Best Time to Visit Peru
The best time to visit Machu Picchu, walk the Inka Trail and explore the Amazon...
The good news is, Peru can be visited at any time of year, sadly there is still some planning involved! Complicated by its physical attributes, the best time to travel completely depends on what you want to see and experience. Between
dry desert and lush rainforest, Peru has a vast expanse and variety of landscapes. Peppered with ancient archaeological ruins, snow capped mountains and huge sand dunes; it can be difficult knowing when to go where!
Tourist season peaks between July and August, coinciding with the driest months from May to October. December to January is also considered peak season due Festivals and Christmas, so expect higher prices and more crowds then too.
Climate: Being in the southern hemisphere, Peru has opposite seasons to the UK and USA, meaning a very hot summer over December through to March. If your trip includes Machu Picchu – particularly if you’re planning to walk and or camp en route – the ideal time to visit is between May and October, when the weather in the Andes is spring-like and the backdrop should be one of clear blue skies. Within this period, the busiest months naturally tend to be June, July and August, with Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) causing a peak at the end of June. As is the case in most Latin American countries, Semana Santa (Easter) week is one of spectacular parades and festivities, and is correspondingly busy so needs advance booking. Avoid February altogether as the Inca Trail is closed and the rains are heavy, often causing mudslides in the mountains.
Swimming in the ocean is fine all year round as the waters are cool to cold most of the time. Those planning to surf or spend a huge amount of time in the water will need to wear a wetsuit.
In Lima it can get cold enough to require a jumper, although being in the desert it rarely rains – when it does it pours! The mountains and jungles (except Iquitos, in the Amazon) are best visited after the rains, from May to September. If you wish to explore the Amazon, when you visit will depend on your preference. Between June and September there are fewer mosquitoes and wildlife tends to be easier to spot as it generally hugs rivers. December and January bring heavy rains, hence higher water levels – an exciting time to visit s you navigate through small creeks via canoe and visit some remote regions.
Public Holidays
New Years Day (Jan 01), Maundy Thursday (Apr), Good Friday (Apr), Labour Day (May 01), St Peter and St Pauls Day (Jun 29), Independence Day (Jul 28), St Rose of Lima Day (Aug 30), Navy Day (Oct 08), All Saints Day (Nov 01), Christmas Day (Dec 25)
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