November is a good month to visit Peru if you want fewer crowds and lower prices. The rainy season starts in the Andes, so Cusco and Machu Picchu get afternoon showers, but mornings are often clear. The coast is the opposite: Lima, Paracas and Huacachina turn sunny and warm as summer arrives.
| Season | Start of the rainy season in the Andes · spring on the coast |
|---|---|
| Lima weather | Around 17-24 °C (63-75 °F), clouds clearing, little rain |
| Cusco & Machu Picchu | Around 6-20 °C (43-68 °F), afternoon showers |
| Crowds | Low to medium · easier train and entrance tickets |
| Festivals | All Saints’ Day (Nov 1) · Puno Week (early November) |
| Lima tours from | US$24 per person |
November sits right between Peru’s two big travel seasons. The dry-season crowds have gone home, the Christmas rush has not started, and the whole country turns green after the first rains in the Andes.
Our team in Lima plans trips in November every year. This guide covers what the weather is really like in each region, what is worth doing, and how to plan around the rain so it never ruins your trip.
Table of Contents
Is It Worth Visiting Peru In November?
Yes, especially if you are flexible. November is a shoulder month: prices for flights, hotels and trains are lower than in the June-August peak, and you share Machu Picchu with far fewer people.
The trade-off is rain in the mountains. It usually falls in the afternoon or at night, so the trick is to start your excursions early. On the coast, November is one of the nicest months of the year: the grey winter sky of Lima starts to clear and the beaches of Paracas and the dunes of Huacachina are sunny.
The Weather Of Peru In November By Region
Peru has three climates, and November affects each one differently.
Lima And The Coast
Spring arrives in Lima. Days warm up to the low twenties Celsius (low to mid 70s °F), the morning fog lifts more often and it almost never rains. Further south, Paracas and Ica are already sunny and hot, which makes November a great month for the Ballestas Islands and the desert oasis of Huacachina.
Cusco, The Sacred Valley And Machu Picchu
The rainy season begins. Expect sunny mornings and showers in the afternoon on many days, with cold nights in Cusco (around 6 °C / 43 °F). Machu Picchu, lower and closer to the jungle, is warmer and more humid. Trails can be muddy, but they are open, and the mountains look their greenest.
The Amazon
Rain becomes more frequent in Puerto Maldonado and Tambopata, and river levels start to rise. Wildlife is still easy to spot, and the forest is lush. Pack a light rain jacket and quick-dry clothes.
The Main Advantages Of Visiting Peru In November
- Fewer people at Machu Picchu and on the Inca Trail than in the dry season.
- Lower prices on flights, hotels and many tours.
- Green landscapes in the Andes after the first rains.
- Perfect beach and desert weather on the coast: Lima, Paracas and Huacachina.
- Local festivals such as All Saints’ Day and Puno Week.
The Main Disadvantages Of Visiting Peru In November
- Afternoon rain in Cusco and Machu Picchu can cloud the views.
- Some high-altitude hikes (Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake) can be cold, wet or muddy.
- Domestic flights to Cusco are sometimes delayed by weather, so leave a buffer day.
The Best Things To Do In Peru In November
These are the trips our travelers enjoy most this month.
Eat Your Way Through Lima
Lima is at its best in late spring. Spend a morning at a local market tasting fruits you have never seen, have ceviche at lunchtime the way locals do, and walk the clifftop parks of Miraflores to Barranco at sunset.
Ballestas Islands And Huacachina From Lima
With sunny skies on the coast, November is ideal for a full day south of Lima: a boat ride to the Ballestas Islands to see sea lions and Humboldt penguins, a traditional winery in Ica and a dune buggy ride with sandboarding in Huacachina.
Machu Picchu Without The Crowds
Book the earliest entrance time you can. Mornings are usually the clearest part of the day in November, and you will have far more space than in July or August.
Celebrate Puno Week At Lake Titicaca
In the first days of November, Puno celebrates its founding and the legend of Manco Cápac with parades, music and traditional dances. It is one of the best times to visit Lake Titicaca.
What To Pack For Peru In November
- A light waterproof jacket and a small umbrella for the Andes.
- Warm layers for Cusco nights (fleece and a light down jacket).
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat: the sun is strong both on the coast and at altitude.
- Comfortable shoes with good grip for wet trails.
- Swimwear if you plan to visit the beaches of Lima or Paracas.
Local buddy tip
In November we schedule every Andean excursion to start as early as possible. Rain in Cusco usually arrives after lunch, so a 5 am pickup for Humantay Lake or the first train to Machu Picchu gives you the best chance of blue skies. Keep your last day in Lima: the coast is sunny and it protects you from a delayed flight out of Cusco.
Lima Tours with a Local Buddy
About 4 hours · From US$24 per person
Food, bike and walking tours through Miraflores, Barranco and the historic centre, in small groups with English-speaking guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. November has fewer crowds and lower prices than the dry season. It rains in the afternoons in Cusco and Machu Picchu, while Lima, Paracas and Huacachina are sunny and warm.
Yes. Machu Picchu is open all year. November mornings are often clear, so book an early entrance and bring a rain jacket for the afternoon.
Days are mild, around 18-20 °C (64-68 °F), but nights drop to about 6 °C (43 °F). Pack warm layers and a waterproof jacket.
A light rain jacket, warm layers for the Andes, sunscreen and sunglasses, shoes with good grip and swimwear for the coast.
Overview
November is a shoulder month in Peru: fewer crowds, lower prices and green landscapes in the Andes, with afternoon rain in Cusco and Machu Picchu. The coast enjoys spring sunshine, which makes it a great time for Lima food tours, the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina. Plan mountain excursions early in the day, pack layers and a rain jacket, and keep a buffer day before your flight home.
