Thinking about visiting Peru in September?
This iconic South American country is perfect to visit for travellers who want to enjoy epic landscapes, endemic animal species and unique travel experiences. September marks the end of the busy winter season, and offers slightly less crowds and more flexibility while the weather remains great all across the Pacific Coast, Andes and Amazon Jungle regions.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about visiting Peru in September. 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 September?
Overall September is considered one of the very best months to travel to Peru for many different reasons. While the previous month of August in Peru is great for weather – here in September we can enjoy the same clear blue skies and little rainfall across the country (the Amazon being the exception) – which is perfect for outdoor trekking on the Inca Trail, visiting touristic sites in Lima and visiting the towns of Huacachina and Paracas along the coast.
While September is still quite a popular month to visit Peru, the busiest tourist period from June until August is now behind us – meaning that there will be less crowds and queues for the most sought-after experiences. Not only does this make sightseeing more enjoyable and authentic, it also means that flight and accommodation prices will be cheaper, along with better chances of getting last minute deals and availability.
Everything You Need To Know About Peru In September
Let’s now take a look at some of the most important things to know before visiting Peru during September.
The Weather Of Peru In September
September marks the transition from the cooler winter season to the slightly warmer spring season. Rainfall is still minimal in the Pacific Coast and Andes regions (showers usually begin from mid October onwards), which is perfect for hiking and exploring cities like Lima, Cusco and Arequipa. While the Amazon Rainforest will still be wet regardless, river levels remain low – making it ideal for spotting larger mammals that rest along the bigger exposed river banks.
Temperatures begin to warm ever so slightly in September, which is best felt in Cusco and the higher Andes. This means that the nights won’t be as cold as they get between June and August here – although you’ll still need warm layers regardless. Warmer temperatures and more blue skies start to occur in Lima, while the Amazon remains hot – meaning it’s necessary to bring short layers, lots of sunscreen and a poncho in case it rains.
The Main Advantages Of Visiting Peru In September
By far the biggest advantage has to be the ideal weather around all regions – which makes September in Peru one of the very best months of the year for travel. Slightly warmer days in Lima compared to previous months make it ideal for heading on local guided food tours and exploring the historic centre, which is also the same for other popular destinations like Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Lake Titicaca.
Another big reason to visit Peru in September is for the ideal wildlife sightings in the Amazon Jungle. Cities like Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado are ideal hubs for heading on a multi-day tour, and during this month the conditions are great for maximising wildlife encounters. This includes Jaguars and Tapir which rest on the larger exposed river banks as we ride by on a boat, exotic birds like the Macaw Parrot, as well as the native Pink River Dolphins and Giant River Otters.
The Main Disadvantages Of Visiting Peru In September
Being completely honest, there are very few disadvantages when it comes to visiting Peru in September compared with other months. If we have to be picky, then perhaps the cooler nighttime temperatures could be considered one – which is mostly felt in the higher altitude Andes where warm layers are needed. However the daytimes here in the Andes, as well as overall temperatures along the Pacific Coast and Amazon regions, are warm and great for outdoor exploring.
The Best Things To Do In Peru In September
Head On A Wildlife Excursion In The Amazon Rainforest
As a transitional month, September results in more benefits for the Amazon Jungle than other regions of Peru. While still drier than the heavy wet months later in the year, this month is perfect for spotting rare wildlife as we are at the tail-end of the busier winter season. Jaguars are sometimes seen basking in the sun on exposed river beds, while Pink River Dolphins, Caiman and Giant River Otters can be found relaxing in Amazon tributaries and oxbow lakes. The very best destinations to head on a multi-day jungle tour are Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado.
Go Sandboarding In The Massive Dunes Of Huacachina
If you want to spend more time in warmer climates outside of the Andes, then consider visiting Huacachina which is just a few hours south of Lima. While the capital can sometimes be cool or overcast, Huacachina offers hot sun and fun all days of the year. Sandboarding is one of the very best activities to do when here, where you’ll gear up with boards and ride down multiple giant dunes. Even better is that you’ll head on a dune buggy ride before, whipping around the dunes in what is quite the adrenaline-pumping experience.
Enjoy World Class Cuisine In Lima
While Peruvian cuisine can easily be enjoyed all over the country, Lima is by far one of the very best as it’s often considered the culinary capital of the country. Here we can try all kinds of exotic dishes such as Ceviche, Papa a la Huancaina, Lomo Saltado, Causa Rellena and more. Even better is that during September, Lima hosts the annual Mistura Food Festival – where famous chefs and local producers come from all over the country to present their very best dishes which we can try.
Trek To Machu Picchu With Fewer Crowds
While the months of June until August are the absolute peak months for visiting Machu Picchu, September is the tail-end for the season and offers less crowds up at the ancient citadel. You can either visit with a private day tour or hike the unforgettable Inca Trail to reach the site, and also consider visiting the nearby mountain of Huayna Picchu for the best aerial views. If possible, try to get an early morning visit around opening time for the most quiet and photogenic experience.
Observe Pacific Wildlife On The Ballestas Islands
The Ballestas Islands are Peru’s answer to Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands – which are perfect for seeing endemic wildlife without spending so much. During the ride (which departs from the coastal town of Paracas), we can see colonies of Sea Lions, the native Humboldt Penguin, as well as various species of seabirds. September as a whole is a great month for visiting the islands and nearby hieroglyphs of Candelabra, given wind speeds are less strong than other months which makes for a smooth and more enjoyable boat ride.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Peru In September
In this section we’ll now explore the most frequent questions we get about visiting Peru in September, as well as anything else you need to know.
Is September A Good Time For Peru?
September is a fantastic time to visit Peru, and for many different reasons. Firstly the weather is still great yet with less crowds than earlier months, which is perfect for visiting Machu Picchu or trekking the Inca Trail. It’s also ideal for visiting the Amazon Rainforest for less intense showers and better chances of spotting big animals like the Jaguar.
How To Dress For Peru In September?
Overall September can be a mixed country in terms of climates, so how you pack and dress really depends on where you plan to visit. The Amazon regions will be hot and wet, and as such you’ll need thin layers and waterproofs. The Andes get cold at night so thick layers are needed – while the regions of the Pacific Coast are less extreme so usual clothing is fine here.
What Is The Festival In Peru In September?
There are many festivals that take place across Peru in September, however the most iconic has to be the Mistura Food Festival in Lima. Here over hundreds of expert chefs and native farmers gather from across Peru to prepare some of the country’s most popular and exotic dishes, which both celebrate national heritage while giving us a chance to taste these incredible dishes.
Overview Of Visiting Peru In September
And that’s all for this guide on what it’s like visiting Peru in September.
This iconic South American country is one of the very best in the Americas for enjoying incredible outdoor hiking experiences, spotting exotic wildlife in different regions, and also enjoying truly authentic tours around Cusco, Lima and other regions of Peru. September is easily ranked as one of the overall best months for travel here, as the weather is ideal in all regions with slightly warmer temperatures – along with dry conditions given the heavy rains don’t begin until later in October.
Currently planning your trip to Peru in September or for a different month? Here at TravelBuddiesPeru we create completely tailored and flexible tours across Peru, which include the very best expert guides, private transport and unique experiences.
