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 Season – May 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 Season – November 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 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.