Peru · When to Go
The Best Time to Visit Peru
Quick answer: May to September for the Andes and Machu Picchu. But with mountains, rainforest and desert coast, every region has its own rhythm, and there’s a great reason to visit in every month.
- May–Sep dry Andean season
- Feb Inca Trail closed
- Jun 24 Inti Raymi
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The quick answer
When Is the Best Time to Visit Peru?
For Machu Picchu and the Andes, the dry season from May to September is best. But Peru has three very different climates, so the right time depends on where you’re going.

Dry season from May to September
Days are sunny and clear, around 19–21°C (66–70°F) in Cusco, with cold nights that can dip near freezing in June and July. June to August is the busiest time, so book early.
December to March is the rainy season. Afternoon showers are common, the hills turn green and the Inca Trail closes in February.
Ideal Shoulder Rainy

Warm and humid all year
Temperatures are warm year-round. May to October is drier, with lower rivers, more walking trails and very active clay licks. December to April is wetter, with high water that’s ideal for exploring flooded forest by boat from Iquitos.
Drier Wetter, still great Rainy

Sunny summers, misty winters
Lima almost never sees rain. December to March is summer, with sunshine and beach weather. From June to September a soft grey mist, the garúa, settles over the city, but it’s still mild and pleasant for sightseeing and dining.
Sunny Mild and misty Rainy
Month by month
Peru Through the Year
JanuaryRainy
Wet in the Andes, but Lima and the coast are sunny. A good time for beaches and green landscapes.
FebruaryRainy
The wettest month in the mountains, and the Inca Trail closes. Puno’s Candelaria festival is spectacular.
MarchRainy
Rain eases toward the end of the month. Quiet, lush and good value. Coastal summer continues.
AprilShoulder
Green hills, fewer crowds and drier days. One of our favorite months for Machu Picchu.
MayIdeal
The dry season begins. Clear skies, harvest season in the Sacred Valley and great trekking.
JuneIdeal
Cusco celebrates Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, on June 24. Book well in advance.
JulyPeak
Peak season with sunny days and cold nights. Peru’s national holidays on July 28–29 mean busy domestic travel.
AugustPeak
Dry and busy in the Andes, and a great month for Amazon wildlife. Reserve trains and hotels early.
SeptemberIdeal
Still dry, with crowds thinning. Excellent for Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and the Colca Canyon.
OctoberShoulder
Occasional showers return, but days are often bright. Lima celebrates El Señor de los Milagros.
NovemberShoulder
Warmer, with more frequent showers in the mountains. Good value before the holidays.
DecemberRainy
Rainy season in the Andes, summer begins on the coast. A festive time for Christmas in Cusco.
Ideal & peak Shoulder Rainy in the Andes
Plan around a celebration
Festivals Worth Timing Your Trip For
Peru’s festivals blend Inca and Catholic traditions with music, dance and color. Hotels fill quickly, so we plan early.
Inti Raymi · June 24
Cusco’s Festival of the Sun recreates the Inca winter-solstice ceremony at Sacsayhuamán, with hundreds of performers in traditional dress.
Virgen de la Candelaria · February
Puno’s UNESCO-recognized festival fills the shores of Lake Titicaca with thousands of dancers and musicians.
Corpus Christi · May or June
Saints from Cusco’s churches are paraded around the Plaza de Armas, followed by a feast of chiriuchu, a traditional festive dish.
Fiestas Patrias · July 28–29
Peru’s Independence Day brings parades, flags and fireworks nationwide, and busy travel as Peruvians head off on holiday.
Qoyllur Rit’i · May or June
A remarkable high-altitude pilgrimage near Ausangate glacier, and one of the most unique festivals in the Andes.
Señor de los Milagros · October
Lima’s largest procession, when the streets turn purple and the city enjoys turrón de Doña Pepa.
Want to see a festival? We’ll plan your route and stays around the date.
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Good to know
Best Time to Visit FAQs
What is the cheapest time to visit Peru?
The rainy season, from December to March (excluding the holidays), and the shoulder months of April and November typically offer better availability and value.
Can I visit Machu Picchu in the rainy season?
Yes, Machu Picchu is open all year. Expect showers and mist, which can be atmospheric, and pack a light rain jacket. Only the Inca Trail closes, during February.
What is the best time to do the Inca Trail?
May to September offers the driest conditions. Permits for these months often sell out several months ahead, so we recommend booking early.
When should I combine the Andes and the Amazon?
May to October works beautifully: dry in the mountains and drier in the rainforest, which is great for walking trails and wildlife.
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