When to Go?

Picking the best time to visit Peru's various regions is complicated by the country's physical characteristics. The desert coast is extremely hot and sunny between December and March (especially in the north), cooler and with a frequent hazy mist between April and November. Apart from the occasional shower over Lima it hardly ever rains in the desert. The freak exception, every ten years or so, is when the shift in ocean currents of El Niño (which last hit Peru in 1998) causes torrential downpours, devastating crops, roads and communities all along the coast. In the Andes the seasons are more clearly marked, with rains from December to March and a relatively dry period from June to September, which, although it can be cold at night, is certainly the best time for trekking and most outward-bound activities. A similar pattern dominates much of the jungle, though rainfall there is heavier and more frequent, and it's hot and humid all year round. In the lowland rainforest areas around Iquitos water levels are higher between December and January, which offers distinct advantages for spotting wildlife.

Events

Peruvians love any excuse for a celebration and the country enjoys a huge number of religious ceremonies, festivals and local events. Carnival time (generally late Feb.) is especially lively almost everywhere in the country, with fiestas held every Sunday - a wholesale license to throw water at everyone and generally go crazy. It's worth noting that most hotel prices go up significantly at fiesta times and bus and air transport should be booked well in advance.

Calendar of major public holidays & festivals in Peru:

February Carnival - Wildly celebrated immediately prior to Lent throughout the whole country.

March/April Easter Semana Santa (Holy Week) - Superb processions all over Peru (the best are in Lambayeque, Arequipa, Cuzco and Ayacucho).

June 24 Inti Raymi - Cusco's main Inca Festival of the Sun

July 28 - 29 Peruvian Independence Day - Public holiday with military and school processions.

August 13 - 19 Arequipa Week - Processions, firework displays, plenty of folklore, dancing, and craft markets.

September End of the month Festival of Spring - Trujillo festival involving dancing, especially the local Marinera dance.

October 18 - 28 Lord of Miracles - Festival featuring large and solemn processions (the main ones take place on October 18, 19, and 28). Read our Newsletter article about the Lord of Miracles Procession

November 2 Diá de los Muertos (All Souls Day).

Calendar of major public holidays & festivals in Peru: