BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO PERU: THE NO-BS GUIDE YOU NEED

Let me start with the truth: there is no universal “best time” to travel to Peru. There is the best time for you, depending on what you want to do, how much you want to spend, and how many crowds you can tolerate.

After 20 years organizing trips and seeing Peru in every season, I’ve learned something: every month has its magic and its downsides. Some travelers love the rainy season in Cusco (fewer people, greener landscapes), while others hate it (trail closures, canceled flights).

What I’ll do here is give you real, no-filter information so you can decide what works for your travel style. Because honestly, I’ve seen people thrilled visiting Peru in February (low season, rain) and people disappointed in July (high season, everything perfect but overcrowded).

First: Understand the Three Perus

Peru doesn’t have “one climate.” It has several different climates happening simultaneously. While Lima is overcast and cool, Cusco may be sunny, and Iquitos may be pouring. That’s why a simple answer is so tricky.

The three climate regions

THE COAST (Lima, Paracas, Nazca, Máncora)

• Desert with almost no rain
• Two seasons: summer (December–April) and winter (May–November)
• “Winter” means cloudy and cool—NOT extreme cold or snow
• Lima has the “garúa”: persistent fog/drizzle from May to November

THE HIGHLANDS (Sierra) (Cusco, Puno, Arequipa, Huaraz)

• Mountain climate
• Two clear seasons: dry (May–October) and rainy (November–April)
• Big day/night contrast (30 °C in the sun, 0 °C at night)
• Dry season is when EVERYONE goes

THE AMAZON (Selva) (Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado, Tarapoto)

• Tropical—heat and humidity year-round
• A drier part (May–October) and a rainier part (November–April)
• But “drier” doesn’t mean rain-free—just less rain
• Always warm (25–35 °C)

The complication: If you visit multiple regions in one trip (as 90% of travelers do), you’ll experience different climates. Your suitcase has to be ready for three seasons.

High Season vs Low Season: The Truth, No Sugarcoating

HIGH SEASON (June–August + December/January)

PROS:

• ✅ Perfect highland weather (dry, sunny, clear skies)
• ✅ All trekking routes open and in top condition
• ✅ Virtually no chance of rain ruining Machu Picchu
• ✅ Longer days (more daylight for activities)
• ✅ Everything running at full capacity: tours, restaurants, transport

CONS:

• ❌ Lots of people—Machu Picchu packed, Cusco saturated
• ❌ Prices inflated (hotels, tours, everything 30–50% more)
• ❌ You need to book months in advance
• ❌ Inca Trail sells out 6 months ahead
• ❌ Lines for everything
• ❌ Less authentic vibe (maximum tourist mode)

Approximate cost: A trip that costs $2,000 in low season can easily be $2,800–3,000 in high season.

LOW SEASON (November–March, except Christmas/New Year)

PROS:

• ✅ Significantly lower prices (up to 20% less, often more)
• ✅ Far fewer people (some days Machu Picchu feels almost yours)
• ✅ Easier hotel/tour bookings, more flexibility
• ✅ More authentic, relaxed experience
• ✅ Lush, green landscapes (rain has an upside)
• ✅ Locals are more approachable (less tourist burnout)

CONS:

• ❌ It rains. Sometimes a lot.
• ❌ Some trekking routes closed (Inca Trail is closed in February)
• ❌ Risk of rain disrupting plans
• ❌ Flights may be canceled due to weather
• ❌ Roads can close due to landslides
• ❌ Your Machu Picchu photos may have cloudy skies (if that matters)

My honest opinion: If your dates are flexible and budget is tight, low season (especially November or March) is gold. If it’s your once-in-a-lifetime Peru trip and you want minimal weather risk, pay extra and come in high season.

Month by Month: What to Actually Expect

I’ll be specific—no vague “it’s a good time.” Here’s exactly what to expect each month.

JANUARY

Climate:

• Highlands: peak rainy season. It rains almost daily, usually in the afternoon. Mornings can be lovely.
• Coast: full summer. Lima sunny and warm (22–28 °C). Beach time.
• Amazon: intense rains; high rivers.

Tourism:

• High season until around January 10 (New Year holiday)
• After the 15th it drops a lot
• Prices moderate after mid-month

Festivities:

• New Year’s Day (Jan 1): nationwide celebrations

Pros: Lima is beautiful; fewer tourists after the 15th; prices drop
Cons: It rains in Cusco; Inca Trail conditions can be tricky
Recommendation: If you’re traveling all month, prioritize the coast. For Cusco, go after the 15th and accept it may rain.

FEBRUARY

Climate:

• Highlands: the rainiest month of the year. Expect rain almost daily.
• Coast: peak summer. Lima gorgeous. Máncora perfect for the beach.
• Amazon: constant rain, high humidity.

Tourism:

• The quietest month in Cusco
• Rock-bottom prices
• Inca Trail closed all month (maintenance)

Festivities:

• Carnival (dates vary): water and paint celebrations nationwide; Cajamarca is famous.

Pros: Very low prices; Cusco is empty; you can negotiate everything
Cons: Heavy rain; Inca Trail closed; some trekking routes messy
Recommendation: Best for flexible adventurers or coast-focused trips. If you want the highlands, skip February unless you’ve got a great poncho and patience.

MARCH

Climate:

• Highlands: still rainy, but less than Jan/Feb; late month improves.
• Coast: end of summer. Lima starts clouding over at month’s end.
• Amazon: rains begin to ease.

Tourism:

• Tourism starts to climb slowly
• Prices still good
• Inca Trail reopens (first weeks can be muddy)

Festivities:

• Holy Week (variable date): If it falls in March, Ayacucho has the most impressive celebration in the country.

Pros: Prices still low; less rain than Feb; super green scenery
Cons: Unpredictable weather; it can rain any day
Recommendation: Good balance between price and climate. Late March is a sweet spot.

APRIL

Climate:

• Highlands: transition month. Less rain every week; by late April it’s basically dry season.
• Coast: Lima enters “winter” (cloudy, cool, garúa).
• Amazon: improving; less rain.

Tourism:

• Shoulder season begins
• Moderate prices
• A good time to travel

Festivities:

• Holy Week (if in April): the whole country Prices jump that specific week.

Pros: Weather improving; reasonable prices; not crowded
Cons: If Holy Week falls in April, that week gets crowded and expensive
Recommendation: Excellent month. Either avoid Holy Week or book it well in advance.

MAY

Climate:

• Highlands: officially dry season. Sunny days, cold nights (5–10 °C).
• Coast: Lima cloudy and cool (15–20 °C)—not beach season.
• Amazon: entering the drier period; occasional showers remain.

Tourism:

• Starting to get busier
• Prices starting to rise but still reasonable
• This is a sweet spot

Festivities:

• Qoyllur Rit’i (late May): intense Andean pilgrimage near Cusco

Pros: Excellent highland weather; not overly crowded yet; fair prices
Cons: Lima gray; tourist numbers increasing
Recommendation: One of the best months for Peru—perfect balance of weather, prices, and crowd levels.

JUNE

Climate:

• Highlands: full dry season. Sunny days, freezing nights (0–5 °C). Clear skies.
• Coast: Lima gray, cool (14–18 °C). Constant garúa.
• Amazon: dry season, still hot.

Tourism:

• High season officially starts
• Gets quite crowded, especially late month
• Prices up 20–30%

Festivities:

• Inti Raymi (June 24): the biggest Cusco festival—Inca Sun celebration reenactment. Incredible, but Cusco gets completely packed that week.
• Corpus Christi (variable, usually June): processions in Cusco

Pros: Perfect highland weather; everything works smoothly
Cons: Crowds (especially around the 24th); high prices
Recommendation: A beautiful month—book 2–3 months ahead. Avoid Inti Raymi week if you dislike crowds (or come specifically for it).

JULY

Climate:

• Highlands: the best of the year—guaranteed sun; cold nights.
• Coast: the worst time in Lima—gray, chilly, gloomy.
• Amazon: dry season—great for wildlife viewing.

Tourism:

• Busiest month of the year.
• North Americans and Europeans on vacation
• Machu Picchu at capacity
• Prices at the highest point

Festivities:

• Fiestas Patrias (July 28–29): Independence Day. Peruvians travel—every destination fills up.

Pros: Guaranteed highland weather, zero rain, long days
Cons: Overcrowded; maximum prices; you must book everything months ahead
Recommendation: If July is your only window, do it—but book 4–6 months in advance (Inca Trail, hotels, everything) and prepare for crowds.

AUGUST

Climate:

• Highlands: same as July. Perfect; wind picks up late in the month.
• Coast: still gray and gloomy.
• Amazon: still dry.

Tourism:

• Very busy in the first half
• Eases after the 15th
• Prices high but start to drop late month

Festivities:

• No major national festivities

Pros: Excellent weather; starts to thin out late month
Cons: First half is as crowded and pricey as July
Recommendation: Late August is smart—perfect weather with fewer crowds.

SEPTEMBER

Climate:

• Highlands: dry season, but occasional clouds. Mostly sunny.
• Coast: Lima still cloudy but improving by late month.
• Amazon: end of dry season; occasional late-month showers.

Tourism:

• Upper-mid season
• Less saturated than July/August
• Prices down 15–20%

Festivities:

• Virgin of the Nativity (Sept 8): celebrations in some regions
• Spring begins late month

Pros: Excellent balance—good weather, fewer crowds than July/August, better prices
Cons: Chance of an occasional shower late in month
Recommendation: Top-3 month. Reliable climate, manageable tourism, reasonable prices.

OCTOBER

Climate:

• Highlands: official end of dry season. Occasional showers; days mostly good.
• Coast: Lima starts improving; sun appears occasionally.
• Amazon: transition into the rainy season.

Tourism:

• Medium season
• Moderate prices
• A good window

Festivities:

• Señor de los Milagros (Oct 18): massive procession in Lima (largest Catholic procession in South America)

Pros: Good prices; still-decent weather; not crowded
Cons: Some chance of rain; less predictable days
Recommendation: Good month if you want balance and don’t mind the occasional shower.

NOVEMBER

Climate:

• Highlands: rainy season begins—more rain each week.
• Coast: Lima improves a lot; the sun returns.
• Amazon: rainy season starting.

Tourism:

• Official low season
• Far fewer people
• Prices down 25–35%

Festivities:

• Puno (first week): city anniversary with dances and music

Pros: Excellent prices; low crowds; you can still catch good days
Cons: Rising rain probability, especially late month
Recommendation: Great for tighter budgets. First half of November is especially good.

DECEMBER

Climate:

• Highlands: rainy season. Regular rain, but not all day.
• Coast: Lima improving; more sun; starts getting hot late month.
• Amazon: steady rain.

Tourism:

• Starts quiet
• From the 20th onward: high season (Christmas/New Year)
• Prices low until the 15th, then spike dramatically

Festivities:

• Christmas (Dec 25): nationwide celebrations
• New Year’s Eve (Dec 31): Cusco fills up and prices surge that week

Pros: First half: low prices, few people. Second half: festive atmosphere
Cons: Rain; late-month very expensive and crowded
Recommendation: First half of December offers excellent value. For the holidays, book far in advance and be ready to pay more.

Best Time to Visit Peru by Destination

CUSCO & MACHU PICCHU

Absolute best months: May, June (before the 20th), and September

• Reliable weather, not overly crowded, and reasonable prices

Good alternatives: Late April, July–August (if you don’t mind crowds), October

Risky but possibly rewarding: Early November, late March

• Lower prices, fewer tourists, but risk of rain

Avoid if possible: January–February

• Too much rain; the Inca Trail is closed in February

🏔️ Specific tips for Machu Picchu:

• During the rainy season, fog can cover the view. Go early in the morning (6–7 a.m.) before clouds rise.
• July–August is crowded but offers perfect photo conditions (guaranteed blue skies).
• The Inca Trail must be booked well in advance — 6 months ahead for May–September, 3 months for the rest of the year.

THE COAST (Lima, Paracas, Nazca, Máncora)

For Lima City:

• Best time: December–April (summer, sunny, warm)
• Worst time: June–September (gray, cold, gloomy)

Many travelers only stay one or two days in Lima before heading to Cusco, so weather isn’t usually a big deal. But if you want to enjoy the city itself, visit in summer.

For Northern Beaches (Máncora, Piura):

• Best time: December–March
  • Warm water, guaranteed sunshine, perfect waves
• Worst time: June–August (cloudy, cool)

For Paracas, Ballestas Islands & Nazca:

• Works year-round (almost no rain)
  • April–November: less wind
  • December–March: hotter, but windier

AMAZON RAINFOREST (Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado, Tarapoto)

Best time: May–October (the “dry” season)

• Less rain (though it still rains occasionally)
• Fewer mosquitoes
• Better wildlife viewing (animals gather near water sources)
• Trails in better condition

Rainy Season (November–April):

Pros:

• Lush, vibrant jungle scenery
• Rivers easier to navigate
• Fewer tourists
• Lower prices

Cons:

• Heavier rainfall
• More mosquitoes
• Muddy trails
• Some animals harder to spot

My opinion: The Amazon is stunning all year. If possible, come in the dry season. But even in the rainy season, it’s still absolutely worth it.

PUNO & LAKE TITICACA

Best time: May–September

• Dry, sunny (but cold nights)
• Calm lake, perfect for boat excursions

Challenging months: December–March

• Frequent rain and cold
• The lake can be choppy on some days

Important tip: Puno sits at 3,827 m (12,556 ft). It’s cold at night all year, even in summer. Always pack warm clothing.

AREQUIPA & COLCA CANYON

Best time: April–November

• Dry, sunny weather — perfect for spotting condors
• Roads in good condition

Rainy season (December–March):

• The Colca tour can be complicated by rain
• Condors still fly, but skies may be cloudy

HUARAZ & THE CORDILLERA BLANCA

Best trekking months: May–September

• Dry season
• Clear skies
• Turquoise lakes at their best

Avoid: December–March

• Rain, snow at high elevations
• Routes may be closed
• Risk of avalanches

Cultural Festivals by Month

If you want to align your trip with Peru’s major cultural events:

JANUARY

• New Year’s Day (Jan 1): Celebrated nationwide

FEBRUARY

• Carnival (variable dates): Across Peru, especially Cajamarca
• Virgin of Candelaria (early February): Puno — Peru’s biggest folkloric festival

MARCH / APRIL

• Holy Week (variable): Ayacucho hosts the most impressive celebration in the country

JUNE

• Inti Raymi (June 24): Cusco — the grand Inca Sun Festival
• Corpus Christi (variable): Cusco

JULY

• Fiestas Patrias (July 28–29): Independence celebrations across Peru

AUGUST

• No major national festivals (good month to avoid festive crowds)

OCTOBER

• Señor de los Milagros (Oct 18): Lima — South America’s largest Catholic procession

NOVEMBER

• Puno Week (first week): City anniversary with dances and music

DECEMBER

• Christmas (Dec 25): Nationwide celebrations
• Santurantikuy (Dec 24): Cusco — traditional artisans’ fair

Prices: How Much They Vary by Season

Example: 7-day Lima–Cusco–Machu Picchu package

LOW SEASON (Jan–Feb, early Nov–mid Dec)

• Basic: $1,200–1,500
• Mid-range: $1,800–2,200
• Premium: $2,500–3,000

MID SEASON (Mar–Apr, Sept–Oct)

• Basic: $1,500–1,800
• Mid-range: $2,200–2,600
• Premium: $3,000–3,500

HIGH SEASON (May–Aug, Christmas/New Year)

• Basic: $1,800–2,200
• Mid-range: $2,600–3,200
• Premium: $3,500–4,500

💡 You can save 30–40% by traveling in low season instead of high.

Recommendations by Traveler Type

Budget Traveler

• Best: Early November (1–15), February (if you don’t mind rain), late March
• Avoid: July–August, Christmas/New Year

Photographer / Instagrammer

• Best: June–August (guaranteed blue skies)
• Avoid: January–February (mostly cloudy)

Hiker / Adventurer

• Best: May–September (open trails, dry weather)
• Avoid: January–March (muddy, Inca Trail closed in February)

Family with Children

• Best: June–July (school vacation, predictable weather)
• Avoid heavy rainy months — more logistical challenges for families

Older Adults

• Best: April–May, September–October (pleasant weather, fewer tourists, relaxed pace)
• Avoid: July–August (too crowded, tiring schedules)

Backpacker / Flexible Traveler

• Best: Whenever prices are lowest
• Advantage: Can adapt easily and take advantage of last-minute deals

Luxury Traveler

• Best: May–June, September (perfect weather, top hotels available, less busy than July–August)

Culture Enthusiast

• Best: June (Inti Raymi in Cusco), February (Virgin of Candelaria in Puno), July (Fiestas Patrias)

My Top 3 Months to Visit Peru

After 20 years doing this, if I had to choose the perfect three:

#1: MAY

• Excellent weather in the Andes (start of dry season)
• Not crowded yet
• Reasonable prices
• Everything running perfectly
• Lima begins to clear from its gray “garúa”
• The perfect balance month

#2: SEPTEMBER

• Still reliable weather
• Post-peak crowds (lighter than July–August)
• Better prices
• All attractions operating normally
• Stunning scenery

#3: JUNE (first half)

• Ideal climate
• Before the Inti Raymi rush (June 24)
• If you want to experience the festival, plan for it—but if not, come earlier
• Everything is in top condition

Honorable mention: November (1–15)

• Great for travelers on a budget
• Very low prices, minimal crowds
• Some rain risk, but many days are still beautiful

🚫 When Not to Visit (If You Can Avoid It)

FEBRUARY

• Too much rain
• Inca Trail closed
• Some trails complicated
• Only worthwhile for ultra-low prices or Carnival festivities

JULY 20–31

• Crowded due to Independence holidays (Fiestas Patrias)
• Peruvians traveling = everything full
• Inflated prices
• Difficult to find availability

DECEMBER 23 – JANUARY 5

• Peak Christmas/New Year season
• Very expensive
• Fully booked
• If you come then, book at least 6 months in advance

✅ In short:
Peru can be visited year-round — but choosing when depends on your priorities:
weather, price, comfort, and crowd levels.
If you want the perfect balance: May, June (early), or September will never disappoint.

Final Tips (Truths Nobody Tells You)

1. Peru’s weather is unpredictable even in “dry season” I’ve seen rain in the middle of July (rare, but happens) and perfect days in February. Always bring a rain poncho.
2. “Rainy season” doesn’t mean rain 24/7 It usually rains 2-4 hours in the afternoon, then clears up. Mornings are often beautiful even in February.
3. Lima is gloomy from May to November, accept it If you’re only spending 1-2 days there on your way to Cusco, it doesn’t matter much. But if you want to enjoy the city, come in summer.
4. Cusco in rainy season has its magic Super green landscapes, fewer crowds, more authentic experience. If you don’t mind getting a little wet, it can be amazing.
5. Locals avoid traveling during Fiestas Patrias That’s when EVERYTHING goes up in price and gets crowded. If you can, avoid late July.
6. The best month depends on your priorities

1. • Perfect weather? → May-September
   • Low prices? → November, February
   • Few tourists? → February, November
   • Festivals? → June, July
   • Balance? → May, September

7. Flexible booking is worth it Weather can change plans. If possible, have an extra buffer day in your itinerary.
8. Don’t let “the best month” limit you I’ve seen happy travelers every month of the year. If you can only come in February, come. With the right attitude and realistic expectations, any month works.

Quick Decision Table

Legend:

• 🔼🔼🔼 = Very crowded | 🔼🔼 = Crowded | 🔸 = Medium | 🔻 = Quiet
• 💰 = Cheap | 💰💰 = Moderate | 💰💰💰 = Expensive | 💰💰💰💰 = Very expensive

Final Decision: When Should You Come?

After all this, the simple truth:

Come when you can.

Seriously. Don’t let “the perfect month” paralyze you. I’ve seen people postpone their Peru trip for years waiting for “the ideal moment” that never comes.

If you have flexibility, aim for May or September. If not, come when your work, budget, and life allow. With proper preparation and realistic expectations, any month can be incredible.

What I DO recommend:

• Check the weather for your specific month
• Adjust expectations (if coming in February, know it will rain)
• Book further in advance during high season
• Pack for multiple climates
• Have flexibility in your itinerary

Peru awaits you 365 days a year. The best time to come is when you decide to make it happen.