Best Time To Explore Peru And Bolivia

The best time to visit Peru and Bolivia depends on what you want to do and see. Both countries have dry and wet seasons, and while they can be visited year-round, the dry season is generally considered the best time to go.

In Peru, the dry season runs from May to October, with the winter months of May to September being the driest. This is a great time of year to visit if you're planning to trek to Cusco or Machu Picchu, as there is little to no rainfall, and you can enjoy sunny days and clear blue skies. However, it's important to book early as this is also peak season. The wet season, from December to March, is warmer but sees frequent heavy showers.

Similarly, in Bolivia, the dry season is also from May to October, and this is the best time for outdoor adventures, especially in the Andean zone. The dry season is very popular with tourists, with June to September being the peak months. However, the weather will be cold, and temperatures can drop below freezing at night. The wet season, from November to March, sees milder temperatures in the highlands and more humid conditions in the lowlands. While there may be some travel disruptions due to heavy rains, this is a good time to visit if you want smaller crowds and some good discounts.

Peru's dry season (May to October)

Peru's dry season, from May to October, is a great time to visit the country, offering a mix of mild temperatures and sunny skies. Here's a more detailed breakdown of what to expect during this period:

Weather Conditions

The dry season in Peru brings milder and more pleasant weather compared to the wet season. During these months, you can expect lower humidity, clear skies, and minimal rainfall. However, it's important to note that the coastal region, including Lima, is often shrouded in a dense fog called "garua" during this period, which keeps the temperatures cooler.

Advantages of Visiting During Dry Season

• Ideal for Outdoor Activities: The dry season is perfect for outdoor exploration and adventure activities. Whether you're trekking to Machu Picchu, hiking in the Andes, or exploring the Amazon rainforest, you'll have more favourable conditions with reduced rainfall and improved visibility.
• Better Visibility for Sightseeing: With clearer skies, you'll be able to enjoy breathtaking views of the rugged mountain peaks, such as the famous Rainbow Mountain. The dry season is also ideal for capturing stunning photographs of landmarks like the salt flats and Lake Titicaca.
• More Comfortable Temperature: While temperatures can vary depending on the region and altitude, the dry season generally offers milder temperatures. In the Andes region, including popular destinations like Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Puno, daytime temperatures can reach warm highs of 68°F to 77°F (20°C-25°C). However, it's important to pack accordingly as nights can be chilly, especially in June and July.
• Fewer Insects: The dry season is known for having fewer mosquitoes and other insects, making outdoor activities more enjoyable.

Disadvantages of Visiting During Dry Season

• Peak Tourist Season: It's important to note that the dry season is also the peak tourist season in Peru, especially from June to September. This means you'll encounter larger crowds at popular destinations and may need to book your accommodations and tours well in advance.
• Higher Prices: Due to the increased demand during the dry season, prices for accommodations and tours may be higher compared to other times of the year.

Recommendations

If you want to avoid the largest crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder months of April or November. These months can still offer good weather conditions but with fewer tourists. Additionally, if you're specifically interested in visiting the Amazon rainforest, the dry season from May to October is the ideal time, as it makes navigating the jungle and engaging in outdoor activities much easier.

Peru's wet season (November to March)

Peru's wet season, which typically runs from November to March, sees warmer temperatures and intermittent showers. While this can cause some disruption on the roads, it is still a great time to visit the country, especially if you want to avoid the crowds of the peak tourist season. Here are some reasons why:

• Fewer crowds: The wet season falls outside of peak tourist season, so you'll have more space and time to explore and wander around the sacred sites, such as Cusco and Machu Picchu. Even though the Inca Trail may be closed for a short period in February, Machu Picchu remains open.
• Warmer temperatures: The wet season is the warmest time of the year in Peru, making it a great time to visit higher-altitude destinations that typically have colder weather, such as Colca Canyon and Puno. You'll likely only need a light jacket for the short afternoon showers, and you can expect clear and warm skies for sightseeing.
• No need for advanced bookings: During the wet season, you don't need to book months in advance for popular sites like Machu Picchu or treks like the Inca Trail. You can usually book 4-6 weeks in advance, or even when you're already in Peru.
• Lush green sights: The rain brings with it lush green hills, wildflowers, and colourful terraces in the Sacred Valley and Colca Valley. The freshness of the rainy season creates stunning sights, and the fewer crowds make it even more special.
• Cultural celebrations: Peru hosts cultural celebrations all year round, and the rainy season is no exception. One of the most important religious celebrations, the Virgin de Candelaria, takes place in Puno during the wet season. You can expect to see colourful performances by over forty musical groups from all over the region.
• Beach season: The "beach season" in Peru starts in December, with warmer temperatures and clear waves along the coast. The beaches are not affected by the rain, so it's a perfect time to soak up the sun in Miraflores or explore a surfer's paradise in Mancora.
• Rainbows: The Andes and higher-altitude mountain planes experience sunny mornings and rainy afternoons during the wet season. The afternoon showers tend to pass quickly, sometimes leaving an array of rainbows stretching across the sky from peak to peak—a truly magical sight.

While the wet season in Peru offers many advantages, it's important to keep in mind that there may be occasional travel delays due to heavy rains, especially in the highlands. Additionally, February tends to be the rainiest month in Machu Picchu, so it's best to visit after this month if you want to avoid the heaviest rainfall.

Bolivia's dry season (May to October)

The dry season in Bolivia is the most popular time for tourists to visit the country, despite the cooler weather. From May to October, the weather is dry and sunny, with shorter days and bright blue skies. However, when the sun does shine, it is strong, so sunscreen is essential. The nights can be very cold, especially in the highlands, and temperatures can drop below freezing. This is a great time to visit the Bolivian Amazon, as there are more animals to see and fewer mosquitoes.

The dry season is the best time for outdoor activities, such as hiking and trekking. Trails are easy to navigate, and road travel is easier. The dry season is also the ideal time to visit the salt flats of Uyuni and Lake Titicaca, as the bright sunshine means you can photograph them against clear blue skies.

The dry season is the high season for tourism in Bolivia, so it is more expensive, and you will need to book in advance to get the best choice of accommodation. August is the most popular month for tourists.

If you want to avoid the crowds, the shoulder seasons of April-May and October-November are good times to visit. The weather is still pleasant, with limited rain, and tour prices are cheaper.

Bolivia's wet season (November to March)

Although Bolivia can be visited all year round, the wet season from November to March brings heavy rains that can cause travel disruptions, particularly from January onwards. In the lowlands, roads can flood, landslides are common, and fog and clouds can make driving or hiking in the mountains dangerous. In the Amazon, river transport becomes more frequent as road transport becomes more difficult. The highlands are less affected by the rain, but tracks can get muddy and cloudy days are more common.

Despite the travel disruptions, the wet season is a beautiful time to visit the Andes, as the parched Altiplano and mountainsides are briefly transformed into lush grassland and wildflowers proliferate. The wet season is also a great time to visit the Uyuni Salt Flats, as the flooded salt flats create a beautiful optical illusion. However, while you can still visit the edge of the Salar, you will not be able to cross it or visit the island in the middle.

The wet season is also the low season for tourism, so there will be fewer crowds and prices will be lower. However, it is important to note that some tours have pre-dawn starts during this time of year, and it is advisable to arrive a day early if you have to be in a particular place at a particular time, as flights are frequently disrupted by poor weather.

The wet season in Bolivia is also the time when most festivals are held, including Carnival and Easter (Holy Week). These festivals can be a key part of your trip, but it is important to check with your operator before you go, as roads or attractions may be closed.

Packing for the Wet Season

When packing for the wet season in Bolivia, it is important to bring waterproof clothing and mosquito repellent. Here is a list of some other items that may be useful:

• Sunscreen
• Water
• Small hand towel
• Layers and warm clothes for chilly nights
• Rain jacket and umbrella
• Flexible travel schedule to accommodate delays caused by wet weather conditions

Peru's shoulder season (April and October)

Peru's shoulder season, which falls in April and October, is a great time to visit the country if you're looking for good weather without the crowds.

April to November is the dry season in the Andes region, which includes popular destinations such as Machu Picchu, Cusco, Sacred Valley, and the Inca Trail. During this time, you can expect little to no rainfall, clear skies, and fantastic views of the Andean peaks. April falls at the beginning of the dry season, so you'll still be able to enjoy the lush greenery left over from the rains, and the temperatures will be warming up after the cold winter.

The dry season is also a great time to visit the Peruvian rainforest, as the weather is typically drier with sunny days and lower humidity, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife spotting.

In coastal Peru, April and October offer more unpredictable weather, similar to that of the UK. However, the coast rarely sees rain, so you can still expect hot, dry heat and temperatures reaching 77°F-95°F (25°C-35°C) or higher in the north.

If you're planning to visit Bolivia during this time as well, April to October is the best time to go to the highland areas. While it's the cold winter period, you can expect dry weather with plenty of sunshine and blue skies. Temperatures will be around 59°F, but it can drop well below freezing at night, so be sure to pack accordingly!

Frequently asked questions