Peru is a country with a rich cultural variety. Its customs and traditions are celebrated throughout the year, and the best time to visit depends on the destination and activities planned. Below, we explain the best months to travel to the various attractions of this wonderful country.
Traveling to Peru is undoubtedly one of the best experiences a visitor can have, thanks to the cultural diversity in Peru. Festivities and celebrations occur throughout the year; however, organizing trips with various factors in mind is always necessary.
It is possible to travel to Peru throughout the year, but it is important to consider the destination; if you are visiting mountains, the southeast jungle, or the Andes mountain range, or if you plan to go trekking, hiking, and camping, it is advisable to travel between May and October, which is the dry season in the highlands and the Amazon.
Another factor to consider is the destination, as Peru hosts a variety of festivities that take place throughout the year.
In Cusco, the best months to visit are between May and October, as it is the dry season, which allows visiting the major tourist attractions without weather inconveniences. Additionally, during these months, the largest festivals in Cusco, such as Corpus Christi and Inti Raymi, take place.
This high tourist demand means that tickets to archaeological sites are often sold out, so it is advisable to book tickets months in advance. Conversely, during the rainy season from November to March or April, prices, tickets, restaurants, etc., are more accessible; however, it is important to note that during these months there is constant rain, which can hinder some activities due to the weather.
Lima, the capital of Peru, features a variety of tourist attractions and offers cuisine from all over Peru. The best season to visit this region, with its warm and humid climate, is between April and November. If you prefer to avoid the rain, it is advisable not to travel during the rainy season from December to March.
Festivals and cultural events take place throughout the year, so you can visit at any time according to your interests and availability.
If one of your destinations is the Peruvian jungle, Iquitos is a great option. Accessible only by air or river, the best months to visit this beautiful region are from June to November, during the dry season. It is important to note that humidity levels are high throughout the year.
From December to May, it is the rainy season, which sees fewer tourists due to the rains that can make it difficult to travel to various parts of the Amazon.
Arequipa, known as the white city, is a tourist destination with beautiful views, architecture made from sillar (volcanic stone), and rich history. The best season to travel depends on the destinations, as this region has tourist attractions in the highlands (Colca Canyon and cultures of the province of Caylloma and nearby areas) and the coast (the city of Arequipa and its beaches). The temperate months are from April to December, while the rainy months are January, February, and March.
Peru is a country with great cultural and geographical diversity, featuring three regions—coast, highlands, and jungle—each with a varied climate that provides a rich and diverse experience.
Coast: The Peruvian coast is made up of its wonderful beaches extending from the northern department of Tumbes to the southern Tacna with currents from the Pacific Ocean. This region is perfect for visitors who want to enjoy paradisiacal beaches.
Highlands: The highlands feature various attractions in different departments of Peru, including the Andes mountain range and the world wonder, Machu Picchu. The climate varies depending on the months of the year. The rainy season is approximately from October/November to March/April, when the landscapes are green, trees and plants bloom, and native products are planted. The dry season in the highlands is from April/May to September/October, when temperatures vary greatly, with intense sun during the day due to the lack of clouds, and intense cold at night without thermal cover from clouds. During this season, products are usually harvested, and in the absence of rain, the landscapes lose their green color, becoming somewhat yellowish.
Jungle: The Peruvian jungle, characterized by the Amazon River, is distinguished between high jungle and low jungle, both tropical. In the high jungle or cloud forest, located at 700 meters above sea level, the climate is subtropical and temperate, with rains from November to March, and sunny days from April to October. In the low jungle, temperatures are a bit higher due to its geographical location. Traveling to the jungle also depends on the activities and destinations desired.
As we have seen, climates in Peru vary according to regions and geographical locations. Rains in all of Peru occur mostly from October to April, which may vary slightly.
The driest times in Peru are between the months of May and September; however, it is important to consider regions like the jungle, which experiences rain throughout the year.
