The most common question we get has no single answer—it depends on what you want to experience. But there's a simple rule we locals follow: the Andes are ruled by two seasons, dry and rainy, and each has its own Peru.
Dry season: May to September
Sunny days, clear skies, and cold nights in the highlands. It's peak season for the Inca Trail, Ausangate, and high-altitude trekking. But it's also high season: Inca Trail permits book months in advance and Machu Picchu fills with visitors.
Rainy season: November to March
Mountains turn green, waterfalls come alive, and prices drop. Yes, it rains, but mostly in the afternoons. It's beautiful for the Sacred Valley, the Amazon, and those who prefer misty Machu Picchu with fewer crowds. Note: the Inca Trail closes entirely in February for maintenance.
Our local advice
- April and October are the secret months: transition weather, fewer people, better prices.
- For the Inca Trail in dry season, book 4–6 months ahead.
- The Amazon is spectacular year-round: more water and more life during rains.
- No matter the month, in the Andes the sun burns and nights freeze: dress in layers.
Unsure about your dates? Write us and we'll tell you honestly what to expect each month, no fine print.
