What Seasons does Peru have?

The Coast

The coastal region known as la costa, has a dry hot climate all year round, with temperatures reaching 45 C (110 F) from December through April, so it's perfect for soaking up some sunshine and sipping on a local beer or Pisco Sour. Temperatures are milder and more humid throughout the winter months of May through October. During this time of year, much of the coast, especially Lima, is covered in a misty, fog called “garua”, which keeps the temperature low. The weather on the Peruvian coast is very different from the Andes. In the coastal areas, we find a sub-tropical climate with high humidity and very little rainfall. The warmest months on the Peruvian coast are January and February. Peruvian summer on the coast is characterized by hot, humid, and sunny conditions, with occasional afternoon and nocturnal rain showers. 

 

Huanchaco, North Peruvian Coast

The Andes

Further inland in the highlands of The Andes, the Andean region (la Sierra) has more or less cold temperatures depending on the altitude. There are two distinctive seasons: wet and dry. The dry season is between April and October, but even the mountains' wet season isn't always really wet and the dry season sees its share of downpours. Temperatures during the day in the dry season can get hot as 20°C-25°C, (68°F to 77°F). At night, temperatures can drop quickly and a warm sweater or fleece is essential, particularly in June and July.

Expect heavy rains from December to March, with January and February being the months with the worst rainfall. Between 18°C-20°C (64°F and 68°F) during the day, and 15°C (59°F) at night, the weather is a little more bearable at this time. On days with a higher concentration of passing rain clouds, the mornings are generally dry. This is something to bear in mind if you are visiting Cusco, Machu Picchu, Arequipa, or Puno.

 

Salkantay Mountain in Winter (Dry Season)

The Jungle

The eastern area of Peru is covered by the Peruvian section of the Amazon rainforest. It has a hot and humid climate throughout the year, but humidity and rain increase from December through March. Peru Amazon experiences include rain, heat, and more rain and heat! The average daytime temperature is 30-32° C (85-90° F), while nights can cool down to 20° C (68° F). They do have a wet and wetter season with the ”dry” season corresponding with the dry season in the highlands. In the region around the Manu National Park and Tambopata Reserve of Peru, there are two seasons: the dry season during the months of May – September, and the wet season from October – April. Be aware of the fact that there are more mosquitos in the wetter months of the year, so hikes and explorations of the rainforest are better done in the dry season.

 

Peruvian Amazon

What is the Weather Like in Peru?

As we have mentioned, there are three distinct regions in Peru and each region has its own distinct climate, which makes it difficult to define the absolute best time to visit Peru if you’re traveling all over the country. Instead of having a Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter, Peru simply has wet and dry, when it comes to seasons.

 

Rainy Season in Peru

The rainy season runs from November to March and is exclusively in The Amazon Rainforest and The Andes. The coast enjoys dry, hot weather and it is the height of Summer. In the highlands, the rolling scorched hilltops become green with the heavy rainfall, and flowers come into bloom, however, trekking conditions are muddy and certain routes are prone to landslides, for example, Choquequirao and The lower regions of The Salkantay Trek. The very high regions of Peru can also result in heavy snowfall, fog, and misty conditions. Don´t be surprised to find Rainbow Mountain under a blanket of snow, for example! The roads to The Amazon are generally unpassable and washed out, and animals take cover from the heavy rains. So it's best to avoid the jungle from December to March.

 

Rainy Season Orchid At Machu Picchu

 

Dry Season in Peru

The dry season runs from April to October, which just happens to fall during winter in Peru. This is a wonderful time to visit, with warm sunny days and fresh cold nights, especially at high elevations. Temperatures often drop below zero in places like Cusco, Lake Titicaca, and Colca Canyon. This time of the year is also peak season, as it coincides with summer holidays in the Northern Hemisphere, so book well in advance to ensure the availability of tours.

 

Shoulder Season

If you want to avoid the large queues and crowds of other eager sightseeing tourists and enjoy reasonable weather, then visit during the "shoulder seasons" in April, May, September, or October, as these months fall right before and after the rainy season. Conditions are better with a temperate climate and the tourist crowds have yet to arrive. Prices are generally reasonable too!

 

Peru really can be visited all year round, with every season offering a unique experience of its own. The rainy season may be the wettest, but it’s also the warmest time of the year, with showers often only lasting a few hours. The coast is the best region to visit during this time. Traveling in the low season also means fewer crowds and queues of tourists; more stunning, greener scenery; and lower-cost flights and accommodation. The dry season is better for visiting the highlands where most of Peru´s attractions are based, as well as the Amazon Rainforest. The coastal region is, however, a lot colder, being winter, so if you are searching for the sun on the coast, head North to Mancora, Punta Sal, and the numerous beautiful beaches of Piura. The weather will naturally impact your trip in some way. But fog, rain, sun, or blue skies, in a country like Peru, the landscape, nature, history, culture, and people always remain beautifully fascinating.

 

Rainy Amazon Jungle

 

When is the best Time to Visit Peru?

Depending on the activities you want to do, Peru has plenty to do all year round. If you enjoy trekking, then from June to September is ideal. Remember to book the Inca Trail way in advance as permits sell out almost a year in advance! Other treks are a better option if you are traveling last minute. June also sees  Peru´s biggest festivals such as Inti Raymi, Qollor Riti, and Corpus Cristi in Cusco. July is "Fiestas Patrias" or Independence Day in Peru. Traditional religious festivals, such as Christmas, New Year, and Easter also see a fiesta around every corner of Peru! February is Virgen de La Candelaria, one of the biggest folklore festivals in the country. A recommendation is that if you plan to travel in high season or winter, then make sure you book way ahead of time as hotels, Inca Trail, flights and are booked up. If you are traveling in Summer, we recommend that you still to the coast, with warm sunny days, wine festivals, great surf, and a generally relaxed chilled vibe. Popular Northern beach towns get booked up and prices rise during this time, however. 

* Our top tip? Visit during the shoulder seasons when the weather is usually fine, there are not too many people, things are not booked out, and most regions have some excellent activities going on!

 

Llama Bad Hair Day!

So, now you know you know a little more about the seasons in Peru and what to expect on your South American visit! Peru is a country that has something for everyone and depending on your interests, you can enjoy your vacation wherever you may be in the country! We have covered optimum times for certain activities and weather conditions in the different regions of Peru. If you have any questions about the seasons, the best time to visit, the weather conditions, in fact anything! ... contact us here!