Hikers walking in the Salineras de Maras, region of Cusco

Peru Travel Guide

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When to go? Seasons, climate, festivities

  • July and August

    Late summer is the peak tourist season in Peru, specifically July and August. This season has the driest weather and most people aim for the best weather. Even in the late summer, the foothills of the Andes are never completely dry though. Mist often clings to the peaks and you can expect at least a few gentle showers. Nonetheless, the weather is generally clear and warm, and trekking conditions are excellent. Only 500 people a day are allowed on the Inca Trail at any time so this doesn't get too busy. But permits for July and August sell out within days of their release. There is no limit on day visitors to the ruins, so July and August will be particularly crowded, especially in the nicest weather.

  • December to March

    This is the ‘rainy season’. If you are visiting during this time you will see a lot less trekkers but it will be raining. January and February are the wettest months by far. We really do advise against trekking in this period unless you really have to. Walking is difficult, camp-sites are muddy and it is so cloudy that most of the views are spoiled. And finally, the classic Inca Trail is closed for maintenance and repairs in February.

  • April to June / September to November

    The months just on either side of the peak season are some of the best times to trek in the Andes. There is a bit of rain but nothing too heavy and the crowds that form during the busy months have now moved on so the trails are nice and peaceful.

Temperatures and climate

Min/max temp (°C) / Average rainfall (mm)

  • Cuzco

    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    Average temp C° min / max
    8° / 20°
    8° / 20°
    8° / 20°
    6° / 21°
    4° / 21°
    2° / 20°
    1° / 20°
    3° / 21°
    5° / 21°
    7° / 22°
    7° / 22°
    8° / 21°
    Average rainfall (mm)
    150
    150
    110
    50
    15
    5
    5
    10
    25
    65
    75
    135

  • Arequipa

    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    Average temp C° min / max
    8° / 22°
    8° / 22°
    8° / 22°
    7° / 22°
    6° / 22°
    5° / 22°
    4° / 22°
    5° / 22°
    6° / 23°
    6° / 23°
    6° / 23°
    7° / 23°
    Average rainfall (mm)
    23
    29
    17
    0
    0
    0
    0
    1
    0
    0
    2
    3

  • Puerto Maldonado

    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    Average temp C° min / max
    21° / 31°
    21° / 31°
    21° / 31°
    20° / 31°
    19° / 30°
    18° / 29°
    17° / 30°
    18° / 31°
    19° / 33°
    20° / 32°
    21° / 32°
    22° / 31°
    Average rainfall (mm)
    342
    311
    285
    179
    98
    55
    57
    72
    110
    182
    244
    286

  • Macchu Picchu

    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    Average temp C° min / max
    8° / 15°
    8° / 15°
    8° / 15°
    7° / 15°
    7° / 14°
    5° / 14°
    4° / 14°
    5° / 14°
    6° / 14°
    7° / 15°
    7° / 15°
    8° / 15°
    Average rainfall (mm)
    270
    251
    243
    150
    71
    49
    49
    69
    97
    155
    186
    241

Holidays and festivities

  • Inti Raymi

    June
    Each year on June 24, the city celebrates Inti Raymi, an ancient Incan ceremony and celebration which pays tribute to Inti, the Sun God.

  • Fiesta de la Cruz

    May
    Versions of this festival take place throughout South America and all over Peru, but one of the best places to experience locals lugging huge, lavishly decorated wooden crosses from church to church is in and around Cusco.

  • El Senor de los Temblores

    April
    Easter is a time of major celebration throughout South America, and Holy Week (the last week of Lent) is an awesome time to be in Cusco. The city is alive with a good-natured buzz; it’s all brass bands and dancing by day, fireworks and partying at night.

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