These Are the Best Times to Visit Peru, According to Travel Experts

With its beautiful beaches, vibrant cities, ancient ruins, and incredible mountain scenery, South America’s third-largest country offers something for every kind of traveler. Before breaking down the best and worst times to visit, it’s important to note that Peru is in the Southern Hemisphere, where the seasons are opposite those in the U.S. or Europe.

Allie Almario, a Travel + Leisure A-List travel advisor and vice president of Premier Travel and Tours, says visitors should consider that while summer in Peru takes place from December to March, the dry season is from April through September. If your ultimate aim is to avoid crowds, plan for your trip between March and November—just keep in mind that this timeframe overlaps with the rainy season.

Here’s a quick breakdown of Peru’s main tourism seasons:

• High Season: June to August
• Shoulder Seasons: March to May, September to October
• Low Season: November to February

Here are the best times to visit Peru based on your interests.

Best Times to Visit Peru for Smaller Crowds 

According to Almario, the best times to visit for smaller crowds include the month of September, the days after Thanksgiving, and the weeks before Christmas. November through February is the low season in Peru, and this is when you’ll find quieter attractions throughout the country. Another T+L A-List travel advisor, Marisol Mosquera, makes a case for visiting in January or February, an unattractive time for hiking crowds because of the weather.

“It rains more in the mountains, making it less attractive for the general public and hikers,” she says. The Inca Trail is even closed in February, so don’t even consider a trip to Machu Picchu at this time. Instead, Mosquera, who is the founder and CEO of Aracari Travel, recommends making a beeline for the coast, specifically Lima, where travelers can expect warm, sunny temperatures and gentle, coastal breezes.

Best Times to Visit Peru for Good Weather 

Since Peru’s climate varies by region, the best time to travel for good weather depends on your specific destination. In general, A-List travel advisor and Blue Parallel founder Emmanuel Burgio recommends visiting during the shoulder seasons (March through May and September through October) when the weather is not too rainy. April and May in particular offer a great balance of weather and crowds. This is Almario’s “favorite time of the year” in Peru, because “most of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu will be green and lush.”

If you plan to explore the Andes between March and October, there will be a small chance of rainfall. However, Burgio notes that travelers can generally expect “clear skies, mild daytime temperatures, and excellent trekking conditions.” Cusco also offers dry, comfortable temperatures, and conditions should be fairly good for outdoor adventures in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

Best Times to Visit Peru for Lower Prices

For cheaper prices, visit in the low season. According to Burgio, that’s roughly November through February, since “this is when the country experiences rain around the Andes and the Amazon.” Burgio also notes that cost-conscious travelers may find deals if they visit during the shoulder months of March and October.

Best Times to Visit Machu Picchu 

For Burgio, the best time to visit Machu Picchu is anytime between March and October, when conditions are ideal for hiking. However, he also notes that the months between June and August are the busiest time of year—along with Easter weekend and December 30 and 31. Visiting from March to May or September to October strikes the right balance of pleasant weather and smaller crowds.

Best Times to Experience Lima’s Food Scene 

Famous for its vibrant culinary scene, Lima is home to some of the most acclaimed restaurants, including Maido, which made the No. 1 spot on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2025.

While travelers can indulge in the city’s gastronomic delights year-round, Mosquera specifically recommends visiting between November and April, when temperatures are warm and sunny for alfresco dining. These months also coincide with Lima’s low season (November to February), which brings fewer crowds and increases your chances of snagging a reservation at one of the city’s top spots.   

Worst Times to Visit Peru

Many travelers will want to steer clear of visiting Peru in the peak of the rainy season—January and February bring heavy storms to the Andes and Amazon, making outdoor adventures difficult. Almario recommends skipping Machu Picchu during that time—visitors may encounter closures or become stranded in the mountains due to heavy rains. If you aim to avoid large crowds, don’t travel to Peru during the high season from June through August, which is also the most expensive time.