The Best Time to Go to Peru
Peru by seasons
Peru is generally warm and pleasant all year round, meaning that there is no one best time to visit. Peru experiences two main seasons, the wet and the dry, with plenty of cultural events happening all year round. When to go depends entirely on you and your interests. To help you choose, we’ve split the year into its two seasons:
May to October
Peru’s dry season is the most popular time to visit. Temperatures hover around the high teens, and bright, sunny days and cooler temperatures in the Andes bring ideal conditions for hiking in the mountains and cruising Lake Titicaca. There’s a slight increase in rainfall in Lima, but not enough to spoil your fun. Be warned: dry season is a popular time to hike the Inca Trail, so do book early to ensure there are still permits available.
Go for:
Santa Rosa de Lima: on August 30th, a national holiday, Lima’s residents drop wishes into wells, join processions and carry shrines through the town in honour of Peru’s patron saint.
Lord of Miracles festival: in October, one of the world’s largest processions takes place in Lima. The streets are decorated in purple, and hundreds of thousands of people turn out to celebrate the image of Jesus.
November to April
Peru’s wet season brings increased temperatures (up to 25°C in Lima) and higher chances of rain. Showers never last too long though, so don’t let them put you off. In the Amazon, the rains bring out the birds and flowers, making it a lovely time to explore the forests. Although the Inca Trail closes in February, it’s still possible to visit Machu Picchu, while the wet weather sends many visitors to the drier coastal areas.
Go for:
Carnivales: during February, carnivals occur all over the Peruvian Highlands. The best place to catch these colourful processions is in Cusco, where bright costumes, dancing and singing bring joy to the streets.
Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria: Puno, a town right on the shores of Lake Titicaca, celebrates its patron saint in February with music, dancing, and some of the most elaborate costumes you’re ever likely to see.