One of the largest countries in South America, Peru encompasses a vast range of destinations with varying climates, from the high-altitude peaks of the Andes to the Nazca Desert with its mysterious geoglyphs. Since Peru is located in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are the opposite of those in the U.S. or Europe. The warmest month of the year is February, but the best time to visit Peru weather-wise is during the dry season, which lasts from May to October. You can avoid heavy tourist traffic by traveling in the shoulder season or low season, but you’ll need to weigh up the disadvantages of taking a trip during the rainy season if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors.
Peru’s tourism seasons fall into three main categories:
High Season: May to AugustShoulder Seasons: March and April, September and OctoberLow Season: November to February
We spoke with Saul Alvarez Montalvo, the owner and manager at SAM Travel Peru, and Alex, a professional tour guide at Lima Experience, to put together a complete guide to the best times to visit Peru, depending on your travel goals.
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Best Times to Visit Peru for Smaller Crowds
According to the latest data from the UN World Tourism Organization, over 2 million tourists visited Peru in 2022. It’s safe to say that popular destinations are very busy during Peru’s peak tourism season between May and August. For travelers looking for smaller crowds, Montalvo recommends visiting during the shoulder seasons — late April and May or September and October. “These are before and after the rainy season, [so travelers have] more chances of excellent weather conditions and fewer crowds,” says Montalvo.
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Best Times to Visit Peru for Good Weather
If you’re looking for the best weather, head to Peru anytime from May to September when conditions are dry and cool. Just keep in mind that crowds will be heavier during these months. The shoulder seasons are a good option if you’re looking for a bit more warmth while still avoiding the rain.
There is an exception to this rule. Peru is a large country, so the climates can vary significantly between cities. “Our summer season on the coast by the ocean is from early December to late February. That is the perfect weather in this area,” says Alex who explains that by June and July, coastal areas start getting cold and foggy. “In the highlands, it’s different,” he explains. “From the middle of December through March is the rainy season.” So, travelers need to decide on their destination and the kind of experience they want to have before determining the best time of year to visit.
Best Times to Visit Peru for Lower Prices
Travelers will find the lowest prices during the rainy season. January and February tend to get the most rainfall — around six inches each month, with more than half the days seeing some precipitation. If you don’t mind getting a little wet, you should be able to find some great deals. “Companies tend to offer good deals for groups during these months because of the low demand in the tourism industry,” says Montalvo.
If you visit during the rainy season, try to schedule your activities in the morning. Afternoon rain showers are common, so you’re more likely to stay dry if you get an early start.
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Best Times to Visit Machu Picchu
Montalvo recommends visiting Machu Picchu during the high season between April and October. “These months belong to the dry season, providing good weather and gorgeous views of Machu Picchu,” says Montalvo. Getting to Machu Picchu can be tricky for international travelers, so it’s important to plan far enough in advance to avoid any snags during your trip.
You can’t visit Machu Picchu without a tour guide, so they should be able to help you prepare for any weather conditions before your arrival. There are also rules for the number of daily visitors to Machu Picchu; up to 4,500 to 5,600 people are permitted on certain days throughout multiple time slots from morning until evening. These rules promote the conservation of the area, so you shouldn’t expect it to be packed, even during the peak season. You’ll just need to plan far enough in advance so your dates don’t get booked up.
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Best Times to Experience Lima’s Food Scene
Many consider Lima to be the culinary capital of South America. Central, ranked the best restaurant in 2023 by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants — and now immortalized on the Best of the Best list — is located here. Getting a reservation at Central takes some forethought, so planning a few months before you want to go is best. Of course, Central isn’t the only standout restaurant the city has to offer. “Lima has all different kinds of restaurants at all different kinds of prices,” says Alex. The World’s 50 Best List 2024 saw three new Lima restaurants rise in the ranks: Maido, Kjolle, and Mayta. If food is the main purpose of your trip, consider visiting during the low season for better chances of snagging a reservation.
Several holidays throughout the year celebrate Peruvian cuisine, from Pisco Sour Day in February to the Day of Peruvian Cuisine and Gastronomy in September. During these holidays, there are festivals, tastings, and other events to appreciate and learn about the country’s food culture. And plant-based travelers aren’t excluded from the fun. “Restaurants are more open to the vegan and vegetarian side of society,” says Alex. “It’s little by little – most of the people can’t believe you can eat without a piece of meat. But now, we are being more open-minded.” For travelers who eat fish, he recommends trying ceviche, which is part of Peru’s culinary heritage.
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Worst Times to Visit Peru
The worst time to visit Peru for most travelers is during the rainy season, which falls between November and March. So many of the experiences that bring people to Peru are outdoors and these can become much more muddy and complicated in the rain. Remember that the rainy season brings more trouble than just getting wet. Travelers will need to plan around landslides and flooding, which could endanger roadways and disrupt plans. However, the tradeoff could be worth it for adaptable travelers looking for better deals and smaller crowds.
Travelers should also be aware of riots and protests, especially in the capital city of Lima. The riots following the removal of President Pedro Castillo in December of 2022 caused Peru to declare a months-long state of emergency. Visitors in Peru at the time saw the closure of airports and Machu Picchu, and a similar event also affected tourism as recently as January 2024. Montalvo says, “Travelers should monitor media outlets [to stay] updated about the advice of local authorities so they can avoid visiting Peru during riots.”
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Publish date : 2023-11-08 11:00:00
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