The best time to hike in Peru

Choosing the best time to go trekking in Peru requires some trade-offs between ideal conditions, prices, and busyness. Conditions also vary considerably depending on where you're going.

Use the following information and weather forecasts to get a reasonable idea of how the weather should behave, but be prepared for surprises!

The region’s dry(er) season runs from April through October, which is South America’s winter. Skies are mostly clear and free from heavy clouds and mist, and the likelihood of intense rain is low in the mountains–although still entirely possible!

The obvious advantage is that the trails are firmer underfoot, and views are less obscured by clouds. Another important but often overlooked advantage is increased reliability of transport connections and roads remaining open. If you are interested in mountaineering, trails are unlikely to have snow or ice on them during the dry season.

On the Pacific coast, the dry season is more comfortable because it’s not as hot. In the desert, the cool winds that come off the ocean are a welcome relief.

The downside to the more agreeable climate is that it brings heavy demand from travellers from the northern hemisphere, particularly for the most popular months between June and August. Travelling during this period necessitates early bookings and advance reservations, particularly when securing the all-important Inca Trail permits.

Don’t be fooled by the name – dry season can still be very wet, especially in the Peruvian Amazon. Since temperatures are usually lower, this can also mean snow at altitude. Come prepared!

Many travellers will write off the rainy season completely. With heavy average rainfall adding wet gear and muddy trails to the hard slog of a high-altitude trek, it can seem like more pain than it’s worth.

However, there are a few good reasons to consider trekking in Peru's rainy season. In much of the Peruvian Andes, the rainy season means a one-hour cloud burst in either the morning or the evening, followed by rainbows. Rarely will it rain all day at altitude. (If you are in the Peruvian Amazon, be prepared for non-stop rain!)

Besides the spectacular rainbows, there are other advantages. There are significantly fewer crowds during this period, which also means lower prices and higher availability for most tours and treks. Most other tourists will be from the southern hemisphere, because their vacations are often in January and February.

There are ways to mitigate the risks of heavy rains affecting your trip. Add a few days buffer in case your itinerary gets disrupted and be sure you have the proper gear. Use common sense with your packing list–you probably want to bring gaiters, waterproof boots, rain pants and hiking poles whatever the time of year. During the rainy season they’re essential items.

Most importantly, travel with comprehensive insurance to cover delays or disruptions to your travel plan. It’s rare but not unheard of for roads to be blocked by landslides, bridges washed out and transport to be affected during the heaviest downpours.

Don't forget that the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance and cleaning for the entire month of February.

Daytime temperatures don’t fluctuate enormously throughout the year. The dry season is the southern hemisphere's winter but if the sun is out it can feel much warmer than a wet day in the rainy season’s “summer.”

Nighttime is another matter entirely. Dry season/winter nights can get very cold, easily dropping to freezing point, especially at altitude.

For many, the ideal zones are around early May and late September when nights are a bit warmer but you’ll still have a good chance of staying dry. These are also outside of the peak season so the trails and Machu Picchu itself will be that bit quieter.