Best time to visit Peru

January

It’s optimum beach season, with dry sunny weather and resorts rocking on the coast. On the popular Islas Ballestas, sea lion pups are being born, making for great wildlife-watching. But the mountains and jungle are wet, wet, wet and best avoided by trekkers who dislike the mud messing up roads and trails.

Key events: Año Nuevo (New Year; best at Huancayo), Anniversary of the Foundation of Lima (Lima)

February

Fine coastal weather and heavy rain in the Andes mean that, like last month, beaches are in, and the deluge-ridden mountains are pretty much out, with the Inca Trail officially closed. Come the end of the month, though, it's time for Latin America’s biggest party, and from late February to early March, carnavales (carnivals) reverberate across the country. 

Key events: Festival de Verano Negro (Chincha), Carnaval, Festival of Virgen de la Candelaria (Puno)

March

Sunny weather lingers along the coast, and waters have been warming to very swimmable temperatures, but it's the tail-end of the season here. Meanwhile, a freshly green Andes is waking up to tourism again, as the worst of the rain has passed. Orchids bloom on the Inca Trail, Amazonian birds conduct mating rituals, grapes fatten on vines near the coast and another legendary party is on the horizon: Semana Santa, or Holy Week.

Key events: Festival de Verano Negro (Chincha), Carnaval, Fiesta de la Vendimia, Semana Santa

April

For those looking to combine coast and mountains, April might nail it. The rainforest is still especially soggy and temperatures are cooling on the beach, but tourism is thriving again in Cuzco and across the Andes, thanks to increasingly pleasant mountain weather and shenanigans for Semana Santa (should it fall in April). 

Key events: Semana Santa

May

This is a great time to visit Peru. It's sunny and dry in the Andes, but without the crowds of North American and European holiday-makers that begin to arrive next month. The southern Amazon Basin is drying out too, meaning more navigable roads. Here, less rain and falling water levels coax out bird- and river-life out. Nationwide, Peru’s festival calendar is especially dense.

Key events: Fiesta de las Cruces (Lima, Cuzco, Ayacucho), Noche en Blanco (Lima), Q’oyoroti (Ausangate, near Cuzco)

June

Peak season is dry and clear in the interior, albeit chilly at night, which makes sense as it's also the country’s winter. Likewise, in the Amazon, drier weather sees tourism near its zenith. Festivals rage throughout both zones. Milder, foggier weather means the beaches are less frequented.

Key events: Corpus Christi (Cuzco), Inti Raymi (Cuzco), Selvámanos (Oxapampa) San Juan (Iquitos)

July

There's more prime-time weather in the mountains and jungle as high season continues: it's sunny, crisp and clear, perfect for seeing the Andes at their best (though you'll want to watch for snowfall at high altitudes). It's also as dry as the Amazon gets (OK, this is still pretty moist), with animals visible along riverbanks on boat trips. Lima gets the garúa bad this month.  

Key events: La Virgen del Carmen (Paucartambo and Pisac, near Cuzco)

August

More steady weather hits the Andes and the Amazon, with temperatures topping out around 20°C (68°F) in Cuzco and a little higher in the jungle metropolis of Iquitos. In these regions, it's the last month of high season; however, it's quieter on the festival front after June and July’s hectic schedule.

Key events: Fiesta de Santa Rosa de Lima (Lima, Arequipa)

September

It's shoulder season across Peru, but don't let that deter you from visiting: on the contrary, the spring weather is favorable in the Andes and Amazon and improving on the coast, meaning it's a fine time to enjoy the country without the crowds. Dry season is approaching its end, so do that mountain hike or jungle trek whilst you can.

Key events: Mistura (Lima)

November

As rains and stormy skies return to the Andes and the Amazon, waterlogging trails and roads, the coast glows in the throes of agreeable late spring weather. From now through April, waves become wilder, and surfers are especially quick to return to the beach.

Key events: Todos Santos, Día de los Muertos

December

Beach-goers, get down to that beautiful coastline: high season is here. Lima now boasts temperatures of 24°C (75°F), and north towards the equator it's toastier still. The Andes and the Amazon are now receiving serious precipitation, and both are generally a washout. 

Key events: Fiesta de la Purísma Concepción