The best time to visit Peru
Maximise your time in Peru with our information on weather, peak and off-peak seasons.
Peru – when to go
Peru is located just south of the equator and has two main seasons: dry and wet. When it comes to most of the country, the best time to travel is in the dry season.
This guide will give you information on:
Best time to visit Peru
Dry season: May to October.
Wet season: November to April, with January to April likely to be the wettest.
- The best time to visit the highlands, home to the Andes and the Inca Trail, is during the dry season, between May and October. Daytime temperatures are mild, between 20–25°C, but nights at higher elevations get very cold, particularly between June and July. January and February are very wet and the Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance, although you can still access Machu Picchu, the famous Incan citadel.
- The Amazon jungle is hot and humid throughout the year, though better May to October, when temperatures reach 30–38°C during the day. Although it's rainy year round, the wet season (November to April) brings more frequent showers.
- If you're heading for the desert coast, including Lima, the country's capital, summer (December to April) is hot and sunny, with temperatures around 25–35°C. It's cooler but still humid between April to November, and the coast tends to be shrouded in mist. Swimming is possible throughout the year, but the water is always chilly as a result of the Humboldt Current, and very cold in winter. Consider wearing a wetsuit.
Peak and off-peak seasons
Low season: December to February.Peak season: June to August.
Shoulder season: September to November and March to May.
Public holidays in Peru
- January 1 – New Year's Day (Año Nuevo)
- March/April – Maundy (or Holy) Thursday (Jueves Santo)
- March/April – Good Friday (Viernes Santo)
- May 1 – Labour Day (Dia de los Trabajadores)
- June 29 – Feast of St Peter and St Paul (Día de San Pedro y San Pablo)
- July 28-29 – Independence Day and Independence Day Holiday (Día de la Independencia)
- August 30 – St Rose of Lima Day (Día de Santa Rosa de Lima)
- October 8 – Battle of Angamos (Batalla de Angamos)
- November 1 – All Saints' Day (Día de Todos los Santos)
- December 8 – Immaculate Conception (Dia de la Purísima Concepción)
- December 24 – Christmas Eve (Noche Buena) – half-day holiday
- December 25 – Christmas Day (Navidad)
10 things to know before you go to Peru
Learn about safety precautions, how to dress for the Peruvian climate, and foods to try.
Getting to Peru
Key information on flights from Australia, as well as how to get there by land or water.
Money and currency in Peru
Get the most out of your cash in Peru with these handy tips.
The essential guide to Macchu Picchu
Everything you need to know if you're heading to Machu Picchu.