Discover the Best Time to Visit Peru for Ideal Weather

If you’re hoping to go to South America and escape the cold weather this winter, one of the best countries to fly to is Peru. Peru is a nation that borders the Pacific Ocean and is famous for its alpacas and the ancient Incan city, Machu Picchu. Although it gets great weather year-round, the best time to visit Peru is during the winter from May to October. 

There are many fun things to do in Peru during these months because the weather will be amazing with almost no chance of rain. Besides exploring Machu Picchu, you can explore Peru’s capital, Lima, and Cuzco. When you leave Peru, you’ll have amazing memories of a country rich in culture and heritage.

If you want to visit Peru or have already booked your trip, we’ll give you everything we know about the average temperatures, temperature records, and rainfall during the best time of the year. We’ll also explore some fun activities to do and delicious things to eat while you are in the South American nation of Peru.

Average Temperature in Peru

Peru is a semi-arid country that hardly gets rain, although it does get very cold in the mountains. If you trek to Machu Picchu, you will need a jacket to ensure you don’t get cold. The cold months are usually between May to October, and the warmer months are from November to April. When it comes to the average temperatures, it ranges from a high of 81 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) to a low of 59 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).

In terms of daylight hours, it varies throughout the year, but sunrise can usually be around 6:00 a.m. and sunset is at around 7:00 p.m., which gives you about 13 hours of daylight. The longest days in the year are in Peru’s summer, which is in December and January.

The Hottest Temperature on Record

Peru is a hot country year-round. It does get its rain, of course, and sometimes is cold. But mostly, you’ll enjoy nice weather throughout the year. When it comes to records, the hottest temperature ever recorded was 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) in August 2006.

The Coldest Temperature on Record

Peru is not known to be a cold country because it has an arid and sub-tropical climate. However, sometimes there are anomalies. The coldest temperature in Peru ever recorded was 17 degrees Fahrenheit (-8 degrees Celsius) in May 2014. If you think it’s odd that the coldest temperature is in May, remember Peru is south of the equator, which means it experiences seasons on opposite months as those in the northern hemisphere.

Rainfall in Peru

Peru is not a wet country and it only experiences 5 inches of total rain per year. It’s not much, which means you get to enjoy Peru without worrying if it will rain or not. However, it is important to note that during the wet season, it could rain heavily.

UV Index During the Best Time in Peru

During Peru’s winter months, you can expect dry temperatures that are ideal for visiting, especially if you’re visiting Machu Picchu. The sun can shine quite brightly throughout the year with an average UV Index of 7. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can be damaging when the UV Index is high because sun exposure can cause damage to the skin and eyes extremely quickly.

To protect yourself, you should wear sunscreen and continue putting it on every couple of hours. Wear loose clothing to avoid overheating and get a hat to cover yourself, too.

Natural Disasters in Peru

Not many extreme natural disasters happen to Peru, however, in the coastal regions of the country, Peru is prone to experiencing more natural disasters than the inland of the country. During the summer months, mountainous areas near the Andes have experienced hard rains that cause floods and landslides in nearby regions.

Peru is also a country that has experienced earthquakes very frequently, with estimates putting it at one every six years. They are not that severe, though. Perhaps the most horrendous earthquake the country experienced was in 1970. It struck off the coast of Peru, but the aftershocks reached land. Ice from the nearby mountain of Mount Huascarán flew down, decimating the entire village of Yungay. It killed more than 70,000 people.

Visiting Peru

Peru is a South American country worth visiting. You will learn about the meaning of life, but also the rich, cultural heritage of Peruvians. The natural landscapes of the country do not compare to others, either.

For those wanting to learn about history and culture, you must start in the nation’s capital, the coastal city of Lima. The Spanish architectural buildings transport you in time as you can walk the town center and pass by the Lima Cathedral. For some history of Peru’s indigenous cultures, go to the Museo de la Nación. Complete your learned experiences by going to the Larco Museum for pre-Columbian art.

Nature lovers have endless possibilities. You can head out to Colca Canyon for stunning views. Colca Canyon is situated near the Colca River. Make sure you go to Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Lastly, the city of Cuzco and the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu are must-sees to make your Peruvian cultural experience come full circle.

Things to Eat and Drink in Peru

As stated before, Peru is diverse and culturally rich, so naturally the food will be delicious. The must-try food in Peru is its national dish, ceviche. Raw fish in citrus juice and spice is just what you need to quench your thirst. And to add to your meal, get yourself an Inca Cola, which is a yellow soda drink.

There are two main types of meats Peruvians like to eat besides beef, one is alpaca and the other is guinea pig. One delicious and traditional dish in Peru is called cuy al horno. The guinea pig is roasted on an open fire, accompanied by potatoes. Make sure you pair that with a traditional Peruvian spirit called pisco or an Andean beverage called chicha morada.

Fun Facts About Peru

• Peru is home to the start of the Amazon River.
• Guinea pigs are usually pets, but in Peru, they are considered a delicacy.
• The highest sand dune in the world, Cerro Blanco, is located in Peru.
• Peru’s population is 33.7 million and Lima is the largest city with 8.5 million people.
• Lima’s president, Dina Boluarte, came into office in December 2022.

Conclusion

Peru is famous for its rich, cultural heritage and tourists flock to the ancient city of Machu Picchu every year. Peru is a learned experience that will change how you look at life and the history of mankind. Every day you spend in Peru will be filled with fun activities that profoundly capture your mind. You can explore the cities, do nature hikes, and take in the country’s natural beauty.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Jujubier/Shutterstock.com