PeruBest Time to Visit

Peru's diverse landscapes and climates mean that the ideal time to visit varies depending on your destination and interests. The dry season (May to September) is peak tourist season for Machu Picchu, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures, but book your tickets well in advance. With minimal rainfall and clearer views, it’s also the best time for trekking the Andes (including the Inca Trail), and enjoying Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

April and October offer a balance between decent weather and fewer crowds at popular sites. They’re ideal for visiting the Amazon Rainforest as water levels are not too high. If you don’t mind the rain, November to March sees the Amazon at its lushest with abundant wildlife. The coastal regions, including Lima and Paracas, experience high humidity but fewer tourists in the wet season, and it’s a quieter time to enjoy Lake Titicaca too.

Peruvian festivals hit their peak in the summer. Inti Raymi celebrates the Inca sun god in June, while Fiestas Patrias marks Peru's independence in July. If you're into gastronomy, Mistura is a food festival in Lima in September.

To witness the famous Nazca Booby courtship rituals, visit the Ballestas Islands between June and September, while whale watching is best enjoyed in Máncora between July and October. Northern Peru, including Máncora and Chicama, is also ideal for surfing from April to October.

When is the ideal time to visit Peru?

The months from May to September are the best time to visit most of Peru, including Cusco, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca and the Amazon. Coastal destinations like Lima are the exception, enjoying better weather from December to March, unless you plan to surf or go whale watching. The Inca Trail is closed for cleaning each February.

When is Peru’s peak tourist season?

Peru sees its peak season and highest prices between July and September, then again in December in the leadup to the holidays. While the former is still recommended, avoid the holidays if you can. It’s not the best time to be in Peru anyway, weather-wise.

Which is the most affordable time to visit Peru?

Bargain fares to Peru are usually offered between late October and mid-December, then again from January through April. January and February are especially wet, but the other months in this range are worth considering for a budget-conscious trip to Peru.

How long should I plan to visit Peru?

Eight or nine days is usually enough time to see Cusco, the highlights of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, enjoying a taste of Lima on your way through. An extra week will give you time to see Colca Canyon and the white city of Arequipa, and Lake Titicaca. The Nazca Lines can be seen in a day (plus travel there), while you’ll want a few days to visit the Amazon.