Peru has a wide range of climates thanks to its diverse geography. The country’s weather depends on whether you’re in the coastal region, the Andes mountains, or the Amazon rainforest. From desert heat to misty mountaintops and humid jungles, Peru’s climate offers a lot of variety, so understanding its weather patterns will help you plan your trip better.
Peru doesn’t fit into typical seasonal categories like summer and winter. Instead, it has two main seasons: the wet season and the dry season. The wet season runs from November to April, and the dry season goes from May to October. But the story doesn’t stop there—each region has its own weather quirks.
The Climate of Peru: A Regional Breakdown
The Coast
The Peruvian coast is mostly desert. It’s hot and dry most of the year, especially in cities like Lima and Trujillo. Summers (December to March) are hot, but winters (June to September) bring cool fog called “garúa.” Temperatures don’t usually drop too low, but the constant mist in winter means fewer sunny days. When it rains, it’s usually light drizzle.
The Andes Mountains
The Andes have a completely different climate. In cities like Cusco and Huaraz, temperatures are cooler due to the elevation. Even in the dry season, nights can get really cold, but daytime temperatures are milder. The wet season (November to April) brings heavy downpours, especially in the afternoons, while the dry season (May to October) means clearer skies and warmer days.
The Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon is warm and really humid year-round. Even during the dry season, the rainforest still gets some rain—just less of it. The rainy season (usually November to April) makes everything green, but it also brings more mosquitoes and muddy trails. Temperatures are pretty consistent, averaging 77°F (25°C) or more, so it’s always hot and humid.
When is the Best Time to Visit Peru?
Your trip depends on the activities you want to do. For hiking in the Andes, the dry season from May to October is the best for clear skies. If you’re heading to the coast, November to March gives you better beach weather. For the jungle, May to September offers fewer rain showers, though it’s still quite wet.
If you’re going to visit Machu Picchu, the dry season (May to October) has better visibility, but also more tourists. The rainy season (especially January and February) can make hiking difficult but offers fewer crowds. Lately, October and November have been popular for visitors who want fewer crowds without the full-on rainy season.
Peru’s Month-by-Month Weather
Peru’s Weather in January
January is part of the rainy season in the Andes and Amazon. In Cusco and Machu Picchu, expect frequent rain in the afternoons. The Amazon gets wet, making it muddy and harder for trekking. Coastal cities like Lima, however, are sunny and warm. Temperatures in Lima can reach 83°F (28°C), making it a good time for the beach.
Peru’s Weather in February
February can be the wettest month in the Andes, with downpours nearly every afternoon. The Inca Trail is closed for maintenance, but Machu Picchu remains open. It’s not a bad time to explore the coast, as it’s still hot there. Lima stays around 79°F (26°C), while the northern coast can be even hotter, with temperatures reaching 86°F (30°C).
Peru’s Weather in March
March is part of the tail end of the rainy season in the mountains and jungle. Cusco still gets plenty of rain, but it starts easing up as the month progresses. In the Amazon, it’s still humid, but rain is less frequent. Coastal cities like Lima are still hot, but it’s the last month before the fall chill starts creeping in.
Peru’s Weather in April
In April, the weather starts improving in the mountains. The rains taper off in places like Cusco, and roads for trekking begin to dry up. The Amazon is still wet, but you’ll see fewer rain showers, and it’s still hot. Coastal areas start cooling down, and by mid-April, Lima returns to milder weather with temperatures around 75°F (24°C).
Peru’s Weather in May
May kicks off the dry season in the Andes. This is a fantastic time to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu, as the rainy season has ended but the busy tourism season hasn’t fully started yet. You’ll find clear skies and chilly nights. The Amazon hits less rain, with the jungle still lush from the previous months. Lima gets its thick fog, and temperatures on the coast get cooler, especially at night.
Peru’s Weather in June
June is the start of peak travel season in the Andes, thanks to sunny days and cool nights. The weather in Cusco is perfect for outdoor activities, but expect crowds at Machu Picchu. Lima experiences more fog, known as “garúa,” and temperatures stay in the mid-60s°F (around 18°C). Head north for better beach weather.
Peru’s Weather in July
July is peak trekking season around Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Days are sunny, but nights can be freezing, especially at high altitudes. Even Lima is chilly at this time of year due to the foggy coastal winter. Temperatures there linger around 64°F (18°C), with few sunny days until late August.
Peru’s Weather in August
August is still in the dry season for both the Andes and the Amazon. Cusco continues to enjoy sunny days and cold nights, perfect for hiking. The jungle is hot and slightly drier, though humidity levels are still high. Lima remains cool and foggy, but temperatures are stable, staying near 64°F (18°C).
Peru’s Weather in September
September is the start of the shoulder season in Peru. The dry season begins to wind down in the Andes, but rainfall is still minimal in places like Cusco. The Amazon gets more frequent rain showers, while the coast remains cool and foggy. It’s a good time for outdoor travel without heavy tourism.
Peru’s Weather in October
October marks the beginning of the rainy season in the Andes. It’s still possible to hike, but expect some rain in the afternoons. The Amazon rainforest gets increasingly wet, with higher chances of downpours. The coastal region, especially Lima, is warmer, with temperatures reaching up to 73°F (23°C) as spring sets in.
Peru’s Weather in November
November is the start of heavier rains in both the jungle and mountain regions. Cusco can get some showers, especially in the afternoons, but Machu Picchu will still be operational. The Amazon becomes wetter, with some parts less accessible. By contrast, the coastal areas heat up, and Lima enjoys its first sunny days after months of fog, with temperatures up to 77°F (25°C).
Peru’s Weather in December
December is part of summer in Lima and the coastal areas. It’s hot and sunny, perfect for the beach. In the Andes, the rainy season is gaining momentum, but you’ll still get some dry mornings before the typical afternoon rain hits Cusco and Machu Picchu. The Amazon is fully in its wet season by this point, with frequent rain and a lot of humidity.
How Peru’s Weather Affects Travel
The weather in Peru varies so widely that you’ll need to adjust your plans based on the region. For the best outdoor activities like hiking or visiting ancient ruins, the dry season from May to October in the Andes offers the best weather, though it also brings the most tourists. The coast is great for travel from December to March, while the Amazon is a year-round destination, but expect more crowds during the dry season.
If you’re traveling during the rainy season, the risk of landslides can affect your trekking plans, especially in the Andes. Transportation can also become slower in areas with heavy rains. Be sure to check with tour agencies for any updates.
What to Pack for Each Season
Dry Season (May to October)
For the Andes, you’ll need to pack layers. Days can be warm, but nights get cold, sometimes even below freezing. Take a warm jacket, especially for high-altitude hikes. If you’re trekking, good hiking boots are a must. For visiting the coast during winter, a light jacket will be enough since it’ll be cool but not freezing.
Wet Season (November to April)
If you’re visiting the Andes or Amazon during the rainy season, pack a waterproof jacket and sturdy boots with good grip since things get muddy. Lightweight long sleeves will protect you from mosquitoes in the jungle. In coastal areas, pack lighter clothes for warm temperatures but still bring something to cover up during cooler nights.
For the beach, your typical summer stuff works: swimsuits, sunglasses, sunscreen, and hats. Just be prepared for foggy mornings on the coast during winter.
Regardless of when you visit, always bring a refillable water bottle, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The sun in Peru, especially at high altitudes, can be fierce year-round.
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