When to Visit Peru

Traditionally, the 'best' time to visit Peru would be limited to the months which are driest and warmest, but it's not that simple in this particular South American country. Due to Peru's altitude, the country has a fascinating series of microclimates, which means the 'best' time to visit one region may not overlap with the 'best' months to visit another. The weather you can anticipate will largely depend on which region of the country you choose to explore: the Andes or Andean plateau, the Amazon jungle, or the Peruvian coastline. If you're exploring more than one section of the country, then be sure to pack accordingly.

The high tourism season is from June to August — this overlaps with summer vacation in North America and Europe. It’s also a cooler and drier season in the Andean highlands, and thus is a good time to get outside and explore. This is the time of year when most people go trekking along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. You can actually explore the highlands all year long, but because the wettest months are usually from December through March, visiting during this time of year can involve a bit of mud. Come prepared with good shoes and a rain jacket and you’ll be fine.

Peru’s dry coast is the hottest and most humid from December through March. In Southern and Central Peru, the coast can be covered in fog throughout the rest of the year. The Northern Coast typically sees more sun and can be enjoyed year-round.

It rains throughout the year in the eastern Amazon Rainforest, although the rain typically only falls for a few hours at a time. This means that you can still get outside and enjoy some sunshine each day. The wettest months are from December through May.

If you're hoping for a culturally immersive experience, then forget about the weather, and focus on the time of year the holidays and festivals you want to observe and participate in are. Some of the exciting events you can head to Peru for include:

• Semana Santa — 'Easter Week.'

• Dia de los Muertos — 'Day of The Dead.'

• National Pisco Day.

No matter which time of year you visit, you'll have a variety of transportation options for getting to Peru. Though most international travelers fly, it is possible to reach the country by land and sea as well. To enter Peru, you'll need little more than your passport. However, once you arrive, you'll be issued a card verifying your right to travel within the country. You'll also want to keep a copy of your passport and return ticket handy. Learn more...