Best time to visit Peru

[Pete]

Hi everyone, just wondering when is the best earliest time in the year to visit peru? I would love to visit all the inca settlements machu picchu especially etc.. but don't want to get there and find it covered in snow! ive tried to look on the internet for weather at certain times of the year but nothing yet. so any help would be great.

many thanks

Pete

[ftuley]

Peru's weather is so unpredictable, in fact, it's not uncommon to experience all four seasons in a single day, generally speaking, Peru has two seasons, wet and dry, but in a country as geographically diverse as Peru, local weather patterns vary greatly. In the highlands, the dry season is between June and October, but even the mountains wet season isn't always really wet and the dry season sees its share of downpours. Temperatures during the day in the dry season can get hot making shorts rather inviting. At night, temperatures can drop quickly and a warm sweater makes walking around the plazas comfortable. The Amazon experiences...you guessed it, rain heat and more rain and heat! The average daytime temperature is 30-32º C (85-90º F), while nights can cool down to 20º C (68º F). They do have a wet and wetter season with the wet (dry) season corresponding with the dry season in the highlands. The desert coast is arid. From January to March the sky is clear and the air tends to be hot and sticky,so I would say this is the best time to go. Peruvians go to the beach at this time. The rest of the year the gray coastal mist known as guara moves in and the sun is rarely seen. the Sacred Valley of the Incas is full of beautiful scenery, with impressive platforms and very important archaeological sites.Machu Picchu perhaps the most spectacular ruin in the Americas, Machu Picchu spreads over 5 sq mi (13 sq km), with over 3,000 steps linking in many different levels.The
Lake Titicaca is also a good one to see according to the Inca legend, from the dark waters of the Titicaca Lake (most highest navigable lake in the world). Take a look at this link and you will find other Things to do in Peru. I hope you have a good time there,take care.

[DawnontheAmazon]

Hi Pete, the best time to visit Peru is always whenever you can. Planning a trip around the weather is only slightly tweaking the odds. One time I went on a three week survival fishing trip in the Amazon rainforest during the so called wet season and it did not even sprinkle for 13 day straight days.

Another time I was at Machu Picchu for three days, and Cuzco for 5 days over Christmas and the weather was wonderful. Two mornings there was no mist on Machu Picchu and photography was perfect.

I agree with ftuley that Jan-Mar are the traditional beach times, but I spent a week in Mancora in early Dec and it was great. Besides the price is usually cheaper in the "off season".

Something else to consider is when is the weather bad where you live? That is the best time to travel.

I love Peru. For me there is no off season. I am sure you will have a fine adventure when ever you can visit Peru.

[Travel Argentina]

So maybe it's worth going for several days if you want to ensure the weather is clear enough for taking great photos?

[Dina]

I was also trying to plan a visit to Peru and found this post, you have answered me too, Thanks

[villassun]

I'll be going to Peru this summer for 10-14 days to collect plants as part of a university trip. Has anyone been in Peru in summer? what's the weather like?

[Ruby]

@villasun: it can be pretty cold in Peru at night even in summer, especially if you plan to wonder in the mountains collecting plants.

You'll want to pack a lot of layers for night time and carry plenty of sun screen and short layers for sweaty hot days.

I'd imagine you'd be hitting the rainforest area, of course, to collect plants. Be aware that it is much warmer and wetter than say Cuzco, Lima or other high altitude cities, so be prepared for all of it.

Also, if you're going to spend time in the rainforest, be sure to get your shots and immunizations vaccines, and bring water purification tabs and your own toilet paper. Have fun!

[Bery Smith]

Hello,

I think the best time to visit Peru in month of march and april.The weather was alternately misty and sunny, with a little rain during two of the nights. The path was busy - even though it's off season. I would hate to think how busy it is during the summer.

Thanks lot
Bery Smith

[travelm12]

I can tell you that the best time to go to Peru to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is between Spring and Fall, which is basically the dry season.

If you're wondering what month to choose, I'd say April or October are the best time to do the Inca Trail because there are fewer crowds, weather is pleasant, accomodation and flights to Peru will be also cheaper.

Btw, the Inca Trail over 20 miles long and it's not as easy as some folks make it to be so, be sure you're in good shape!

[asderoatos]

I think the best time to visit Peru is the cheapest time to visit Peru, which is late autumn (low season). I traveled during the month of November without having to pay more than $900 for the plane tickets and the best thing is that weather was just right (not too hot not too cold).

I've been reading on this forum that someone paid $2000..thats just crazy! Listen guys, if you want to have a great time in Peru and not break the bank choose airliners such as Taca Airlines, Lan or United Airlines.

Of course, if you travel in December, June or July you might have to pay up to $2000 or more, but then again that's what high season is all about!