Thinking about visiting Peru in January?
Known for its famous Machu Picchu ruins, award-winning cuisine and unforgettable landscapes, Peru is the perfect place for any traveller to come and enjoy. January is a deep rainy season and summer month, which comes with its own particular advantages for travellers visiting Peru this month.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about visiting Peru in January. 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 January?
Overall January in Peru is an ideal month for travellers who want authenticity and lower crowds compared with the busier months of the year. This is especially true from the second week of the month onwards (after the New Years celebrations have passed), where queues are minimal for the biggest attractions, while hotel and flight prices tend to be cheaper and easier to book closer to the dates when compared with other months.
It’s important to know that January falls within the heavier wet season, so higher levels of rainfall should be expected in most parts of the country. This includes the Andes and Amazon Rainforest, where waterproofs will need to be packed – although the upside is some truly stunning landscapes. Lima and the Pacific coast on the other hand are still dry, and are pleasant for exploring given the summer highs.
Everything You Need To Know About Peru In January
Let’s now take a look at some of the most important things to know before visiting Peru during January.
The Weather Of Peru In January
As we have covered earlier in this article, January is a deep wet season month – although this isn’t consistent across all regions of Peru. The Andes and Amazon experience more frequent heavy showers, which transform the landscapes into more beautiful green regions after months of much needed rains from October onwards. The Pacific Coast remains very dry and experiences virtually no rain at all – given the unique climate of these regions.
Peru in January is also a prime summer month, where temperatures will be at some of their highest of the year in all regions. This is best felt along the coast in cities like Lima and Trujillo – which whilst cooler in the mornings and evenings during the dry season – feel much more warm as we move into January. The Amazon is much hotter these months so more sunscreen should be used, while the Andes are still cool at night – however less so than the dry season months between May and September.
The Main Advantages Of Visiting Peru In January
One of the prime advantages of choosing to explore Peru in January is for the scenic landscapes and ideal climates across the country. The Andes and Sacred Valley change from arid mountains into green-covered peaks, and are great for hiking even with a shower or two. The Amazon gets even thicker vegetation this month, making it a great time to spot exotic birds and monkeys. Lima and the Pacific Coast remain hot with virtually no rainfall, making it perfect for hitting the beaches and walking around the cities.
The other benefit of a visit this month is for a quieter atmosphere and ease of visiting the usually popular destinations – which is easier than say Peru in September or August. Of course the first week of January will still be busy with New Years celebrations, however the rest of the month is much quieter and better for visiting Machu Picchu or Cusco’s Historic Center without so many crowds. It’s usually easier to book experiences or last minute trips too, which would otherwise need several months of anticipation for the more popular dry season period.
The Main Disadvantages Of Visiting Peru In January
The weather is often considered a disadvantage for those who explore Peru in January, as rainfall is much more frequent in the Andes and Amazon regions. Now while showers are usually intense and don’t last too long, they can sometimes cause road blockages in the more remote areas. This means it’s important to travel with some flexibility, and expect a short delay or two when heading into the interiors. However even then, by preparing properly with waterproofs, and having the right attitude, rains rarely ruin experiences when travelling through Peru!
The Best Things To Do In Peru In January
Tour The Vineyards Of Ica During Harvest Season
January marks the beginning of the grape harvest season in Peru’s famous wine-producing region of Ica. Vineyards begin collecting grapes that will soon become some of the country’s very best wines and Piscos, making it the perfect time to tour local wineries and learn about the production process. During an Ica Day Tour From Lima you can enjoy private transport and a full tasting session, while also getting to enjoy the warmer daytime temperatures that January brings to the region.
Experience The Amazon Rainforest At Its Most Vibrant
During January the Amazon enters into its peak for rainfall, transforming the jungle into a thriving green paradise. Lush vegetation and wildlife activity are abundant, and rising river levels allow boats to access flooded forests that are otherwise unreachable in the dry season. During the river journey it’s common to spot Monkeys, Sloths and Pink River Dolphins, while Macaw Parrots and other tropical bird species become more active at the clay licks around the region of Tambopata.
Discover Peru’s Beautiful Northern Beaches
Similar with Lima during the summer, the northern coastal regions benefit from warm summer temperatures and little rainfall – however here they also offer a more tropical beach style experience. The beaches in Piura reach sizzling temperatures during the day which are perfect for hitting the beaches, while the evenings are also nice and warm for outdoor dining in towns like Punta Sal, Vichayito and Máncora. January is also one of the very best months for its surfing and kitesurfing conditions for those who are interested.
Visit The Colca Canyon During The Green Season
Famous for its soaring Condors and dizzying valley peaks, the Colca Canyon is one of the very best destinations you can visit when in Peru. During January we can easily make the trip from nearby Arequipa, where the once arid mountains and agricultural terraces turn into vibrant shades of green. It’s especially ideal to visit in the early morning since showers are more likely later in the afternoon, and also as this is the peak time to spot Condors in and around the Cruz del Condor viewpoint.
Enjoy Lima’s Summer Atmosphere
January marks the height of the summer season for Lima, bringing clear blue skies and warm temperatures. This makes it ideal for exploring the Historic Center and Miraflores districts of the capital, as well as cycling along the Costa Verde and enjoying some impressive dining experiences, or even an Outdoor Food Tasting Tour In Miralfores. January is also a great month for enjoying the beach towns close to the city such as San Bartolo and Punta Hermosa, which are famous for their long sandy beaches and calm waters.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Peru In January
In this section we’ll now explore the most frequent questions we get about visiting Peru in January, as well as anything else you need to know.
Can You Swim In Peru In January?
January is one of the best months for swimming in Peru, and especially along the Pacific Coast. Here summer temperatures will have warmed the sea, making the very best beaches around Lima ideal for hitting the sands and enjoying a swim – as well as the nearby beach towns like Punta Hermosa and San Bartolo. Heading further north to the region of Piura, beach towns like Punta Sal and Vichayito have both warm sea temperatures as well as a more tropical climate.
Is Machu Picchu Closed In January?
No, Machu Picchu is not closed in January – nor is it closed any other month of the year. Instead it remains open for visitors, where in this month we can enjoy slightly less crowds, along with greener landscapes and some mists behind the ancient ruins. The Inca Trail is also open in January in case you are wondering of joining this famous hike to Machu Picchu – although this does close during the following month of February for repairs.
Is Peru Ok In January?
Yes, Peru is more than okay for a visit in January! While the heavier showers in the Andes and Amazon may put some travellers off, it more than makes up for this with less crowds, better prices and more authenticity around the country. Even the rains themselves in these regions offer unique advantages – such as greener landscapes and more exotic wildlife sightings during guided tours. Overall, it’s an ideal month for those who love iconic landscapes and dislike long queues.
Overview Of Visiting Peru In January
And that’s all for this guide on what it’s like visiting Peru in January.
Peru is renowned for its scenic Andes, Amazon and Pacific landscapes, which are home to not just incredible views and destinations – but also authentic cultural experiences and incredible local cuisine. While January marks the peak of the wet season where showers are more likely in various regions around the country, it does bring its own advantages too such as less crowds and more unique atmospheres in top destinations.
Here at TravelBuddiesPeru, we help travellers create their most perfect Peru vacation with all destinations, hotels and private tour guides included. Get in touch with us now and start planning your Peru trip today.
