Are you wondering if it’s a good idea to visit Peru in August?
Many travellers prefer to visit Peru in the winter season, given the weather is best around the country, there are lots of diverse experiences on offer, and as the cities are more atmospheric. August is a deep winter month, and as such is perfect for travelers who want to enjoy Cusco and Machu Picchu, visit the Amazon Rainforest and also have perfect trekking weather.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about visiting Peru in August. This includes what the weather is like, the advantages of this particular month, as well as the best things to see and do around Peru. Later we’ll also answer some of your most asked questions in our FAQ section.
Table of Contents
Is It Worth Visiting Peru In August?
Overall August is one of the best months of the year for visiting Peru. This is because the climate is at its most stable, where minimal rainfall and clear blue skies most days are perfect for outdoor experiences. This is ideal for heading on a Nazca Lines Overflight Day Tour, visiting Machu Picchu, and also for hiking in the upper Andes to destinations like Rainbow Mountain.
Given this month is one of the most popular of the year, this means that cities like Cusco, Arequipa and Lima will be full of events and incredible atmospheres. This does also mean that certain sites can get busy and sell-out – so it’s vital to book certain experiences well in advance to guarantee your entrances – and also to avoid long queues. It’s the same case with booking flights and accommodation in advance, as last-minute prices can get quite expensive.
Everything You Need To Know About Peru In August
Let’s now take a look at some of the most important things to know before visiting Peru during August.
The Weather Of Peru In August
As already mentioned, August is a winter season month in Peru, and as such there is virtually no rainfall in either the coastal or Andes regions – making it a great time to explore the outdoors and enjoy walks around the different cities. In the Amazon Rainforest there will still be occasional showers, however more of the rainforest will be accessible on foot as river levels drop compared to what they were in rainier months like January and February.
Temperatures will be cooler throughout the country, which is most noticeable along the coast where daytime and evening temperatures are between mild and cool. The Andes will have hot daytime temperatures followed by very cold evening lows – while temperatures in the Amazon Rainforest regions will be hot and tropical regardless of the hour.
The Main Advantages Of Visiting Peru In August
Arguably the biggest advantage of traveling Peru in August is how good the weather is in the majority of regions around the country. The Andes are warm during the day and with little rain, which is perfect for visiting Machu Picchu, hiking around the Sacred Valley, and enjoying the cities of Cusco and Arequipa. The Amazon cities like Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado are also drier than usual, making it ideal to head on outdoor wildlife treks.
The other key benefit is the range of unique experiences you can have which are the best in this particular month. The cooler temperatures make destinations in the Ica region much better for a visit – such as flying over the spectacular Nazca Lines and going sandboarding in Huacachina. Travelers can also enjoy unique festivals during August, such as the Fiesta de la Asunción in the Andes, as well as the Día de la Pachamama.
The Main Disadvantages Of Visiting Peru In August
The biggest drawback of a visit this month will be that it’s a peak tourist month for Peru. While this can have certain advantages like better atmosphere in places like Cusco and Lima, it does mean queues are usually longer and tickets for Machu Picchu can usually sell-out quicker. However when booking your trip with a tour agency in advance, you can easily guarantee all entries before you even leave home.
Given August is a winter season month, it does mean that temperatures can be cooler at night in certain regions of the country. In Lima and along the Pacific Coast it will be mildly cold, so a jumper or coat will be enough when heading out. In the Andes, nighttime temperatures are very cold – so it’s important to wear thick jumpers, a big coat, and possibly a hat and gloves depending on the destination you visit.
The Best Things To Do In Peru In August
Enjoy The Sunrise Above Machu Picchu
One of the very best months for visiting the Sacred Valley region, tourists can enjoy almost guaranteed perfect weather up at Machu Picchu. Early morning visits are best for golden light and striking photography, as well as for avoiding the larger crowds that arrive later in the day. As with the other busy peak months, it’s important to book your Machu Picchu vacation well in advance to guarantee your entrance and hotels nearby – with 1-2 months prior usually best.
Taste Some Of Lima’s Very Best Dishes And Cuisine
As a whole, Peruvian cuisine is some of the best on the planet with all kinds of exciting dishes that hail from the Pacific Coastal, Andes and Amazon regions.Lima is the epicenter for all things gastronomy, and during the cooler evenings it’s a great time to enjoy Peruvian classics in various restaurants across the city. Even better is to join a food tour where expert guides will introduce Peruvian classics like Lomo Saltado and Ceviche, as well as some of the country’s best sweet desserts.
Visit The Iconic Colca Canyon From Arequipa
One of the world’s deepest valleys, the Colca Canyon is over twice the depth of the Grand Canyon – and has stunning ravines and wide vistas to enjoy. As August is a dry season month, this makes it a great time for spotting soaring Andean Condors which frequent this mountainous region. During an early morning tour you can see these massive birds (one of the largest species in the world) fly overhead, and also visit remote colonial towns like Chivay before heading back to Arequipa.
Explore The Vast Sacred Valley Region
As mentioned previously with Machu Picchu, August promises great weather all over the Andes regions. This makes it a perfect month to explore the different towns and regions of the Sacred Valley. Pisac and Ollantaytambo are well-known for their ancient Inca strongholds and traditional Andean markets, while Chinchero has a more rustic and remote feel. You can also enjoy memorable hikes to destinations like Rainbow Mountain, the Seven Lakes of Ausangate as well as along the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Fly Over The Ancient Nazca Lines
Looking for one of the very best activities to do in Peru in August? The Nazca Lines are one of the country’s most mysterious sites, which have over 300 geoglyphs etched into the desert floor – some of which are over a 1000ft in size! August has clear blue skies and calm weather, which is perfect for heading on a Nazca Lines Overflight Day Tour From Lima. This includes all private transport, an expert guide and flyover the lines, as well as visits to nearby destinations like Huacachina and the Ballestas Islands.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Peru In August
In this section we’ll now explore the most frequent questions we get about visiting Peru in August, as well as anything else you need to know.
Which Are The Best Places To Visit In Peru In August?
Pretty much all of Peru is great to visit as August is a deep dry winter season month. However the very best places include Cusco and the Sacred Valley for outdoor trekking, the Amazon for less rain and seeing larger mammals, as well as the Ica and Huacachina region as temperatures are at their most comfortable of the year here in August.
Is August A Good Time For Peru?
Overall August is one of the very best months of the year to visit pretty much all regions of Peru on a single trip. This is because rainfall is virtually nonexistent in the Pacific and Andes regions, which makes it great for trekking. While prices are more expensive for flights and hotels, the overall atmosphere in cities like Cusco and Lima will be at their very best.
Is August A Good Time To Do Machu Picchu?
August is one of the peak season months for visiting Machu Picchu. The main benefit is that there will be clear blue skies and perfect weather guaranteed virtually all days, while the drawback is that permits can sell out sometimes months in advance – so it’s important to book your Machu Picchu ticket ideally over a month or two before you come to Peru.
Overview Of Visiting Peru In August
And that’s all for this guide on what it’s like visiting Peru in August.
Known for its mysterious ruins, incredible Andean landscapes and vibrant cultures all over the country, Peru is one of the most diverse countries you can visit in South America – and especially during the dry winter season months. August is overall one of the best months for travelling around Peru, where tourists can enjoy great trekking weather, perfect city atmospheres and lots of unforgettable things to see and do.
Thinking about visiting Peru for your next trip? Get in touch with our team now, who can plan your Peru trip for you with all private transport, expert tour guides and memorable experiences all included for you.
