The best time to visit Peru

January is the wettest time to visit the Andes and Amazon, but is a fantastic time for soaking up the sunshine along the coast near Lima. Machu Picchu remains open, but it will be more challenging for those wishing to trek. January is a fantastic time for those wishing to combine Peru with the Galapagos Islands as waters are warm for snorkelling and mating rituals begin. The 6th January marks the ‘Feast of the Three Kings’, celebrated across Latin America with jubilant processions, music and dance.

February is carnival season in Peru with celebrations happening across the country. Head to Cajamarca for one of the biggest celebrations, or to Puno for a more traditional carnival. This is a fantastic time for surfing along the coast around Lima. However, if you are looking for trekking, the Inca Trail is closed through February for maintenance. It is also still extremely wet in the Amazon, but higher water levels on the river allow for you to reach areas that are inaccessible in other months of the year.

With dry weather and clear skies, March is still a wonderful time to visit the coast and inland cities like Arequipa and Cajamarca. Being the tail end of the rainy season, it is also a fantastic time for visiting the Gocta and Yumbilla waterfalls while they are at their most spectacular. Depending on the year, Easter may fall in March or April; visit at this time to see traditional, colourful, carnival celebrations all over Peru.

April marks the start of the dry season in the Andes with days of vibrant landscapes, endless sunshine, although there may still be the odd rain shower. This is a great time to explore the mountain regions, including Lake Titicaca and Cusco. Depending on the year, Easter may fall in March or April; visit at this time to see traditional, colourful, carnival celebrations all over Peru.

As the dry season begins, temperatures are comfortable and the countryside is vibrant from the rainy seasons. Explore Machu Picchu under bright blue skies, cruise on Lake Titicaca in the sun and discover everything Peru has to offer, before the crowds swarm. From May to September, Lima is shrouded in a dense fog, but the sun starts to break through the further along the coast you travel.

June is known for being a month of festivities in Peru, many of which lead up to Inti Raymi, a festival in Cuzco celebrating the Winter Solstice. Cooler temperatures and clear skies make June an ideal time for trekking. If you are looking to travel from June onwards, you need to start planning six to nine months in advance and up to 12 months if you wish to trek the Inca Trail. Rains start to ease in the rainforest, making a visit to the Amazon particularly attractive.

July is peak hiking season in the Andes. The ancient Incan capital of Cuzco, along with the nearby Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, become particularly busy. Avoid the crowds by heading to Chachapoyas to explore other spectacular, archaeological sites.

August is the coolest and driest month in the year, making it another peak month for trekking in highland areas such as Arequipa, Cuzco and Lake Titicaca. This is the perfect time for visiting the Amazon basin as the water levels are lower, there is better access to trails and there are great wildlife viewing opportunities.

As spring draws in, expect cloudy mornings which clear to blue skies in the afternoon. Showers become more likely as this is considered the shoulder season before the green season begins. Crowds start to disperse, meaning the Sacred Valley, Cuzco, the main treks to Machu Picchu and the Inca trail are quieter. Dry weather continues in the Amazon and temperatures start to rise.

This is the final month of dry weather before the wet season starts in the highlands, so make the most of the pleasant conditions by trekking to Machu Picchu. An abundance of birdlife and flora can also be discovered in Peru’s cloud forests. Head north of Lima to the beaches where temperatures are still warm, but crowds are lower than during peak season.

November marks the start of the dry season in the coastal regions of Peru. Lima can be hot and humid at this time, but further along the coast it is sunny with warm ocean temperatures for swimming. The Amazon basin has fewer crowds but is full of wildlife.

The coasts start to warm up and fill with tourists in the lead up to the festive season; make sure to book well in advance if you are planning to travel during this time. Machu Picchu is still open for trekking, but the trails can be quite wet. Water levels in the Amazon will be higher; wildlife may not venture as close to the river banks, but you can explore smaller tributaries that would otherwise be inaccessible.