The best time to visit Peru has been named
Peru is famous for many things, but two of them stand out: adventure and food. Peru is also the renowned location of one of the seven new wonders of the world, Machu Picchu. In the ranking of the 50 best restaurants in the world for 2023, Peru holds four positions (including the first), solidifying its reputation as a true gourmet destination.
Peru is located in the southern hemisphere, which means that the seasons there are opposite to those in the United States or Europe. The warmest month of the year is February, and the coldest is August. Keep this in mind when packing to dress appropriately, as advised by Travel + Leisure.
The tourist seasons in Peru fall into three main categories: High season: May to August Shoulder season: March and April, September and October Low season: November to March.
The best time to visit Peru for those who do not like crowds is during the off-season—late April and May or September and October. This period occurs before and after the rainy season, offering better chances of great weather conditions and fewer crowds.
Best time to visit Peru for good weather
For tourist destinations worldwide, the peak tourist season usually coincides with the best weather, and Peru is no exception. If you're looking for the best weather, travel to Peru anytime between May and September. Keep in mind that the crowds will be larger during these months. The shoulder seasons are a good option if you are looking for a little more warmth while avoiding the rain.
There is an exception to this rule. Peru is a large country, so climatic conditions in different cities can vary significantly.
Best time to visit Peru for lower prices
Travelers will find the lowest prices during the rainy season. January and February tend to see the most rainfall, with about 6 inches each month, and more than half of the days experiencing rainfall. If you don't mind getting a little wet, you can find some great deals.
The best time to visit Machu Picchu
Locals recommend visiting Machu Picchu in the high season. Getting to Machu Picchu can be tricky for international travelers, so it's important to plan ahead to avoid obstacles during your trip.
You can't visit Machu Picchu without a guide, so they should help you prepare for any weather conditions before you arrive. There are also rules about the number of daily visitors to Machu Picchu; usually about 2500 to 3500 people are allowed each day during several time slots from morning to evening. These rules help to preserve the area, so you shouldn't expect it to be packed, even in high season. You will just need to plan ahead so that your dates are not booked.
The best time to try Lima's gastronomy
Many consider Lima to be the culinary capital of South America. Central, recognized as the best restaurant in 2023 by The World's 50 Best Restaurants, is located here. To get a reservation at Central, you need to plan ahead, so it's best to plan your visit a few months before you want to go. The booking periods open about three to four months in advance; the April, May, and June 2024 booking periods are likely to open in mid-January 2024.
Worst time to visit Peru
The worst time to visit Peru for most travelers is the rainy season. Remember that the rainy season brings more trouble than just getting wet. Travelers will have to plan to avoid landslides and floods that can potentially damage the route. However, as mentioned earlier, the trade-off can be worth it for flexible travelers looking for fantastic deals and smaller crowds.
