Cheapest Months to Visit Peru with Great Weather
Peru’s shoulder seasons—primarily April, May, September, and October (with July specifically advantageous for regions like Cusco)—stand out as ideal travel windows. Why? Because these months perfectly balance excellent weather conditions, fewer tourists, attractive prices, and vibrant cultural festivities.
Cheapest Months to Travel to Peru
Many experienced travellers regard these months as Peru's best‑kept secrets. Rather than fighting crowds in the hectic peak seasons (June through August or the Christmas period), these months promise a more relaxed, affordable, and enjoyable experience. From the soaring Andes and the iconic ruins of Machu Picchu to the dense jungles of the Amazon, Peru offers spectacular diversity—and these shoulder months are among the best times to explore it.
When is Peru’s Shoulder Season?
Peru's shoulder seasons occur twice a year, sandwiching the high tourism months (June–August):
Autumn shoulder (April–May): The rainy season tapers off, giving way to clear skies, lush landscapes, and comfortable hiking conditions.
Spring shoulder (September–October): Dry conditions persist after the peak months, offering similarly excellent weather without crowds or peak pricing.
Additionally, July—traditionally peak season—can also act as a strategic shoulder month for specific destinations like Cusco, especially when timing aligns with vibrant festivals, such as Virgen del Carmen.
Shoulder Season Months
- Autumn: April through May
- Spring: September through October
- Special mention: July (Cusco for cultural events)
Weather During Peru’s Shoulder Season
Peru is famous for its climatic diversity, thanks to its geography spanning coastlines, mountains, and jungle. Shoulder seasons provide the best balance between good weather, clearer skies, and comfortable temperatures for most destinations.
April–May (Autumn Shoulder): These months mark the transition from the wet to dry season. Rainfall decreases significantly, and the countryside remains lush and vibrant. High‑altitude cities like Cusco and the Sacred Valley become increasingly appealing due to clearer skies—ideal for trekking or sightseeing.
For instance, in Cusco, temperatures average around 20 °C during the day, dropping to cooler but manageable 6–7 °C at night, providing near‑perfect hiking conditions without the scorching summer heat or bone‑chilling nights typical of the Andean winters.
July (Cusco‑specific consideration): Even though July is technically high season, Cusco offers favourable temperatures averaging 20 °C daytime and cooler nights around 1–5 °C. This is prime hiking weather. Despite an uptick in tourists for events like Virgen del Carmen Festival, strategic planning lets you dodge peak congestion.
September–October (Spring Shoulder): These months offer stable, dry conditions, especially ideal around key Andean destinations like Cusco and Machu Picchu. With daytime temperatures around 21–22 °C and nights slightly warmer (6–8 °C), hiking remains highly enjoyable, and conditions at popular sites remain excellent.
Here's a summary of average temperatures for key shoulder months:
| Month | Avg High (°C) | Avg Low (°C) | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | 20–23 °C | 6–7 °C | Decreasing rain, lush landscapes |
| May | 20–23 °C | 6 °C | Mostly dry, ideal hiking weather |
| July (Cusco) | 20 °C | 1 °C | Peak trekking, festivals |
| September | 22 °C | 6 °C | Dry, excellent for outdoors |
| October | 22 °C | 8 °C | Warm, sunny, early signs of rain |
In the jungle areas, such as the Amazon around Puerto Maldonado or Iquitos, September is particularly enticing, offering drier trails and better wildlife‑spotting conditions.
What to Pack for Shoulder Season in Peru
Packing appropriately for Peru’s shoulder season means preparing for variable yet comfortable conditions. You'll likely experience warm daytime sunshine with cooler evenings, especially in mountainous areas.
Packing Essentials
- Layers: Bring quick‑drying shirts, long‑sleeved tops, and lightweight sweaters or fleeces.
- Waterproof jacket: While rains decrease significantly in shoulder months, short showers are possible, particularly in April and late October.
- Comfortable hiking boots: Essential for mountain trekking or exploring archaeological sites.
- Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are crucial due to the high‑altitude sun.
- Light gloves and hat: Useful for cooler evenings and mornings in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, or during mountain hikes.
- Reusable water bottle: Hydration is critical at altitude.
This combination ensures you're comfortable whether exploring Machu Picchu, walking through Cusco’s cobblestone streets, or venturing into jungle trails.
Prices & Crowds: Shoulder Season Benefits in Peru
Aside from favourable weather, the biggest advantage of Peru’s shoulder season (April–May and September–October, plus July selectively) is the substantial improvement in prices and crowd management. Traveling just before or after the peak tourist months allows you to enjoy many of Peru's iconic destinations more intimately and affordably.
Lower Costs: During peak months (June–August), prices for accommodation, tours, and flights soar, sometimes up to 50% higher than off‑peak months. Shoulder seasons offer significant savings without compromising your experience.
For example, hotels in Cusco can range dramatically in price throughout the year. In the high season, a mid‑range hotel room averaging around $150–$180 per night could drop to approximately $100–$120 during shoulder months like April, May, or September. In the Sacred Valley, where luxurious lodges and retreats often double prices in July and August, shoulder months present a perfect opportunity to snag more attractive rates.
Hotel Price Comparison (Mid‑range, Cusco)
| Season | Avg Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Peak (June–August) | $150–$180 |
| Shoulder (Apr–May, Sep–Oct) | $100–$120 |
| Low (Jan–Mar, Nov–Dec) | $80–$100 |
Airfare follows similar trends, with flights into Lima or Cusco notably cheaper during shoulder months—typically about 20–30% less expensive compared to peak‑season tickets.
Fewer Crowds, Enhanced Experience: The reduction in tourist volume dramatically enhances the overall travel experience. During shoulder seasons, major sites like Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuamán, and Ollantaytambo remain accessible, with significantly shorter queues. You might even have moments to appreciate these legendary places in relative peace—a stark contrast to the congestion of June, July, and August.
Booking key experiences like the Inca Trail or the train to Machu Picchu also becomes more manageable during these months, as limited availability and crowded bookings pose less of an issue.
Festivals & Activities During Peru’s Shoulder Season
Visiting Peru during shoulder season doesn't mean sacrificing vibrant cultural events—far from it. Each shoulder month offers a rich tapestry of cultural festivities, celebrations, and unique experiences that deepen your connection to Peru’s diverse communities.
April–May
As the rainy season fades, April and May introduce many lively cultural festivals, particularly around Cusco and Lima:
Cultural Highlights (Apr–May)
- Semana Santa (Holy Week) (late March–early April): Holy Week celebrations in Cusco are profoundly moving, blending indigenous traditions and Catholic rituals. Processions, vibrant street decorations, and church services create an atmosphere of reverent beauty. Although Holy Week is somewhat busy, it provides unparalleled cultural immersion.
- Señor de los Temblores (usually early April, Cusco): Known as the Lord of Earthquakes, this is Cusco’s most important religious event, featuring a revered image of Christ paraded through historic streets. Expect an intense local experience, ideal for cultural enthusiasts.
- Fiesta de las Cruces (early May): Celebrated throughout the Andean region, this festival sees villagers decorating crosses, dancing, and holding vibrant community gatherings. It's an authentic glimpse into rural life, perfect for photographers and culturally curious travellers.
July (Cusco)
While July is traditionally busy, the Virgen del Carmen Festival in Paucartambo near Cusco (mid‑July) is a cultural highlight that makes braving the slightly busier season worthwhile. This vibrant multi‑day celebration features masked dances, colourful costumes, processions, music, and intense community spirit. Although accommodations around Cusco might be busier, savvy travellers book early or stay slightly outside the festival zone, balancing immersion and comfort.
September–October
The spring shoulder months also host significant cultural festivities and regional events:
Cultural Highlights (Sep–Oct)
- Mistura Food Festival (September, Lima): South America's largest culinary festival happens annually in Lima, showcasing Peru’s diverse and world‑renowned cuisine. Here you can experience everything from street food stalls to gourmet chef presentations—an essential stop for foodies.
- Spring Equinox Celebrations (late September, Cusco region): Springtime in the Andes brings vibrant local festivities with dancing, music, and rituals, especially around the Sacred Valley. Towns like Pisac and Urubamba celebrate renewal and agricultural prosperity, offering an authentic cultural window into rural Peru.
- El Señor de los Milagros (October, Lima): One of Peru’s most significant religious events, this festival features enormous processions honouring a venerated image of Christ in Lima. Streets fill with devout followers, music, incense, and celebrations—a fascinating glimpse into Peruvian spirituality.
Recommended Activities During Shoulder Season
Beyond festivals, Peru’s shoulder months offer excellent conditions for outdoor exploration and activities:
- Trekking & Hiking: Whether choosing the Inca Trail, Lares Trek, or Salkantay Trail, shoulder seasons provide optimal weather—drier, clearer trails with fewer tourists. July remains exceptional for trekking around Cusco, provided you book accommodations early.
- Wildlife Watching (Amazon & Highlands): September is ideal for exploring the Amazon near Puerto Maldonado or Iquitos. Wildlife congregates around shrinking water sources, making wildlife sightings more frequent. Additionally, birdwatchers find April particularly rewarding as migratory and native birds become active after rainy months.
- Culinary & Cultural Tours: Lima’s culinary scene is always vibrant but becomes especially exciting in September with the Mistura festival. Likewise, Cusco’s cuisine blossoms with locally sourced ingredients, perfect for joining cooking classes or culinary walks through vibrant markets.
Peru Shoulder Season Cheat Sheet
| Month | Avg High / Low (°C) | Rainfall | Avg Hotel Price (mid‑range) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April | 20–23 / 6–7 | Moderate showers | ~$100–120/night | Semana Santa, Señor de los Temblores, lush trails |
| May | 20–23 / 6 | Occasional rain | ~$100–120/night | Fiesta de las Cruces, clear trekking conditions |
| July (Cusco) | 20 / 1 | Minimal rain | ~$120–150/night | Virgen del Carmen festival, ideal trekking |
| September | 22 / 6 | Low rain | ~$100–120/night | Amazon wildlife, Mistura festival, excellent trekking |
| October | 22 / 8 | Low/Moderate rain | ~$100–120/night | El Señor de los Milagros, great hiking weather |
Data: Temperatures are representative averages for Cusco; coastal areas run warmer, while higher‑altitude regions may be cooler. Rainfall values are approximate; pack a waterproof layer just in case. Prices reflect typical mid‑range rates—luxury lodges and budget hostels will vary. Notice how these shoulder months offer mild weather and gentler pricing than peak season, yet still avoid the heavier rains of the low season.
Summary: Why Shoulder Season Shines in Peru
Travelling to Peru in the shoulder‑season months—April, May, September and October, and selectively July for events in Cusco—offers travellers a near‑ideal balance. You get pleasant weather, lower prices, and a significantly more enjoyable travel experience due to fewer crowds.
These months deliver an optimal combination of dry, sunny weather perfect for outdoor adventures, enhanced availability of accommodation and tours, and vibrant cultural events to enrich your travels. Whether trekking the iconic Inca Trail, exploring lush Amazon jungles, or soaking up Cusco’s colourful festivals, Peru’s shoulder season provides compelling reasons to visit outside peak tourist times.
FAQs About Visiting Peru’s Shoulder Season
- When is Peru’s shoulder season exactly? Peru has two main shoulder seasons: April–May (autumn) and September–October (spring). These months fall between the busy high season of June–August and the wetter low season (November–March). July can also function as a shoulder month for Cusco specifically, particularly around festivals like Virgen del Carmen.
- Is Peru’s shoulder season significantly cheaper? Yes, shoulder-season travel can be 20–30% cheaper than peak-season prices, especially regarding hotels, airfare, and organised tours. Accommodation availability also improves dramatically, making it easier and cheaper to book appealing places to stay in destinations like Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
- Will I encounter heavy rain during shoulder seasons? Not usually. April–May marks the transition from the wet season to dry, meaning rains decrease significantly by mid-April, leaving lush, green landscapes without continuous rainfall. Similarly, September–October features mostly dry, pleasant weather, although late October might see occasional showers as the rainy season slowly returns.
- Are major attractions like Machu Picchu crowded during shoulder months? Major attractions are notably less crowded during shoulder seasons compared to the peak period (June–August). You can enjoy popular destinations like Machu Picchu, Cusco’s historic sites, and major trekking routes with fewer crowds and a more relaxed pace.
- What cultural events can I attend during Peru’s shoulder months? Peru’s shoulder season offers plenty of cultural festivities: April: Semana Santa and Señor de los Temblores in Cusco. May: Fiesta de las Cruces across the Andean region. July (Cusco): Virgen del Carmen Festival in Paucartambo. September: Mistura Food Festival in Lima, spring equinox celebrations around Cusco. October: El Señor de los Milagros in Lima.