What is the weather like
in Peru all year round?
Peru is a large country with deserts, mountains, and rainforest, so the weather changes depending on where you go and when you travel. That can feel confusing, but the good news is that Peru is a year-round destination once you understand its three regions. Read the full article
Peru's three weather regions
Peru's climate is easy to understand once you divide it into three main regions: the coast, the highlands and Andes, and the Amazon jungle. Each has its own weather, so what you pack and when you go depend on where your itinerary takes you.
This guide is about the climate itself, what to expect on the ground in each region and roughly what to pack. If you want help choosing dates, see our companion guide on when is the best time to visit Peru, which weighs weather against crowds and budget.
Peru's climate at a glance
Three regions, three very different climates, all reachable year round.
Lima, Paracas, Trujillo. Very little rain, warm December to March.
Cusco, Machu Picchu, Puno. Clear and sunny May to October, green in the rains.
Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado. Warm, humid, and full of wildlife every season.
Each region simply offers a different experience month to month.
The coast: sunny summers and mild winters
The Peruvian coast, home to Lima, Paracas, and Trujillo, is perfect for sun lovers, especially during summer. The year divides into two clear seasons.
December to March, peak summer
Expect blue skies and warm temperatures around 25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F). It is ideal for surfing, beach walks, and relaxing in beach areas like Paracas. July can be the coolest month, but temperatures do not fall below 0°C (32°F).
April to November, cool and cloudy
A soft coastal mist called la garúa settles over Lima. The weather feels cooler and calm, great for exploring museums, historic areas, and Peru's world-famous food scene without the heat.
The highlands and Andes: dry season vs green season
This is where Peru's iconic landscapes live, snow-capped mountains, ancient ruins, and bright blue skies, around Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Puno.
May to October, dry season
The golden window for travel. Expect sunny days, clear views, and perfect trekking weather for the Inca Trail and the Sacred Valley. Nights can be cold, sometimes near freezing, so pack layers.
November to April, rainy season
The Andes turn a beautiful green. Rain usually comes in short afternoon showers, leaving mornings free for sightseeing. There are also fewer tourists, which many travelers love.
The Amazon jungle: tropical all year
The Amazon, reached from Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado, is warm, lush, and full of life in every season. Expect warm temperatures, humidity, and incredible biodiversity all year.
May to October, lower-water season
Better wildlife spotting on jungle trails, when paths are more walkable and animals gather around shrinking water.
November to April, higher-water season
Rivers rise, making boat safaris easier and letting you explore deeper into the flooded rainforest.
There is no bad time to visit the Amazon, just different ways to experience it.
One country, three climates
The sunny Pacific coast, the high Andes, and the green Amazon each keep their own weather all year long.
Quick Peru weather guide
A one-glance summary of when each region is at its best and who it suits.
| Region | Best months | Weather | Why visit then | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coast (Lima, Ica, Trujillo, Piura) | Dec to Apr | Sunny and warm | Beach weather and sunsets | Food and sunset lovers |
| Andes, dry season (Cusco, Machu Picchu, Puno) | May to Sep | Dry and sunny days | Best trekking and views | First-time Peru trips, hikers |
| Amazon jungle (Iquitos, Tarapoto) | Jun to Nov | Warm and humid | Better wildlife spotting | Nature lovers |
| Andes, rainy season | Oct to Apr | Green and misty | Fewer crowds, lush landscapes, festivals, lower prices | Photographers, budget travelers |
Best months to visit Peru
If you want a simple rule of thumb based on weather alone, this is it:
- May to September: best overall weather across Peru
- April and October: good balance of weather and fewer tourists
- December to March: great for the coast and Amazon, fewer tourists on the Andes
There is truly no bad time to visit Peru, only different experiences. For the full decision, weighing weather against crowds and price, read when is the best time to visit Peru.
Don't stress about the weather
Don't stress too much about the weather, Peru is amazing in every season. Just picture your dream trip: walking through ancient ruins at Machu Picchu, tasting incredible food in Lima, exploring the Sacred Valley, or spotting wildlife in the Amazon rainforest.
At Book and Vámonos, we are travelers helping other travelers. We design custom Peru itineraries with clear prices, great local guides, and a comfortable pace, so you can relax and enjoy every moment.
Not sure which month fits your plans? We are here to assist you. Browse our Peru travel packages or see the highlights in order in our Peru in 10 days itinerary.
"Peru is a year-round country. Understand its three climates and you can travel almost any month, you just pack differently and see a different side of it."
Book and Vamonos / Peru
Peru's weather, asked and answered
The four questions travelers ask most about the climate.
What is the weather like in Peru all year round?
It depends on the region. The coast is sunny and warm from December to March and cooler under coastal mist from April to November. The Andes have a dry, clear season from May to October and a green rainy season from November to April. The Amazon stays warm and humid all year.
What is la garúa on the Peruvian coast?
La garúa is a soft coastal mist that settles over Lima and the coast from roughly April to November. It makes the weather feel cooler and grey but brings very little actual rain, so it is a comfortable time for museums, historic areas, and Lima's food scene.
What should I pack for the Andes?
Because of the altitude, Andean days are warm and sunny while nights can be cold, sometimes near freezing. Pack layers, a warm jacket, a light rain shell, sun protection, and good walking shoes, whatever season you travel in.
Does it rain a lot in Cusco and Machu Picchu?
From November to April the Andes get rain, usually in short afternoon showers, so mornings often stay clear. May to October is the dry season with sunny days and clear views. Machu Picchu is open all year, and the green rainy months bring fewer crowds.
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