The Best Time to Visit Peru

Peru is one of those rare destinations that feels both richly exotic and surprisingly comfortable to explore — a country where ancient civilisations, refined cuisine and breath-taking landscapes come together with a warmth and hospitality that immediately puts visitors at ease. Choosing the right time to visit helps ensure the experience feels unhurried, rewarding and thoroughly enjoyable.

Whether you’re drawn by the mystique of Machu Picchu, the colonial elegance of Cusco, or the wide-open spaces of the Andes, Peru rewards those who travel with a little foresight.

For many British travellers, May to September feels like the most natural window to visit Peru. These months offer the most stable weather across the Andes and the Sacred Valley.

• Weather: Predominantly dry days, crisp mornings and clear skies — ideal for sightseeing without humidity or heavy rain.
• Highlights: Excellent conditions for Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and high-altitude scenery.
• Atmosphere: Lively yet well organised — Peru at its most polished and photogenic.

It’s the equivalent of choosing a British summer garden tour: dependable, uplifting and wonderfully easy to enjoy. Do bear in mind that July and August are peak months, meaning advance planning is key.

For travellers who value space, flexibility and a slightly gentler pace, the shoulder months are often the most rewarding.

• April & early May: Landscapes are fresh and green after the rains, with fewer visitors and excellent visibility.
• September & October: Calm, clear days continue, crowds thin out and the overall feel is more relaxed.

This is Peru at its most refined, rather like visiting Provence in late September rather than August.

For many Viventura travellers, these months strike the perfect balance between comfort and authenticity.

Peru remains welcoming throughout the rainy season, and travelling at this time brings a different kind of beauty.

• Landscape: Verdant valleys, dramatic cloudscapes and vivid colours — especially striking in the Andes.
• Crowds: Fewer visitors, creating a more tranquil experience at major sites.
• Considerations: Rain usually falls in short afternoon showers rather than all day, though January and February are wetter.

For travellers who enjoy slower mornings, cultural depth and quieter moments — perhaps akin to exploring Scotland in early spring, this season has a quiet charm all of its own.

Peru’s highlights often sit at altitude, but this needn’t be a concern when journeys are thoughtfully planned. Allowing time to acclimatise in Cusco or the Sacred Valley ensures comfort throughout the trip, letting you enjoy Peru’s history and landscapes without feeling rushed.

This gentle pacing is very much part of the Viventura approach: travel designed to feel enriching, not exhausting.