gowhereandwhen.comFor the Andes and Machu Picchu, go in the dry season, May to September, when skies are clear and trails are open. The wet season, November to March, brings rain and cloud, and the Inca Trail closes each February.
A 0 to 100 comfort rating from daytime heat, overnight chill, rainfall and storm risk, for Cusco. Higher is better. Some booking links earn us a commission, at no extra cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Apr.
Other months to compare; prices and crowds depend on your destination and dates.
Rainy season.
The year at a glance
Peru is really three countries in one, and Cusco, the gateway to Machu Picchu in the Andes, anchors the ratings. The highland dry season, from May to September, brings clear blue skies and crisp days, ideal for trekking, though nights are cold and the sun is intense at altitude.
The wet season runs November to March, with afternoon rain, cloud over the peaks and a greener landscape, and the classic Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance. The coast around Lima and the Amazon jungle follow their own patterns, so the best month depends on where you go.
Peru month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Cusco.
JanuaryMild and wet.Great 60
- Daytime high
- 20°C / 68°F
- Overnight low
- 7°C / 45°F
- Rainfall
- 145 mm
Mild and wet.
FebruaryMild and wet.Great 66
- Daytime high
- 20°C / 68°F
- Overnight low
- 7°C / 45°F
- Rainfall
- 130 mm
Mild and wet.
MarchMild with a little rain.Ideal 74
- Daytime high
- 20°C / 68°F
- Overnight low
- 7°C / 45°F
- Rainfall
- 110 mm
Mild with a little rain.
AprilMild and dryIdeal 100
- Daytime high
- 21°C / 70°F
- Overnight low
- 5°C / 41°F
- Rainfall
- 45 mm
Mild and dry.
MayMild and dry.Ideal 98
- Daytime high
- 21°C / 70°F
- Overnight low
- 3°C / 37°F
- Rainfall
- 10 mm
Mild and dry.
JuneMild and dry.Ideal 94
- Daytime high
- 20°C / 68°F
- Overnight low
- 1°C / 34°F
- Rainfall
- 5 mm
Mild and dry.
JulyMild and dry.Ideal 92
- Daytime high
- 20°C / 68°F
- Overnight low
- 0°C / 32°F
- Rainfall
- 5 mm
Mild and dry.
AugustMild and dry.Ideal 94
- Daytime high
- 21°C / 70°F
- Overnight low
- 1°C / 34°F
- Rainfall
- 8 mm
Mild and dry.
SeptemberMild and dryIdeal 100
- Daytime high
- 21°C / 70°F
- Overnight low
- 4°C / 39°F
- Rainfall
- 20 mm
Mild and dry.
OctoberMild and dryIdeal 100
- Daytime high
- 22°C / 72°F
- Overnight low
- 6°C / 43°F
- Rainfall
- 45 mm
Mild and dry.
NovemberMild with a little rain.Ideal 88
- Daytime high
- 22°C / 72°F
- Overnight low
- 7°C / 45°F
- Rainfall
- 75 mm
Mild with a little rain.
DecemberMild and wet.Great 70
- Daytime high
- 21°C / 70°F
- Overnight low
- 7°C / 45°F
- Rainfall
- 120 mm
Mild and wet.
Where you go changes when you go
Cusco and the Andes
Dry, clear and cold-nighted from May to September, the prime window for Machu Picchu and high-altitude trekking.
Lima and the coast
A grey, misty overcast hangs over Lima for much of the year, lifting into warm, sunny summer from December to March.
The Amazon
Hot and humid year round. The drier months from May to September make for easier hiking and wildlife spotting.
Best time to visit Peru for
Machu Picchu and trekking
May to September, the dry season, with the clearest skies and most reliable trails. June to August is the busy peak.
The Inca Trail
May to September for the firmest, driest conditions. Note that the trail closes every February, so plan around it.
The coast and Lima
December to March, the coastal summer, when the grey lifts and the beaches warm up.
Fewer crowds
The shoulder months of April, May, September and October offer good weather with thinner trails than midsummer.
What is on, and when
Inti Raymi, June
Cusco stages the great Inca festival of the sun on 24 June, the highlight of the highland calendar.
Dry-season skies, May to Sep
Clear blue Andean skies make this the prime window for Machu Picchu and trekking.
Watch out
Rainy season
Jan to Feb.
Where to stay in Peru
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Good to know
What is the best time to visit Peru and Machu Picchu?
When does the Inca Trail close?
Why is Lima always grey?
Where else, and when
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