What is the best time to visit Peru?

Best Time to Visit Peru

The best time to travel to Peru is during the dry season (May to October) and the shoulder season (April and November).

Dry Season in Peru

The dry season in Peru is from May to October. This is the most popular time to visit Peru as the weather is warm and sunny, with little rain. During this time, travelers can expect to experience the beautiful landscapes of the Andes Mountains, the Amazon Jungle, and the beaches of the Pacific Coast. Popular attractions such as Machu Picchu, the Nazca Lines, and Lake Titicaca are all accessible during this season. Additionally, travelers can enjoy the vibrant festivals taking place throughout the dry season, such as the Inti Raymi Festival in Cusco and the Festival of the Virgin of Carmen in Paucartambo.

Month-by-month guide for traveling in Peru

Peru in January

Weather

January is the start of the rainy season in Peru, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit. The northern coast of Peru is the driest region during this month, with temperatures in the mid-70s and occasional showers. The central and southern regions of the country are much wetter, with temperatures in the mid-60s and frequent rain.

Events

• The Festival of the Virgin of Candelaria is celebrated on January 2nd in Puno. This festival is a celebration of the patron saint of the city and includes traditional dances, music, and parades.
• The Lima International Film Festival is held in January. This festival showcases the best of Peruvian and international cinema.
• The International Festival of the Sun is held in Cusco in January. This festival celebrates the Incan culture and includes traditional music, dance, and food.
• The Lima Marathon is held in January. This marathon is one of the largest in South America and attracts runners from around the world.
• The Festival of San Juan is celebrated in Cusco on January 24th. This festival is a celebration of the patron saint of the city, and includes traditional music, dance, and food.

Peru in January

Weather

January in Peru is generally warm and sunny. The average temperature is around 21°C (70°F). The coastal areas tend to be more humid, while the highlands can be quite cool.

Events

• New Year’s Day: Celebrations take place throughout Peru to mark the start of the new year.
• Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria: This is a religious festival that takes place in Puno on February 2nd. It is celebrated with parades, traditional dances, and music.
• Inti Raymi: This is an ancient Incan festival that takes place in Cusco on June 24th. The celebration includes traditional music, dancing, and a procession of people dressed in traditional costumes.
• Lima Jazz Festival: This is a popular music festival that takes place in Lima in January. It features a variety of local and international jazz musicians.
• Fiesta de San Juan: This is a religious festival that takes place in Cusco on June 24th. It is celebrated with traditional music, dancing, and fireworks.

Peru in March

Weather

March is a transition month in Peru, as the dry season begins to give way to the wet season. Temperatures range from warm to hot, with average highs in the mid- to high-20s Celsius (mid- to high-70s Fahrenheit). The average low temperatures are in the mid-teens Celsius (mid-50s Fahrenheit). Rainfall is generally light, but can be more frequent in the southern part of the country.

Events

• The International Festival of the Sun takes place in Cusco from March 1-3. This is a celebration of the Incan sun god Inti, and features traditional music, dance, and art.
• The Lima Jazz Festival is held in late March. This is one of the largest jazz festivals in South America, and features some of the top jazz musicians from around the world.
• The Fiesta de la Primavera is held in late March in Lima. This is a celebration of the arrival of spring, and includes parades, music, and dancing.
• The Fiesta de San Juan is held in late March in Arequipa. This is a celebration of the patron saint of the city, and includes traditional music and dancing.
• The Fiesta de la Cruz is held in late March in Cusco. This is a celebration of the crucifixion of Jesus, and includes traditional music and dancing.

Peru in April

Weather

April in Peru is generally warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from the low 50s to the high 70s Fahrenheit. The coastal areas tend to be cooler than the highlands. April is the start of the dry season in Peru, so rain is not common.

Events

• The Semana Santa (Holy Week) celebrations take place in April, and are celebrated in many different ways throughout Peru. This is a religious holiday that commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
• The Fiesta de la Cruz (Festival of the Cross) is celebrated on May 3rd. This festival is celebrated in many towns and cities throughout Peru and involves the blessing of crosses, processions, and traditional dances.
• The International Music Festival of Lima takes place in April. This festival features a variety of musical performances from local and international artists.
• The Festival de la Primavera (Spring Festival) is celebrated in April in many cities throughout Peru. This festival celebrates the arrival of spring with traditional dances, music, and food.
• The Fiesta de San Juan (Festival of St. John) is celebrated on June 24th. This festival is celebrated in many towns and cities throughout Peru and involves processions, traditional dances, and fireworks.

Peru in May

Weather

May is the start of winter in Peru, with temperatures ranging from 10-20°C (50-68°F). It is the wettest month of the year, with the majority of the country experiencing rain.

Events

• The Festival of the Crosses is celebrated on the 3rd of May in Ayacucho. People gather to witness the blessing of crosses and the procession of the Lord of Miracles.
• The Festival of the Lord of Qoyllur Rit’i is celebrated in Cusco on the last weekend of May. It is a traditional pilgrimage to the Sinakara Valley, where participants take part in a variety of traditional activities.
• The Fiesta de la Cruz is celebrated in Lima on the 3rd of May. The celebration is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and includes processions, dances and fireworks.
• The International Jazz Festival is held in Lima in late May. It is a celebration of jazz music with performances from local and international artists.
• The Fiesta de San Isidro is celebrated in Lima on the 15th of May. It is a celebration of the patron saint of farmers and includes traditional dances, music and food.

Peru in June

Weather

June is the start of winter in Peru. The temperatures are mild during the day, ranging from 10-20 degrees Celsius (50-68 degrees Fahrenheit). Nights can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping to 0-10 degrees Celsius (32-50 degrees Fahrenheit). The Andes mountains can experience snowfall during this time of year.

Events

• The Inti Raymi Festival is celebrated on June 24th in Cusco. It is a traditional Inca festival that celebrates the winter solstice.
• The Festival of San Juan is celebrated on June 24th in Puno. It is a traditional festival that celebrates the beginning of the winter season.
• The Festival of San Pedro is celebrated on June 29th in Lima. It is a traditional Catholic festival that celebrates the feast day of St. Peter.
• The Festival of the Virgen del Carmen is celebrated on June 29th in Arequipa. It is a traditional Catholic festival that celebrates the feast day of the Virgin Mary.
• The Festival of San Juan Bautista is celebrated on June 24th in Huaraz. It is a traditional Catholic festival that celebrates the feast day of St. John the Baptist.

Peru in July

Weather

July is the start of the winter season in Peru, bringing cooler temperatures and some rain. The average temperature in Lima is 17°C (63°F) and the average temperature in Cusco is 12°C (54°F). The days are generally sunny, with occasional rain showers in the afternoon.

Events

• Inti Raymi: Inti Raymi is a traditional festival that celebrates the winter solstice. It is held in Cusco on June 24th and is a major event in Peru. It involves traditional music, dancing, and rituals.
• Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen: This festival is held in the coastal city of Pisco on July 16th and is a celebration of the patron saint of fishermen. It includes parades, fireworks, and traditional music.
• Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen de Chincha: This festival is held in the city of Chincha on July 16th and is a celebration of the patron saint of the city. It includes parades, fireworks, and traditional music.
• Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria: This festival is held in Puno on July 2nd and is a celebration of the patron saint of the city. It includes parades, fireworks, and traditional music.
• Fiesta de la Virgen del Pilar: This festival is held in Arequipa on July 12th and is a celebration of the patron saint of the city. It includes parades, fireworks, and traditional music.

Peru in August

Weather

August is the beginning of the dry season in Peru, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to mid-70s Fahrenheit (10-25 Celsius). The days are sunny and the nights are cool.

Events

• The Festival of the Virgin of the Assumption is held in the city of Cusco on August 15th. This festival celebrates the patron saint of the city and is marked by traditional dances, music, and processions.
• The Festival of the Sun is held in Cusco on August 24th. This festival is a celebration of the Inca sun god, Inti, and is marked by traditional dances, music, and processions.
• The Festival of the Lord of Miracles is held in Lima on August 30th. This festival celebrates the patron saint of Lima and is marked by traditional dances, music, and processions.
• The Festival of the Lord of Huanca is held in the city of Huancayo on August 31st. This festival celebrates the patron saint of Huancayo and is marked by traditional dances, music, and processions.
• The Festival of the Lord of Luren is held in the city of Ica on August 31st. This festival celebrates the patron saint of Ica and is marked by traditional dances, music, and processions.

Peru in September

Weather

September in Peru is the start of autumn and the weather is generally mild. Temperatures in the coastal regions average around 20°C (68°F) and in the highlands around 10°C (50°F). The Andes Mountains can be cold and wet, so be sure to pack a warm jacket.

Events

• The Festival de la Vendimia in Ica celebrates the grape harvest season with parades, music, and traditional dances.
• The Fiesta de la Virgen de la Puerta in Cusco is a religious celebration that includes a procession of the Virgin Mary through the city.
• The Festival de la Primavera in Lima celebrates the arrival of spring with a parade, music, and traditional dances.
• The Lima International Film Festival showcases the best of Peruvian and international cinema.
• The Fiesta de la Candelaria in Puno is a religious celebration that includes a procession of the Virgin Mary through the city.

Peru in October

Weather

October in Peru is the start of the dry season, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit. The days are generally sunny and dry, with occasional showers in the afternoons.

Events

• The Inti Raymi Festival, also known as the Festival of the Sun, is celebrated on June 24 in Cusco. The festival is a celebration of the Incan sun god, Inti, and includes traditional music, dance, and costumes.
• The Lima International Book Fair is held in October at the Costa Verde Convention Center in Lima. The fair features book signings, lectures, and workshops, and is a great opportunity to learn about Peruvian literature.
• The National Day of Peru is celebrated on October 28. This day commemorates the anniversary of Peru’s independence from Spain in 1821.
• The International Music Festival of Cusco is held in October in Cusco. The festival features performances by local and international musicians, as well as traditional dances and art exhibitions.
• The Festival of the Lord of Miracles is held in Lima in October. The festival is a celebration of the Lord of Miracles, a painting of Jesus Christ that is said to have miraculous healing powers.

Peru in November

Weather

In November, Peru experiences mild temperatures, with average highs in the low 70s Fahrenheit (21-22°C) and lows in the mid-50s Fahrenheit (12-13°C). The dry season is in full swing, with very little rainfall.

Events

• All Souls’ Day (November 2nd): All Souls’ Day is a Catholic holiday that honors the dead. In Peru, people visit cemeteries to clean and decorate graves, and to bring food and flowers to the deceased.
• Independence Day (November 28th): Peru celebrates its independence from Spain on November 28th. Parades, fireworks, and other festivities take place throughout the country.
• Lima International Book Fair (November): The Lima International Book Fair takes place in November and showcases the best of Peruvian literature.
• The Festival of the Lord of Miracles (November 18th): This festival celebrates the Lord of Miracles, a painting of Jesus that was miraculously preserved from a devastating fire in 1655. The festival is celebrated with a procession and fireworks.
• Quechua New Year (November): The Quechua people of Peru celebrate their New Year in November. The celebration includes traditional music and dancing, as well as feasts and offerings to the gods.

Peru in December

Weather

December is the beginning of the summer season in Peru. The average temperature is around 24°C (75°F) and the humidity is usually high. The days are usually sunny but it can rain at times.

Events

• Christmas is celebrated in Peru on December 25th. People decorate their homes with lights and Christmas trees, and exchange gifts.
• The Inti Raymi Festival is celebrated in Cusco on June 24th. It is an ancient Inca festival that celebrates the winter solstice. It includes traditional dances and rituals.
• The Lima Jazz Festival takes place in December. It is a celebration of jazz music and culture, featuring local and international artists.
• The Festival of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated in Arequipa on December 8th. It is a religious festival that honors the Virgin Mary.
• The Festival of the Sun is celebrated in Puno on December 21st. It is a traditional festival that celebrates the winter solstice.