All areas have their own particular climate and season in which they’re the most beautiful. The best time to visit Peru in all three areas of the region is in April or May.
Since Peru is in the southern hemisphere, traditions are against that of North America or Europe. The winter of Peru meets the summer of the American – and vice-versa. In Peru, there are hundreds of microclimates.
But you can expect to encounter three climate zones in Peru. The time differs significantly across the land because of these different landscapes: mountains, coast, and jungle.
Climate of Peru by region:
North Coast – The best time to visit Peru in the Northern region is June-November. Temperatures range from 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 27 degrees Celsius to sometimes lower than 10 degrees Celsius at night.
During the summer months ( December through February ), expect heavy rainfall. The rainy season of the north coast is November through March, but it can rain any day. The rain is a result of cold fronts moving down from the Andes mountains.
The best time to go to the northern coast would be June through September, it rarely rains during this period, but it can’t be guaranteed not to rain on your vacation.
Even if you get caught on a rainy day, there are plenty of water sports and other fun activities that you can do outdoors.
The beach is a great place to visit when it’s sunny weather, like Huanchaco beach north of Trujillo city or the beautiful Máncora on the northern coast.
Central Coast – If you plan to visit Central Peru during summer ( December through February), expect heavy rainfall. Then again Central coast gets rain every month of the year.
The rainy season for the central coast is from November to March, but it can get rained on any day of the year, and a surprise thunderstorm is always possible.
The best times to visit Central Coast are December through February or June through September. During these two periods, it’s not as hot, but it can be cold.
Best time to travel to the coast of Peru (beaches)
would be December through February because it’s less hot. ( It gets scorching in May & June )
The rainy season of the central coast is November to March. The heavy rain also brings strong winds, which usually last a couple of days and cause destruction to nearby homes and beach areas.
The best place for surfing would be October through March is considered the Summer months in Peru. The ocean breeze and warm water make this a great place. Although it usually rains, it does break between its rain showers.
With many beautiful beaches located along the coast, and is one of the best places to visit in Peru. If you expect to visit the beaches from May to September, there may be less sun than you anticipated.
You can typically expect intense, dense fog at the coast and the beach areas called La Garuda. The rain gets to the edges even though it usually wears off over time.
Visit Peru in January – April
The Inka route is closed for February.
Lima – The best time to visit Lima in Central Peru is December through May. This period still has warm weather but not as hot as April, July – September.
It will be hot and humid during summer due to La Garua fog approaching from the ocean. When you arrive, expect heavy rain at times, and temperatures can get up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit ( 39 degrees Celsius ).
The rainy season for Lima is October through March, just like everywhere else on this list, so if you want sunny days, do not visit during this time. It also rains more often than any other region of Peru because of its coastal location.
The summer months bring tropical storms from June to August that are dangerous and unpredictable when traveling around the Lima area.
The coast – The best time to visit the coast of Peru is December through February because it’s not so hot, usually snowing in winter and raining in summer, but you still get plenty of sun.
Peru has a mild tropical climate but can still change with the seasons. During the summer months (January – April), there are warmer days but at night, expect colder temperatures due to the cold Humboldt ocean current that runs down from Antarctica and next to Peru’s coast.
Machu Picchu remains open but is more difficult for trekkers. Generally known as a popular tourist time for people looking to combine Peru with the Galapagos Islands.
As February is over, the trail will reopen, and more tourists begin arriving as the celebration comes. ” The Andes and the Amazon are the wettest time to visit the Andes. The Amazon and the Andes get drenched in the Wet.
Best time to travel to the Andes (mountains)
Fall ( September to November ) and Spring ( May to July ), the mountain weather is perfect for outdoor activities.
Summer in the Andes of Peru gets very hot, sometimes reaching 60 degrees Celsius or more. Daytime temperature in Lima during the summer season ranges from 15-35 degrees Celsius, evenings are cool at 10-15 degrees Celsius.
Summer is best to visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas and make your way down for a fabulous celebration in honor of The Virgin of Charity. (July 24-30) If you plan on climbing, hiking, or trekking in Peru during this time, you must always bring along extra water and supplies when hiking.
During the winter months ( July to September ), temperatures range from 0-15 degrees Celsius. The freezing nighttime temperature might be uncomfortable but very doable, especially if you have a sleeping bag or thermal blanket.
If you plan to travel through multiple Peru regions, it’s best to travel in June-September because this is when the weather is the best for traveling in Peru.
During this time of year, it’s not uncommon to cross paths with an occasional tourist who enjoys hiking and exploring ancient ruins, but keep in mind that some trails become more difficult to traverse during the rainy season.
Best time to travel to Amazon Rainforest
The rainy season in the Amazon Rainforest Peru starts in November and ends in April. During this time of year ( February to March ), if you plan on visiting the rivers with a group, it’s recommended that you bring along extra supplies such as gasoline, food items, and water.
It’s impossible to escape getting rained on, so expect to get wet during your trip because the rainforest has many thick trees, rivers, and vines blocking the sun’s rays. Although it rains for a few hours, it doesn’t last long, especially towards late afternoon, the clouds will start to clear out.
Should you plan on taking an Amazon river tour or fly over in a helicopter when visiting the jungle areas of Peru, this time of year is best. You can also make your way to many indigenous communities located deep within the Amazon Rainforest.
The amazon gets colder in the evenings and is more comfortable bringing warm clothing such as hiking pants and jackets that wick away moisture from your body, keeping you dry. A small blanket or sleeping bag may come in handy if you plan on
You can expect a good amount of humidity for most of the year. You need to explore this jungle anytime between May and October. If you want to explore in the rain, you can too get cool temperatures.
Peru is a beautiful place with many complex features. Particularly when it involves the weather, it can handle any season no matter where you will visit. You can work with any season of your travel in Peru.
Best time to go to the coast/desert
The Peruvian coast provides the capital city of Lima, the beaches of Mancora and Piura. The Sechura Desert includes the northern border with Peru, along the coast, and the foothill of the Andes Mountains. To the east of Peru are tropical regions.
The hot weather in Lima and other coastal areas can be unbearable during the summer season. That’s why it is recommended to visit these places any time between October and March, where temperatures range from 13-35 degrees Celsius, It is perfect for travelers who want to escape the cold winter months or want to get some sun without getting burned.
The daytime temperature increases by 5 degrees every day after sunrise until noon when the thermometer starts dropping down 5 degrees each afternoon until night time arrives.
A place not often visited by tourists but worth its beauty is the Máncora Beach area located right on the equator. You’ll meet many friendly locals from all over the world due to its unique attraction as a surfers paradise.
If you want to enjoy the beautiful desert region of Peru in Pisco is a perfect place for travelers who want to visit archaeological sites, preserved nature, and wildlife such as monkeys, birds, and many different kinds of animals.
During the summer season ( December to February ), the weather is very sunny, with temperatures ranging from 22-33 degrees Celsius that makes it ideal for hiking through the mountainous terrain, going on surfing trips, visiting archeological sites, and even doing horseback riding along its coastal beaches located between Pica and Chilca.
During the winter months ( June to September ), temperatures range from 10-20 degrees Celsius. Still, they are best suited for travelers wanting to escape the cold winters or just looking for some sun without getting burned due to lack of humidity.
The daytime temperature increases by 5 degrees every day after sunrise until noon when the thermometer starts dropping down 5 degrees each afternoon until night time arrives.
Looking to escape capitals cities and visit smaller towns, villages, or indigenous communities located on Lima’s mountains? January to March is the best time for you to make your way towards these areas since it gets boiling so plan and book early! ( Hotels are expensive at that time because of New Year’s Eve celebrations ).
Peru has a lot to offer in terms of nature and wildlife but does Peru have a wet season/dry season? All-year-round rains can be expected, ranging from 75-250mm throughout the Amazon Rainforest.
What’s more, it gets freezing in the Andes, so that you can expect snowfalls during the winter season.
Climate for Peru’s major cities:
Lima – Hot/Humid all year round ( Sun with little Humidity )
Cusco – Cool, Sunny, and Dry in Summer ( June to August ) and Rainy in Winter ( December to March )
Mancora – Warm but not as humid as Lima, no seasonal rhythm of rains. It is a tropical dry climate.
Chimbote – Rainy all year round with temperatures ranging from 20-30 degrees Celsius making it warm enough for an ideal vacation during summer months. ( January to May ). Chimbote has very high humidity because of its proximity to the ocean therefore
A great base to study archaeological mysteries, stellar surfing experiences, and exciting wildlife, head to the coast to the most beautiful cities and desert destinations of Nazca Lines, Paracas, and Huacachina.
The best time to visit Bolivia
Between May and October, the high season has less rainfall and more blue skies. It’s cooler at this time of year but a much better time to hike and experience nature.
It’s great news for those who want to combine a trip to Peru with time in Bolivia. And also for visitors who don’t want to subject themselves to high season crowds (Carnival is in February).
The climate in Bolivia is favorable year-round. The average temperature averages around 19 degrees Celsius, and there are only very few rainy days per month on average. It’s a good idea to take light clothing with you that can be layered up when needed.
Their summer lasts from December through March, and then temperatures drop significantly during winter months, April through November.
It gets cool and cold during this time, so make sure you pack plenty of warm clothes for lower regions such as Potosí or La Paz altitudes ranging 5,000 meters above sea level.
Nevertheless, the cities of Sucre, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz are warmer, with temperatures topping 29-30 degrees Celsius during summer and averaging around 14-24 degrees Celsius during winter.
Climate for Bolivia’s major cities:
Santa Cruz – Hot all year round ( Rainy January to February )
La Paz – Warm but not as humid as Santa Cruz, no seasonal rhythm of rains. It is a tropical dry climate.
Cochabamba – Average temperatures range from 20-25 degrees Celsius throughout the year, making it a great option even during winter months since nights get cold (A perfect time to visit Lake Titicaca ).
Potosi – Cold and snowy but perfect during summer months ( December to May ) when it gets hot in the lower regions of La Paz or Coch
Most must-see attractions in this country include The Copacabana and Lake Titicaca La Paz Salt Flats, and the Amazon.
It is the most popular destination for tourists worldwide with some of the most popular attractions in this land being Amazonas. Generally, it’s best to visit Bolivia between October and May.
Best time to visit Lima
During the Lima season, it is the best time to visit Lima and its coastal city. Specifically, Lima and his surrounding coast have the driest and hotter days. But December and January are absolutely the best time to visit the capital.
There are things to do in Lima that are best: the rainforest or Andes and some days in town before going to another destination.
The climate in Lima:
Lima – Hot/Humid throughout the year with a small seasonal rhythm of rains ( December to March ).
The climate for Peru’s major cities:
Cusco – Cool, sunny, and dry all year round ( Sun with little Humidity )
Mancora – Warm but not as humid as Lima, no seasonal rhythm of rains. It is a tropical dry climate.
Chimbote – Rainy all year round with temperatures ranging from 20-30 degrees Celsius making it warm enough for an ideal vacation during summer months.
( January to May ). Chimbote has very high humidity because of its proximity to the ocean. Therefore, expect great weather to make sure you take light clothing with you.
Trujillo – Cool all year round with temperatures ranging from 18-25 degrees Celsius during summer months and only slight changes throughout winter ( December to May ). Trujillo is a great alternative for those who want to avoid the humidity of the south coast. ***
Check out my list of the 19 best things you can do in Peru when you have time – below is a list to find the best day trips -. Click here for the best Lima trip and the best Peru trip.
Best time to go to Lake Titicaca
The best time to visit Titicaca Lake is during this dry season in the Andes from April-October. Sunsets by Lake are created of thin air and are unique in color in the sky.
The lake’s depth gives the viewer more information about the cultures that remain the main ” inhabitants of this place.
You can always choose to go in July and August, the two driest months of the year. These are also the most popular months. The sunsets are spectacular, and the weather is perfect.
The rainy season – November to March is a great time for birdwatching, taking a boat trip on Lake Titicaca, or exploring some of the mountains surrounding the Bolivian Andes, such as Sajama National Park, which is ancient (15 million years).
For the best way to see the lake after Machu Picchu, add to the list of archaeological treasures of Peru’s Region of Perucoayas situated in the middle of Peru.
