Best time to visit Peru

The winter (May – September) is the driest season and therefore the best time of year to travel, especially if you’re planning to visit Cusco or trek to Machu Picchu.

The summer (December – March) is warmer of course, but is also the wettest season, with frequent heavy showers.

In the shoulder months, April and October, the weather can be unpredictable with varying conditions much like the UK.

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.