The Weather in
Peru

Peru's diverse geography means that its seasons are slightly less than straightforward. The country falls in the southern hemisphere in the tropical and subtropical belts of South America, meaning most of the country has two seasons – wet and dry. Summer is wetter, winter is drier. The rainy season happens between December and February and this is the quietest time for travellers everywhere except on the coast, where sunny weather makes it the most popular time of year for beach activities.

The dry season is between June and August making this the most popular time for hiking the Inca Trail and visiting Machu Picchu - and it’s important to book these activities as far in advance as possible (Inca Trail permits in particular can sell out months in advance). It is also the driest time in the Amazon Jungle, making it better for wildlife viewing, although be aware it is hot and humid in the jungle year-round. The coast, by contrast, is generally cool and misty though usually there is no need for more than a sweater at most.

On either side of the dry season, the winter shoulder seasons (May, September-October) provide a compromise, with fewer travellers than the height of the dry season and the occasional rainstorms in the highlands.

Important!

The Inca Trail is closed for the month of February for maintenance, so those wishing to complete the hike should travel outside this month.

Group tour traveller takes a photo and a llama sneak in the pic

Female solo tourist on holiday with a group travel trip on the Inca Trail hike enroute to Machu Picchu, Peru

Couple of adventure travellers look in awe of their surroundings as they sit overlooking acient Machu Picchu ruins

weather chart info for holidays to Peru's capital, Lima

Best Time to Visit
Peru

Choosing the best time to visit Peru will depend on the route you take and the activities that are most important to you, so take a look at your tour map or adapt your tailor-made route to suit, in consultation with your Tucan Travel expert.
If budget is a factor, flights will be most expensive around the high season of Christmas, Easter and May-October.

Arguably, the months of March-April (post Easter) and September-November offer the best of both worlds if you’re planning on travelling as much of the country as possible. There’d be slightly more unsettled weather than the dry season, but fewer travellers around too.

Festivals and Public Holidays

The people of Peru enjoy an extremely busy cultural calendar, with around 3,000 festivals celebrated throughout the year - though not all are official public holidays!

New Year’s Day

1 January - is marked with a public holiday.

Colourful celebrations also travel souvenirs for holiday makers from Lake Titicaca located near Puno, Peru

February

2 February mark Candlemas, celebrated throughout Peru with folk music and dancing, particularly in Puno at the Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria and in the mountain regions

holiday tourists visit as local natives sings and dance on the reed islands on lake titicaca near puno, peru

Feb - Mar

As a predominantly Roman Catholic country, Peru follows many of the church’s celebrations, including its very own Carnaval, a smaller version of the elaborate events held in Brazil on the days preceding the beginning of Lent. Carnaval in Peru is marked with parades, dancing, partying and water fights and falls in February and March (dates change year to year).

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Adventure travelers discover local carnival parade with entertainers and dancers celebrating

April

Semana Santa (holy week) is the week leading up to Easter and is celebrated with stunning religious processions, particularly spectacular in Cusco.

Adventure travel seekers use cusco as a hub for stopping when enroute to various famous landmarks or Peru

May

Another public holiday occurs on Labour Day, the 1st of May.

Colourful costume from a peruvian entertainer in a parade celebrating Labour Day

June

Inti Raymi in late June is the greatest of the Inca celebrations, marking the winter solstice. At Sacsayhuamen ruins at Cusco, it is marked by an elaborate Inca play with vibrant costumes and characters from Incan mythology and history including the sun god, the Inca Queen and the high priest.

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Adventure travel group tour visits ancient Incan ruins in Ollantaytambo whilst on their way toMachu Picchu, Peru holidays

June

On the 29th of June, Catholics celebrate the Feast of St Peter and St Paul.

Peruvian market stalls selling local fruit and vegetables, explore when on a holiday tour to Peru

July

Fiestas Patrias (National Independence Days) are celebrated on 28 and 29 July.

Peruvian musical instruments in a local market stalls are great for holiday makers to explore and find unique souvenirs

Aug - Oct

Saint Rosa of Lima occurs on 30 August, then Angamos Battle on 8 October

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Plaza de Armas is the main square in Lima the capital of Peru located in the South West and is also the largest city

November

All Saints Day on 1 November is followed immediately by All Souls Day on 2 November, where Peruvians commemorate the passing of loved ones and honour their ancestors.