The Best Time to Visit Peru

A Seasonal Guide to the Sacred Valley & Beyond

Visiting Machu Picchu at the February 2025 Sacred Valley Yoga Retreat :: photo by Ellie Stover

If you’re planning a trip to Peru, one of the first questions you'll ask is: “When’s the best time to go?” And while there's no single answer that works for everyone, understanding the country’s seasons—and what they mean for different regions—can help you choose the time that fits your style of travel best.

Whether you're trekking to Machu Picchu, wandering the streets of Cusco, or sinking into deep rest on a yoga retreat, the season you visit will shape your entire experience.

The Sacred Valley during the rainy season

Peru's Two Main Seasons

Unlike North America or Europe, Peru doesn't follow the four-season model. Instead, the country has two dominant seasons:

1. Dry SeasonMay to September

  • Weather: Clear skies, warm sunny days, and cool (even cold) nights, especially in the Andes.

  • Landscape: Drier, more golden and earthy tones.

  • Pros: Excellent visibility at Machu Picchu, ideal hiking weather, low humidity.

  • Cons: More tourists, higher prices, tickets (like Machu Picchu) sell out fast.

2. Rainy SeasonNovember to March

  • Weather: Daily rain showers (often in the afternoon), misty mornings, and lush, vibrant greenery.

  • Landscape: Alive and deeply green—ideal for photography and solitude.

  • Pros: Fewer crowds, more flexible bookings, a deeper connection with the natural landscape.

  • Cons: Potential for trail closures, especially the Inca Trail in February.

The Sacred Valley of Peru during the dry season

The Sacred Valley during the dry season

We Retreat During Both Seasons — Here’s Why

Our Sacred Valley Yoga Retreat happens in October and February, intentionally placed at the edges of both seasons—when the land feels most dynamic and the experience remains deeply grounded.

October: Golden Light & Clear Skies

October is the tail end of the dry season, when the days are sunny and crisp, but the crowds begin to thin. It’s the sweet spot:

  • Perfect for long walks and yoga under open skies

  • Machu Picchu is still clear and accessible

  • Nights are cool, but not freezing

  • Fields are sun-washed and golden

If you’re drawn to classic blue-sky mountain views, this is your moment.

February: Lush Green & Spiritual Stillness

February sits within the rainy season, but don’t let that deter you. The Sacred Valley transforms:

  • The mountains are deeply green and wrapped in mist

  • Rain typically comes in short, refreshing bursts

  • Tourism slows down, offering rare stillness at sacred sites

  • The energy of the valley feels especially fertile and introspective

For travelers seeking depth, softness, and space to reset — February is magic.

What to Know if You’re Exploring Beyond the Valley

A tree frog in the Tarapoto region of the Peruvian Amazon

Lima (Coastal Region)

  • Best time: December to April

  • Summer on the coast means sunshine and blue skies. In winter (May–October), Lima gets overcast and misty.

Amazon Basin (Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado)

  • Best time: May to September

  • Rainfall is more manageable, trails are drier, and wildlife is easier to spot.

Which Season is Right for You?

Ask yourself:

  • Do you love sunshine and clear views? → Try October

  • Do you crave stillness, greenery, and fewer crowds? → Try February

  • Want the best of both? → Join both and see the contrast for yourself

A Retreat That Moves With the Seasons

At our Sacred Valley Yoga Retreat, we design the experience around the energy of the land and the time of year. Whether you visit in October or February, you’ll experience:

  • Luxury accommodations in the heart of the valley

  • Daily yoga and breathwork

  • Incredible food sourced from the Andes

  • A full-day guided journey to Machu Picchu, all logistics included

  • Community, stillness, and time to reconnect

We’ll help you adjust to the altitude, curate your excursions, and hold space for you to rest and recalibrate—season after season.

Upcoming Retreats

  • October 19–25, 2025 – Dry season brilliance

  • February 2026 (dates TBA) – Lush season reflection

The Best Time to Visit Peru? When You’re Ready to Return to Yourself.

Whether you’re called by golden mountains or green mist, we’re here to meet you where you are.

Learn more about the Sacred Valley Yoga Retreat →

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Where to Elsewhere: Traveling in Peru After the Sacred Valley Retreat