Peru is one of the most-loved destinations in the world. With stunning landscapes, incredible hiking trails, ancient temples and natural diversity, there are so many memories to be made here. However the climate can be a bit unpredictable, which is why it’s important to choose the absolute best time to visit Peru before booking your plane tickets.
Nestled in Western South America, this magnificent country brings in over 3 million tourists each year. While this country is a gem all year round, the weather is different depending on the season and so it’s important to plan ahead and make sure that you’re traveling to Peru in the best possible time.
The best time to visit Peru is typically in the dry season, between May – September. If you’re planning a trek to Machu Picchu, this period would be the ideal time for it.
On the other hand, the worst period to visit Peru is between December – March. This is the wettest season in the country and you’ll likely experience heavy showers!
When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?
If the Inca Trail is high on your bucket list and you’re dying for an expedition to Machu Picchu, timing is so important. One of the key things to keep in mind is that the Inca Trail closes every year in February for maintenance, although Machu Picchu continues to remain open between 6:00am – 5:30pm every day.
The best months to visit Machu Picchu is either in April or May, when the dry season is just starting and there are fewer tourists around. June, July and August are excellent months to visit weather-wise, but this also means that you’ll be fighting off the crowds who will be coming in from all corners of the globe.
When’s the best time of day to visit Machu Picchu?
The best time of day to visit Machu Picchu is either around 6:00am or after 3:00pm, when it is typically less crowded and will allow you to experience the view more peacefully.
If you want to catch the absolute first journey of the day, take the shuttle bus that leaves from Aguas Calientes at 5:30am. Make sure to wake up early, though, as you will need to arrive at the bus stop at least two hours before the departure time. Waking up so early in the morning while on vacation may not be so fun, but the opportunity of catching the sunrise at Machu Picchu will make ALL the effort worthwhile, trust us!
Image source:Contiki
When is the best time to visit the capital, Lima?
In order to appreciate the real beauty of this city, the best time to visit Lima is between December – March. During these months, the climate is warmer and you’ll be able to enjoy plenty of sunshine. Temperatures in Lima during February-March range between 25°C-27°C, which is also why many tourists prefer to go there during this season.
A few key events/holidays that you can expect to observe during your stay in Lima throughout this period are:
- Peru’s Carnival (February) – this is one of the most famous festivities in Peru and Lima is definitely the best place to experience it. There’s a beautiful mix of Inca and Catholic traditions, such as water fights, Yunza rituals, as well as dancing, so you won’t want to miss it while you’re there.
- Dia del Pisco Sour (first Saturday of February) – the Pisco Sour is Peru’s national drink and every year the country celebrates this special cocktail with lots of discounts, concerts and other artistic performances
- Surco Wine Harvest Festival (March) – this country-famous event doesn’t just boast delicious wines, but also beauty contests, fireworks, food stands, and lots of dancing
- Easter (April)
On the opposite end, August tends to be the coldest month in Lima, with an average low temperature of 14°C.
Image source:Dan Gold / Unsplash
When is the best time to visit the Amazon in Peru
The weather in the Peruvian Amazon depends very much on whether it’s high-water season or low-water season. The low-water season lasts from June – November and while it still rains considerably, there is less precipitation, which means that you’ll be able to explore trails that would’ve otherwise been flooded during the high-water months (December – May).
The low-water season also tends to bring a warmer climate, with temperatures averaging about 98°F (37°C).
Image source:Contiki
So, there are many different options to choose from weather-wise and it all depends on where exactly you want to explore in Peru. Whether you’re longing for culturally-enriching experiences or adventurous hikes, this gorgeous country definitely has something for everyone. So grab your calendar, mark down some dates and start planning your Peruvian adventure.
