Peru is a country that has much to offer tourists. From its Inca heritage to its beautiful nature, there is something for everyone in Peru. Every year, thousands of tourists from all over the world flock to Peru to see the ancient ruins, experience the vibrant nightlife and taste the delicious food. But when is the best time to visit the country?
In general, best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, which largely runs from May to October. June to August is high season for tourism, so expect crowds and higher prices during these months. If you want to avoid the crowds and still enjoy nice weather, consider visiting in April or November.
Peru's climate varies depending on the region you are in. The Amazon region is hot and humid year-round, while the Andes Mountains are colder and drier. The coastal areas, such as Lima, are usually sunny and dry.
If you want to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, keep in mind that it can only be done during the dry season (May-October). The trail closes each February for maintenance.
Best time to visit the Amazon
If you are planning to go to the Amazon rainforest, it is best to go during the rainy season (November-April). This may not sound like ideal weather, but it is actually the best time to see wildlife as they come out in search of food and water. Plus, the rainforest takes on a whole new level of beauty when it is covered in greenery. Do pack your raincoat and bug spray.
In the table below you can quickly see the average weather by month in Peru, the monthly temperatures or when the precipitation is the highest. Average monthly climate data is based on data from the past 30 years.
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Most people do not know that Peru actually has a wide variety of climates because of its diverse geography. Peru is divided into four major climate zones each with its own characteristics: the coastal zone, the highlands, the jungle and the rainforest.
The Peruvian coast
The western edge of Peru, bordering the Pacific Ocean, has a temperate climate. This region is characterized by cool winters and warm summers. The average temperature along the coast is 21 degrees Celsius. However, it is not uncommon for temperatures to drop below 15 degrees Celsius at night or rise above 30 degrees Celsius during the day.
The Peruvian Highlands
The Peruvian highlands are located in the central part of the country, east of the coast. This area includes the Andes Mountains and some lower elevations. The highlands have a temperate climate, with average temperatures of 10-15 degrees Celsius. Depending on the altitude, temperatures can drop to -10 degrees Celsius or rise to 20 degrees Celsius. This region has two distinct seasons: a dry season (from April to October) and a wet season (from November to March). Precipitation varies depending on altitude, but is generally lower than in the coastal region.
Peru's jungle region extends from the north to the south. This region is characterized by high temperatures and high humidity. The average temperature in the jungle is about 27 degrees Celsius. There is also a lot of rainfall in this region, averaging about 2,000 millimeters per year. However, precipitation can vary significantly from place to place within the jungle region. For example, while Iquitos receives an average of 3,000 millimeters of rain per year, Puerto Maldonado receives 1,500 millimeters.
The Amazon rainforest
Peru is home to much of the Amazon rainforest, located in the east of the country. It has a tropical climate, with very hot and humid weather throughout the year. Average temperatures in this area hover around 27 degrees Celsius. However, the high humidity often makes it feel much hotter. A lot of rain falls in the rainforest area, averaging about 3,000 millimeters per year.
What is the average Peru weather like in a given month? Let's find out! Click on a month to check all the monthly averages for sunshine, temperature highs and lows, percentage chance of rain per day, snowfall accumulation and number of rainy days.