Tambopata National Reserve to explore the rainforest, with the trails most accessible during the middle of the dry season.

Festivals: The country celebrates Peru’s National Independence Day from July 28-29 with fireworks, folk music, dancing and a huge street party.

Best for: Visiting Inca sites, trekking and hiking, Lake Titicaca, the Amazon

The last of the peak season months for a holiday in Peru, August brings more sunny, dry weather with cool clear mornings and evenings throughout the Andes, including at Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, as well as Lake Titicaca. It’s still pleasantly warm for trekking during the day, although if you’re doing one of the longer hikes – such as the Inca Trail, the Lares Trek and Salkantay Trek – you’ll need to prepare for cold nights.

There are other options if you’re looking for warmer (or shorter) ways to enjoy the scenery, including a one-day hike, a day trip from Cusco to the Humantay glacial lake on the Salkantay route, plus the hike to Vinicunca for the array of colours in Rainbow Mountain. For something more active, try mountain biking, rafting and ziplining, or a more relaxed option exploring the Sacred Valley and the Lost City of the Incas by train or car.

For quieter routes, you could also head north of Lima to Huascarán National Park, the world’s highest tropical mountain range, or continue even further to Kuelap, dubbed the Machu Picchu of the north, which pre-dates the Inca Empire by centuries.

Discover more spectacular scenery at Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest lake, under the blue skies of winter. Once you’ve finished exploring on an island-hopping trip, warm up at Arequipa, where it’s a pleasant 24C during the daytime. It’s still possible to combine this with trips to the Colca Canyon to spot condors and the Nazca Lines for a bird’s eye view of the archaeological site, although both will be cold in the mornings, the best time for a visit.

And it’s always warm in the Amazon rainforest, with great weather to explore the Tambopata National Reserve – temperatures rarely drop below 20C, but it’s the middle of the dry season, so there’s less rain at this time of year, and the trails are at their most accessible.

Festivals: Andean New Year is celebrated on August 1, honouring Mother Earth, or Pachamama, with gifts and yellow confetti decorating homes and businesses – takes place throughout the Andes.

There’s a public holiday on August 30 for the Feast of Santa Rosa de Lima, the capital’s patron saint, including a procession to Lima cathedral

Best for: Visiting Inca sites, trekking and hiking, Lake Titicaca, the Amazon

September sees the last full month of the dry season as spring arrives in Peru, with some great opportunities to spot new plants and flowers, including orchids, as well as birds galore in the forests. Make the most of the months of little rain and head to the Amazon rainforest, where the lower water levels mean you’re more likely to see wildlife venturing closer to the main waterways in somewhere like the Tambopata National Reserve.

It’s also one of the last months to spot condors in the Colca Canyon as they often begin to migrate to the coast from October (although you can be lucky and see them later in the year). Team it with a stay in Arequipa, where it’s still pleasantly warm with temperatures in the mid-20Cs, and a visit to fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines, for your own bird’s eye view of the archaeological site.

Or venture up to the world’s highest lake, Lake Titicaca, where the crowds of peak season have begun to drift away and you can enjoy views of the lake under blue skies and learn about everyday life on an island-hopping trip.

One of the big highlights this month is a visit to Machu Picchu, the Inca sites of the Sacred Valley and trekking through the Andes while it’s quieter but before the end of the good weather. Take a train journey through the Sacred Valley or explore by car to see the sites at your own pace. Save some time to hike and trek if you can though – there’s a one-day hike to give you a taste of the classic Inca Trail, and a day trip from Cusco to the Humantay glacial lake, one of the highlights of the longer Salkantay Trek. Or take an alternative route along mountain paths and past traditional villages on the Lares Trek.

If you’re looking for a challenge, the hike to Vinicunca, or Rainbow Mountain, is an adventure that’s doable in a day and much quieter than the peak midwinter months, while you could also get your heart acing by mountain biking, rafting and ziplining to the Lost City of the Incas.

For even quieter routes, head north of Lima to the world’s highest tropical mountain range in Huascarán National Park, or discover Kuelap, dubbed the Machu Picchu of the north, which pre-dates the Inca Empire by centuries. Make the most of the dry weather with a stay at the beach in Máncora, where temperatures hover between around 20C and 26C with barely any rainfall.

It’s a little cooler on the coast around Lima, while the capital itself is usually misty and colder as well, so less tempting for a visit this month unless you’re checking out the Mistura festival.

Festivals: The 10-day Mistura festival celebrates Peruvian food and agriculture, along with a big market, all held in Lima during September.

Best for: Exploring without the crowds, Inca sites, trekking and hiking, Lake Titicaca, the Amazon

The dry season is now over, with mixed weather during this shoulder season month – you can still find great weather for exploring Inca sites, trekking and enjoying the scenery at Lake Titicaca but it does get rainier throughout the month. There are also more spring flowers as the month gets wetter, including orchids and lusher vegetation in the forests.

It’s the last time to visit the Amazon before the rainiest months start again; you’ll always encounter some rain in the rainforest after all, but the trails are still accessible, and much of the wildlife will be visible by the river edge in places like the Tambopata National Reserve until the rains really get underway.

Over at the coast, it’s the start of surf season in Peru. The far north at Máncora is one of the warmest spots as well as being gentle enough for novices, although there are more surf spots all along the Pacific coast. It’s cooler as you head south towards Lima, with colder, misty conditions in the capital itself, but getting warmer as the weeks go on.

If you’re venturing down the coast, it’s easy to combine it with a stop at the Islas Ballestas protected reserve, where fur seals are starting to breed and calve from this month, and where you can also spot penguins and other bird and marine life. Then continue on to the Nazca Lines, to view the mysterious archaeological site, before exploring the colonial architecture and cultural sites at Arequipa, where it’s still pleasantly warm.

It’s quieter but colder at Lake Titicaca, one of the last good months to visit the world’s highest lake before the rains set in again. Make the most of it on island-hopping trip to see as much as possible of this fascinating destination, and learn about everyday life on the water. It’s no longer the best time to head high into the Andes, but you can still head out trekking on some of the most popular routes, including the Inca Trail itself, plus some of the alternatives including the Lares Trek and the Salkantay Trek.

Be prepared for changeable weather though, or consider a shorter option if you don’t want to risk days walking in the rain – try a one-day hike on part of the Inca Trail, or take a day trip from Cusco to the Humantay glacial lake, along the Salkantay route. If you’d prefer not to take the risk at all, why not explore the Sacred Valley by train or head off at your own pace and sightsee by car.

Festivals: Battle of Angamos Day on October 8 is a public holiday in Peru, commemorating a significant naval battle against Chile during the War of the Pacific. Although the Peruvian fleet was defeated, it also remembers Admiral Miguel Grau Seminario, considered one of Peru’s greatest modern heroes, with military parades in major towns and cities.

On October 18, 19 and 28, the largest Catholic procession in South America takes place in Lima, marking the day when enslaved Angolans painted an image of Christ on the walls of their meeting place, one of the few things left standing after an earthquake. Deemed a miracle, this is a solemn religious occasion but an unmissable occasion if you’re visiting the capital.

Best for: Exploring without the crowds, Inca sites, Lake Titicaca, surfing, Arequipa

Summer is approaching in the southern hemisphere, with the dry season firmly at an end across much of Peru, and the rains sweeping back in again. A lot of the outdoor attractions are off the cards: not only the more remote and more challenging trails in the Andes, but also Lake Titicaca which isn’t at its best in the rainy months, and the Amazon as it’s harder to spot the wildlife from the river through the thicker vegetation.

It’s not impossible to hike to Machu Picchu – and the ancient city itself is still open to visitors – but the trails are now muddier and less pleasant to walk. If you’re determined to visit, consider exploring the Sacred Valley by train or sightseeing by car to avoid the worst of the weather. The Incan sites will be quieter this month, but you’re unlikely to enjoy those classic clear blue skies.

The temperatures are rising again in Lima where the winter mist has started to vanish but before the worst heat of the summer. Combine a visit with a trip to the coast, where surf season is underway – or consider a flight north to Máncora where it’s less busy than the beaches close to the capital, with gentler waves for beginners.

If you’re sticking around Lima, fur seals are breeding and calving this month again at the protected reserve of Islas Ballestas, where you can also spot penguins and other bird and marine life on boat trips. It’s easy to make a longer trip onwards to Arequipa, where it’s also pleasantly warm, for its cultural sites and colonial architecture, stopping at the Nazca Lines along the way.

Festivals: Head to Puno on Lake Titicaca for Puno Week, from November 5, celebrating the legendary emergence from the lake of Manco Capac, the first Inca. Expect street dancing and locals dressing up in costumes.

Best for: Lima, spotting wildlife, surfing

One of the best times for a holiday in Peru if you’re hoping to visit Lima, the capital is enjoying increasingly warm days – although it’s often humid – and plenty of festive fun leading up to Christmas. It’s also a perfect time to hit the beach all along the Pacific coast, with some great surfing and sunbathing right from Máncora right down to the south of Lima.

Save time for a day trip to the Islas Ballestas, where fur seals are breeding and calving in the protected reserve, or continue on to the colonial architecture and cultural sites of Arequipa, via the mysterious Nazca Lines archaeological site.

Elsewhere, rain is hitting the Amazon, Lake Titicaca, the Incan sites in the Sacred Valley and at Machu Picchu, as well as across the Andes, so it’s not the best month for hiking, trekking or seeing the country’s historic highlights.

Festivals: Peru’s Christmas celebrations begin well before December 25, starting with the Fiesta de la Purisima Concepción (or Inmaculada Concepción), with processions and religious ceremonies. In Cusco, a huge open-air market known as the Santurantikuy takes place on December 23 and 24, while Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) is a popular time for Peruvians to celebrate with family.

Best for: Lima, spotting wildlife, surfing and beaches