Best time to visit · South America

When to go to Peru

The dry season (May–September) is best for the Andes and Machu Picchu. Lima’s coast is warm December–March. The Amazon is accessible year-round.

Best: May–SeptemberPeak: June–August

Month-by-month

Jan
Okay
5°–21°C · 155mm rain
Crowds low · Prices low
Wet season in Andes
Feb
Avoid
5°–20°C · 140mm rain
Crowds low · Prices low
Inca Trail closed
Mar
Okay
5°–20°C · 110mm rain
Crowds low · Prices low
Apr
Good
3°–21°C · 40mm rain
Crowds medium · Prices medium
Dry season starts
May
Great
0°–20°C · 10mm rain
Crowds medium · Prices medium
Jun
Great
-2°–20°C · 3mm rain
Crowds high · Prices high
Inti Raymi festival
Jul
Great
-3°–19°C · 3mm rain
Crowds high · Prices high
Clear skies; cold nights
Aug
Great
-1°–20°C · 5mm rain
Crowds high · Prices high
Sep
Great
2°–21°C · 20mm rain
Crowds medium · Prices medium
Oct
Good
4°–22°C · 45mm rain
Crowds medium · Prices medium
Nov
Okay
4°–22°C · 75mm rain
Crowds low · Prices low
Dec
Okay
5°–21°C · 110mm rain
Crowds medium · Prices medium

Festivals worth timing your trip around

Jun
Inti Raymi
Inca Festival of the Sun re-enacted at Sacsayhuamán fortress in Cusco.
Sep
Mistura
Latin America’s largest food festival celebrating Peru’s acclaimed cuisine.
May–Jun
Qoyllur Rit’i
Pilgrimage to a glacier near Cusco blending Catholic and Andean traditions.
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Hotels in PeruFlights to Peru

Common questions about Peru

When is the best time to visit Peru?
May–September. The dry season (May–September) is best for the Andes and Machu Picchu. Lima’s coast is warm December–March. The Amazon is accessible year-round.
When is the cheapest time to visit Peru?
Prices bottom out in Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov — typically 20-40% below peak-season rates on hotels and flights.
What months should I avoid in Peru?
Feb. Inca Trail closed
When is peak tourist season in Peru?
June–August

See also the full Peru climate deep-dive with temperature heatmap and daily-rainfall breakdown.

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