Best Time to Visit Peru: Weather, Seasons and Responsible Travel

The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, from May to October, when the Andes and the Amazon are at their most accessible and skies are clearest. For a balance of good weather and fewer crowds, the shoulder months—April, May, September, and October—are ideal. That said, the "best" time depends on which region you plan to explore and what you want to do: the coast, the highlands, and the rainforest each have different peak seasons.

In this guide we break down the best time to visit Peru by region, cover Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, explain the rainy season, and share tips for avoiding crowds and travelling responsibly.

Best time to visit Peru by region

Peru has three main climatic zones, so timing your trip by region matters.

Region / Activity	Best time to visit	Key points
Coast (Lima, beaches)	December – April	Warm, sunny days; ideal for city breaks and surfing. May–Oct: garúa (grey skies).
Highlands (Cusco, Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca)	May – October	Dry days, clear skies, cool nights. June–Aug = peak; Apr, May, Sept, Oct = fewer crowds.
Machu Picchu & Inca Trail	May – October	Dry trails, clear views. Inca Trail closed Feb. Quarry Trail or train still possible.
Amazon (Iquitos, Tambopata, Manu)	May – October	Lower water levels, walkable trails, easier wildlife spotting. Nov–Apr: lush but wet.

Coast (Lima and the beaches)

Along the Pacific, the best time is December to April, when Lima and the beaches see warm, sunny days. From May to October, a damp haze called garúa often blankets the coast, especially in Lima; it rarely rains heavily, but skies can be grey. If you want sunshine on the coast, plan for the southern summer (Dec–Apr). Surf season on the north coast also peaks in the austral summer, so beach and city breaks pair well in this window.

Highlands (Cusco, Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca)

The highlands are at their best from May to October: dry days, clear skies, and cool nights. June to August is peak season—expect more visitors and higher prices. April, May, September, and October offer similar conditions with fewer crowds. Bring layers; nights can be cold, especially at altitude. Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Lake Titicaca are all at their most comfortable and photogenic in this window.

Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail

The classic window is May to October. Trails are dry, views are clear, and the Inca Trail is open (except for annual maintenance, usually in February). If you want to avoid the busiest period, aim for April, May, September, or October. In February the Inca Trail is closed; the Quarry Trail or train-only visits to Machu Picchu are still possible.

Amazon (Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado, Tambopata)

The rainforest is best visited from May to October, when water levels are lower, trails are walkable, and wildlife is easier to spot. The wet season (November–April) brings lush scenery and fewer tourists, but rain and mosquitoes increase. If you prefer drier conditions and easier hiking, stick to the dry months. Lodges in Tambopata, Manu, or Iquitos can be visited year-round; timing mainly affects how much you'll walk versus travel by boat.

Best time for Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail

For Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, the dry season (May–October) is the clear favourite. Visibility is best, paths are in good condition, and you avoid the heaviest rain. June to August is the busiest period: book permits and accommodation well in advance. For a quieter experience with similar weather, April, May, September, and October are excellent.

Note that the Inca Trail closes every year in February for maintenance and regeneration. If you travel in February, you can still reach Machu Picchu by train or choose the Quarry Trail or other alternatives. Plan ahead so you're not caught out by the closure. Permits for the classic Inca Trail sell out weeks or months in advance in peak season, so book as soon as your dates are set.

Rainy season in Peru: pros and cons

The rainy season runs from November to April, with the wettest period often in February. There are good reasons to consider it: the highlands and Amazon are at their greenest, visitor numbers drop, and prices can be lower. If you're flexible and don't mind some rain, you can have a rewarding trip and support local communities in the low season.

Drawbacks include frequent afternoon showers in the Andes, muddier trails, and less reliable visibility at Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail is closed in February. If your main goal is trekking or clear views of the ruins, the dry season is the safer bet; if you prioritise fewer crowds and lush landscapes, the shoulder of the rainy season (November or March–April) can work well. Many travellers combine a few days in the highlands with the coast or Amazon, so you can mix seasons within one trip.

Advantages	Drawbacks
Lush, green landscapes (Highlands & Amazon)	Frequent afternoon showers in the Andes
Fewer tourists and lower prices	Muddier trails for trekking
Support local communities in low season	Less reliable visibility at Machu Picchu
Combine with coast or Amazon to vary weather	Inca Trail closed in February

Best time to avoid crowds and save money

To avoid the busiest periods and often get better rates, target the shoulder months: April, May, September, and October. You'll still get dry weather in the highlands and Amazon in May and September–October, with fewer people at Machu Picchu and on popular routes. April can be a mix of late rain and drying conditions—worth considering if you want greener scenery and quieter sites.

For the greenest landscapes with fewer tourists, March and April are ideal: the rains are tailing off, the countryside is lush, and you're ahead of the main dry-season rush.

Month	Weather	Crowds & tips
April	Rain easing, green valleys, sunny spells	Before peak; good for Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu
May	Start of dry season, strong trekking conditions	Calm before high season; book permits a few weeks ahead
September	Dry, warm days, mostly clear	Often the best all-round month: weather + fewer crowds
October	Mix of sun and showers, Andes still relatively dry	Good value, quieter than June–August

What to pack for Peru

What you pack depends on the regions and the season. In the highlands, layers are essential: warm days and cold nights. For the coast, bring sun protection and light layers. In the Amazon, long sleeves and insect repellent help. For a detailed packing list—including for Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, and the Amazon—see our dedicated guide: What to pack for Peru.

Responsible travel in Peru

Travelling responsibly in Peru means supporting local communities, choosing operators that respect the environment and culture, and minimising your impact. Whether you're visiting Machu Picchu, the Amazon, or hidden gems in South America, opt for small-group or community-based experiences where possible. Look for operators that work with local guides and contribute to conservation and community projects.

At Travel Differently we focus on ecotourism and responsible trips in Peru and across South America, from lodges in the Amazon to community stays in the Andes. If you'd like to plan a trip that fits the best time to visit Peru and your interests, get in touch—we'd be happy to help you design an itinerary that matches the season and your pace.

In short: the best time to visit Peru for most travellers is the dry season (May–October), with September and October often the best all-round compromise—good weather, fewer crowds than June–August, and ideal conditions for Machu Picchu and the highlands. Whatever season you choose, a bit of planning and the right packing will set you up for an unforgettable trip.