Best time to travel to Peru
The best time to travel to Peru depends on the area you want to visit. Due to the different landscapes and climate zones, the temperatures in the country can vary considerably and the best time to travel to Peru is not the same everywhere.
In short:
- The highlands: May to December
- Amazon: all year round
- The coast: all year round
Would you like to visit several areas? Then the best time to travel to Peru is:
- April to November
Best time to travel per region
Peru's climate is just as different as the landscapes you can find in this country. According to scientists, Peru even has 28 of the 32 types of climate known all over the world. The climate types can be summarized into three different zones.
The plateau and the Andes
In the south of Peru, the two mountain ranges of the Andes open up, creating the Peruvian plateau. In this beautiful area are among others Machu Picchu, Cuzco, the Sacred Valley Arequipa, Colca Canyon and Puno near Lake Titicaca located. The following applies to this region:
- Between May and December the Peruvian plateau is an excellent place to travel;
- The best time to travel to this region of Peru is between May and October;
- September and December is indicated as the transition season, as the dry season changes to the rainy season. However, there is not much rain yet in these months and you can travel to this area very well;
- The high season is in June, July and August making it busier in these months. In the transition season, on the other hand, there is more availability and flight tickets are generally better priced;
- From the end of December more rainfall is expected on the plateau with January and February being the wettest months. In February the Inca trail to the Machu Picchu is even closed.
Amazon
The Amazon in Peru stretches from the eastern side of the Andes and covers half of Peru's territory. The climate is characterized by a warm and humid season and here a clear distinction is made between the dry and the wet season.
- The dry season in the Amazon is from April to October. In this period there is significantly less rainfall than in the wet season. By the way, this does not mean that there is no rainfall at all, because in a rainforest - the name says it all - there is rainfall all year round.
- The rainy season is from November to April and then there is significantly more rainfall. These downpours are during the day, but also mostly at night, and they are short and heavy (cooling). It will rarely, as we know it in the Netherlands, rain all day long.
- In the wet season it may be that some lodges are less accessible.
- However, the wet season does have its advantages for a cruise on the Amazon. Because the water levels are higher, it is possible to sail over the Amazon’s tributaries, and thus navigate deeper into the rainforest. This makes it easier to spot wildlife, because there are fewer places for these animals to go ashore.
The Pacific coast
The whole west of Peru is located on the Pacific coast, from the north all the way to the south. The coast has a dry, subtropical climate with beautiful beaches in the north and a desert-like area south of Lima.
- Summer on the coast is between November and April. Temperatures rise above 30°C. A beautiful period to escape the cold Dutch winter
- The rest of the year it is sunny and dry and temperatures stay around 20°C during the day and 15°C at night.
- The Pacific has two sea currents off the coast of Peru throughout the year; the cold Humboldt current (14 to 19°C) and the warm Niño current (21 to 27°C). This means that the seawater has a temperature of approximately 24°C.
- In August, September and October you have a chance to spot whales in the north near the coastal town of Mancora.
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Whale watching
In August, September and October it is possible to spot whales at the coastal town of Mancora in the north. You will be taken on a boat to catch a glimpse of these magical giants.
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Festival of the sun
On 24 June, Inti Raymi, festival of the sun, will be celebrated in Cusco. This is the most important festival of the Incas in honour of the god of the sun.
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Birth of the first Inca in Puno
Street dancers in spectacular colourful costumes celebrate the legendary birth of the first Inca, Manco Cápac, in Puno on 5 November. Legend has it that he rose from the waters of Lake Titicaca to found the Inca Empire.
The best time to travel to Peru when travelling with children
Our spring break and summer holidays are the ideal travel periods for Peru. The climatic conditions to travel in Peru during these periods are perfect for the whole country. However, the summer holidays count as the high season, so if you want to travel during this period, it is advisable to book your trip at least four months before departure!
Travel through Peru?
Would you like to make a trip through Peru yourself and are you curious about the possibilities? Then take a look at the travel itineraries that we have put together for inspiration. You can book these trips directly, but we are also happy to create a personal programme based on your wishes and ideas.
Do you have a question? Feel free to contact us. Call +31 73 610 62 04 or send an e-mail to info@sapapanatravel.nl. We re happy to help