Best Times to Visit

Weather

The climate of Peru is very varied. There are mild temperatures all year on the coast, with little rainfall, other than in the north (Tumbes and Piura) which have bursts of torrential rain. There are heavy rains in the mountains and jungle last from December to April. On the coast, winter lasts from June to September, during which time mountainous areas are sunny during the day but cold at night.

Visitors are advised to bring lightweight clothing during summer, with warmer clothes for upland areas. Mediumweights are a good idea for cooler months.

For a more detailed look at Peruvian weather, see Climate in Peru.

Festivals

Peru celebrates as many as 3,000 festivals each year. Many are held in homage to a patron saint and are part of the Christian calendar, with Easter being a particularly important time. On 30 August, visitors can marvel at the religious processions held to honour Lima's patron saint, Santa Rosa de Lima. Later in the year (18 October), the faithful don purple robes to march in processions, praising El Señor de los Milagros.

However, traditional Inca festivals also live on, and the Andean communities honour Pachamama, the earth goddess, either purely or as a hybrid with their Christian faith. One of the most impressive festivals is Inti Raymi, a spectacular annual ceremony in Cuzco to mark the winter solstice and harvest each June. The central event is acted out on the esplanade below the imposing Inca fortress of Sacsayhuamán on the edge of the city, and the entire city breaks out in festivities lasting for days. Other notable events include Puno Day on 5 November, which features flamboyant costumes and street dancing in the town of Puno, near Lake Titicaca.

Cajamarca's Carnival is famous throughout Peru for its annual celebrations that last for an entire month. However, be warned - the traditional Cajamarca Carnival greeting involves getting soaked with water!

Public Holidays

The following table shows the public holidays celebrated in Peru: