Peru is a diverse country teeming with history, culture, and wildlife. From the awe-inspiring ruins of Machu Picchu to the vastness of the Amazon Rainforest, there is plenty to see in this beautiful country. If you want to know when is the best time to visit Peru, this in-depth post will provide all the information you need to make the best holiday plans possible.
From the sun-kissed beach of Mancora to the flowing Sacred Valley in the Andes Mountains, you are guaranteed to have an unforgettable journey. However, with such a diverse range of climates, it can be complicated to know when to visit Peru.
But don’t worry, that’s where we come in to tell you all about Peru’s weather and landscape, to know the best time to visit when planning your tour of South America.
Best Time to Go to Peru
As this country has a vast range of climates, it is essential to know the best time to travel to Peru. The coastal beaches have a completely different weather pattern to the Andes Mountains, and the same can be said about the dense region of the Amazon Rainforest.
Here is a complete guide on the weather in each season and the best month to visit Peru for each region of the country.
Summer in Peru: The Coast is Calling
The country experiences two main seasons, the wet season (November to March) and the dry season (April to October). Peru has high rainfall in the summer months of December to February, except for its coastal regions.
Peru’s coastlines are unique, as they receive very little rainfall all year round, resulting in a desert-like environment. While high rain and humid weather make the mountainous regions less desirable, the coastal areas are the perfect place to visit during this time. Peru’s coast experiences a pleasant 75°F daily temperature and lovely ocean temperatures of 72°F.
So, if you want to soak up some sun and enjoy clear blue skies during summer, Peru has fantastic beaches such as Mancora, Paracas, and Lima.
Tip: If you want to find the best surfing beach in the country, Playa Chicamba offers the world’s longest left-breaking wave for a memorable experience.
Autumn in Peru: The Bargain Months
March and April are ideal for visiting Peru as it is during its shoulder season. This is the low tourist season where prices for accommodation and tours tend to drop.
During these months, you can find amazing deals on Rainbow Mountain tours and other activities within the Andes. Despite the clear sunny days and ever-growing greenery after the rainy summer, the Amazon rainforest and Andes experience low levels of foot traffic.
The cooler winter weather starts to creep in during these months, and the Andes experiences daily temperatures around 60°F and the 80°F in the Amazon. So if you want a quiet holiday where the main tourist destinations aren’t crowded yet, consider visiting Peru in Autumn.
Tip: A remarkably breathtaking destination to visit in Peru during May is lake Titicaca, where you can learn about indigenous cultures and take in beautiful views of the Andes. .
Peru in Winter: An Andean Paradise
June to August is the best time to visit Machu Picchu. The lack of rain makes winter the best time of year to visit Peru and its rugged landscape. If you plan to visit Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu, get ready for undisturbed views of this magnificent part of the world.
The mountain range has an ancient feeling, with golden grass swaying in the wind and snow-covered mountain tops framing your view. Expect an average daily temperature of 53°F as you take in the mesmerizing views during your Sacred Valley tour and other trips across the mountain range.
The Peruvian Amazon is also a great area to visit during this time, with a lower average rainfall of 6.5 inches per month, compared to the 11 inches per month during the summer period. Although you can still expect high humidity levels within this region, winter in the Peruvian amazon has lovely daily average temperatures of 80°F.
Tip: When visiting the Amazon in winter it’s essential you know what to pack. Take light-fitting clothes that protect you from mosquitos during the day, and jackets and jerseys for the cooler nighttime temperatures.
Spring in Peru: Quiet Hikes and Beaches Galore
September to November offer another excellent opportunity to enjoy the shoulder season in Peru. During these months, you can enjoy a quiet Salkantay Trek or rainforest walk before the summer rains come back in full force. It is also one of the best times to go to Machu Picchu, with the crowds of tourists dissipating around this time.
The weather begins to warm up around the Andes Mountains as reasonable 60°F temperatures make for lovely days, but be aware that the nights still get very cold. The Amazon rainforest stays the same temperature for most of the year at 80°F, but there is lower rainfall during the spring months.
Meanwhile, along the coast, the garua fog starts to subside, and the sun begins to come out after a mist-covered winter. So if you want to enjoy a sunny day out on the beach before the busy summer season kicks in, visit Peru’s coast in late spring. The ocean temperatures are still chilly at 62°F, but it’s still a lovely time to visit.
Tip: Visit Lima in September and join in the festivities at Mistura, one of the largest food festivals in South America.
Final Thoughts on the Best Time of Year to Visit Peru
Peru is a beautiful country with three diverse regions; the coast, the Andes Mountains, and the Amazon rainforest. Each area offers its own unique experiences for you to enjoy. But, as a rule of thumb, the winter months of June to August are the best time to visit Peru.
June to August offers a more diverse range of experiences, from the breathtaking Andes Mountain ranges to the evergreen forests of the Peruvian Amazon. But there is no mistaking the amazing coastal summers on offer in this magnificent country.
So be sure to include Peru in your itinerary if you are touring Costa Rica to experience the best of this extraordinary continent
Last updated on October 13th, 2023 at 02:38 pm
