Bad weather, road closures, and other factors can, unfortunately, put a damper on even the most well-planned trip to Peru. That’s why it’s important to research beforehand to find out when the best time to visit Peru is. Each region of the country also has its own distinct weather patterns to watch out for. Learn more about Peru’s weather and seasons below and discover the best time to visit Peru.
The Three Regions of Peru
It’s important to understand that Peru is divided into three distinct regions, each of which has its own unique climate and weather. The three regions of Peru are as follows:
The Coast
This region includes the capital city of Lima as well as several other large cities situated along the Pacific Coast. Between the months of May and September, Lima is famously blanketed by a thick gray fog known as La Garua, which leads to low temperatures and very little sunlight. Generally speaking, the further a town or city is form Lima, the higher likelihood it sees any sun during these months (the towns in the far north of Peru stay warm and sunny all year, for instance). The summer lasts from November to March, and the whole coastal region is home to hot temperatures and frequent sunshine during these months.
The Highlands
This region includes the former Inca capital of Cusco, the famous ruins of Machu Picchu, and a number of other important cities and attractions which are situated in the Andes mountain range. The Peruvian highlands have two main seasons: the wet season and the dry season. The wet season lasts from December until March, with cold temperatures and frequent heavy rain during this period. The dry season lasts from April until November, a time of sunny days and little rainfall.
The Jungle
This region consists of Peru’s portions of the Amazon Rainforest, including the large cities of Iquitos and Pucallpa, the famous Manu National Park, and many other protected wilderness and tribal areas. As its name would imply, the Amazon Rainforest receives frequent rain throughout the year. However, the jungle does receive a high water season between October and April, with rain occurring about 10% more often. This period of time also coincides with the wet season in the highlands, which causes the rivers to swell as they make their way from the mountains down to the jungle. The rest of the year coincides with the Andean dry season, and during this time the rivers in the Amazon dwindle to their lowest points.
When to Visit Peru by Month
The following are brief summaries of Peru’s weather during each month of the year to help you plan for your travels.
Visiting Peru in January
If you’re visiting Peru in January, you’ll be able to enjoy beautiful, sunny weather in Lima and other coastal cities, but you’ll have to deal with frequent heavy showers in Cusco and the rest of the highlands.
Visiting Peru in February
If you’re visiting Peru in February, summer is in full swing for Lima and other cities of the coast, but the highland region experiences some of its highest rainfall of the year during this time. In addition, the famous Inca Trail is closed for maintenance during the month of February.
Visiting Peru in March
If you’re visiting Peru in March, Lima and the rest of the coast is still in summertime, while the highland region is in the midst of its rainy season. Make sure to pack for all weather if you travel in Peru during this time.
Visiting Peru in April
If you’re visiting Peru in April, the coastal region will be enjoying its final month of summer, while the highland region deals with the last of the heavy rains. Make sure to come prepared for all types of weather.
Visiting Peru in May
If you’re visiting Peru in May, Lima’s foggy season will be just beginning while the highland region is finally entering its dry season. This is one of the better times to visit Peru, but you should still pack for all weather.
Visiting Peru in June
If you’re visiting Peru in June, you’ll learn firsthand why the capital city is known as Lima la Gris (Lima the Gray). In the highlands, this is one of the most pleasant months to visit, with sunny skies and little rainfall.
Visiting Peru in July
If you’re visiting Peru in July, Lima will likely be cold and bleak, but luckily the highlands experience some of the nicest weather of the year in the month of July. Spend as much time as possible in Cusco and other highland cities.
Visiting Peru in August
If you’re visiting Peru in August, Lima will continue to be blanketed by dreary fog, while the highland region enjoys sunny days and very little rain. This is an ideal time to visit the city of Cusco.
Visiting Peru in September
If you’re visiting Peru in September, Lima will be in the final months of La Garua, the thick blanket of fog which covers the city for half of the year, while the highland region is still in the midst of the dry season.
Visiting Peru in October
If you’re visiting Peru in October, Lima’s weather remains somewhat cloudy but with some occasional sunny days, while the highland region continues to enjoy its dry season. This is one of the best times to visit Peru, when weather can be nice in all three regions and there is slightly fewer crowds compared to the tourist high season of June through August.
Visiting Peru in November
If you’re visiting Peru in November, Lima’s weather begins to get even warmer and more pleasant. The highlands usually remain dry and sunny, but some rainfall is not out of the question. November is usually one of the better months to visit Peru in terms of weather.
Visiting Peru in December
If you’re visiting Peru in December, Lima and the coast will be entering the summer months, while heavy rainfall begins in earnest in the highlands about halfway through the month. Come prepared for a wide variety of weather if you’re visiting in December.
Now that you know when the best time to visit Peru is, it’s time to start planning your once-in-a-lifetime trip!
Header Image: Modified from Flickr / Tobias Mayr
