Peru Weather in April 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers

April is the start of the shoulder season in Peru and is a great time to visit for comfortable temperatures in Lima and drier weather in Cusco.

In the Andes, rainfall reduces drastically but because of previous months of rain, the mountains are still lush, green, and covered in blooming orchids. This is one of the most beautiful times to visit Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley as long as you don't mind a little mud and a couple of scattered showers.

1. Peru Weather in April Overview

Lima, Peru, panoramic Beach sunset

• Average temperature range: 5°C-31°C (41°F-88°F)
• Wet season: Amazon Rainforest
• Shoulder season: Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lake Titicaca, the Sacred Valley
• Dry season: Lima, Trujillo, Ballestas Islands, Arequipa
• Rainfall: 44 mm (1.7 inches) in Cusco
• Rainy days: 8 in Cusco, 0 in Lima

Because Peru is located just below the equator, the temperatures in each region don't change much throughout the year.

The biggest change in weather is the transition from the wet season to the dry season. April is the dry season in Lima and the coast but is still the rainy season in the Amazon Rainforest. In the Andes, April is the shoulder season between the wet and dry.

Machu Picchu in April

Panorama of Machu Picchu,Peru

April in Machu Picchu is a relatively warm month with some rain, about 8 days on average. When it does rain in Machu Picchu, it usually doesn't start until the afternoon giving you plenty of time to explore the ruins in the morning. Even on sunny days with clear skies, the ground will still be wet from previous months of rain so you can expect some mud on popular walking routes. It's a good idea to bring waterproof, easy-to-wash shoes with you.

Temperatures are often pleasant during the day and a little cooler at night with highs around 25°C (77°F) and lows around 5°C (41°F). Machu Picchu is colder than the rest of Peru because of its higher elevation, so make sure to bring plenty of warm fleeces and long pants to stay cozy while traveling in the mountains.

Suggested reading: How to Plan a 2-Week Peru Itinerary

2. April Weather by Region

Peru has three different climate regions that all have their own distinct weather patterns. These regions include the high-altitude Andes Mountains, the dry coast, and the wet Amazon Rainforest.

Learn more about what to expect in each region below!

Cusco and the Andes: 5°C-19°C (41°F-66°F)

Peruvian Andes landsacpe

This area includes popular attractions like Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, the Rainbow Mountain, and Lake Titicaca and is often cooler than the rest of Peru due to its higher elevation.

In April, this region starts to dry off and receives less rainfall making it a great time to visit. Most days are sunny and clear with only 8 rainy days this month on average. The temperature is pleasantly cool making it the perfect time to walk around and explore mountain paths and Incan ruins.

This is a great time to visit this region for photos of the lush green landscape with clear skies and blooming flowers.

Lima and the Coast: 18°C-24°C (64°F-75°F)

Peru's coastal cities are quite arid and receive very little rainfall year-round. April is an especially dry month with an average of 0 rainy days in Lima.

At this time, temperatures are pleasant but are slightly lower than they were in previous months. This causes the Pacific Ocean to get cold again and the surfing season to come to an end making Lima less crowded.

The Amazon and the East: 22°C-31°C (72°F-88°F)

Floating house on the Amazon River in Peru

This region is the wettest in the country and still experiences heavy rainfall in April even as the rest of Peru starts to move into the dry season. During this time, travelers can expect warm, humid, and wet weather with an average of 305 mm (12 inches) of rain.

In the Amazon, it is likely to rain at least a little every day during this time. The downpours usually don't start until the afternoon giving travelers some time in the morning to explore.

3. Best Places to See in Peru in April

April is a celebration month in Peru as the weather starts to get drier, the mountains erupt in blooming orchids, and people take to the streets to celebrate the Holy Week of Easter.

Check out the best places to visit and see in Peru in April below!

1). Cusco

Hiking in Cusco

Cusco is an unmissable stop when traveling to Peru in April because the pleasant weather makes this a perfect time to tour the ancient capital of the Incan Empire. Spend your day walking through the cobblestone streets of this colonial-era UNESCO World Heritage Site, exploring Incan temples, trying delicious local dishes, or strolling through the San Blas artisanal district.

If you visit Cusco at the right time, you may also catch the Festival of the Lord of the Earthquakes which is unique to this city and has been celebrated since 1650.

2). The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu

Accient inca terracces in Sacred Valley, Peru

The Sacred Valley is the mountainous region that surrounds Machu Picchu. It is the best place in Peru to go to see Incan ruins, Spanish colonial villages, green terraces, colorful markets, and authentic Peruvian mountain culture.

Before taking the train to Machu Picchu spend a day in Ollantaytambo where you'll see one of the best-preserved Incan ruins in Peru. From the ruins, catch a breathtaking view of the valley below. Then, head to the nearby town of Pisac to explore the market and learn about traditional handicrafts that are woven from alpaca wool.

3). Lima

You will likely fly into Lima to begin your trip in Peru and this lively metropolis is a great place to stay for a few days to start immersing yourself in Peruvian culture and cuisine. Lima is one of the top culinary destinations in the world right now and has a vibrant food scene where you will find anything from delicious street food to Michelin-star restaurants.

After you've toured the city and taken in all the beautiful architecture of the colonial sector, head to the Miraflores district to relax in a hip café or to Barranco to explore art galleries and boutique shops.

4). Lake Titicaca

Traditional reed boat in the lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America and stretches between Peru and Bolivia. It is also one of the highest lakes in the world at over 3,810 meters (12,500 feet) of elevation. This is one of the best places to sit back and relax while you take in the incredible views of the Andes and explore the local island cultures via boat.

Make sure to check out the manmade Floating Reeds Islands where the Uros people have lived for hundreds of years. Then stop by the Isla del Sol which was one of the most sacred places to the ancient Incans and the birthplace of a god.

5). Ballestas Islands

The Ballestas Islands are also known as the Peruvian Galapagos and are located just south of Lima off the coast of Paracas National Park. Take a boat tour out to the islands for a chance to spot rare wildlife like whales, turtles, dolphins, sea lions, pelicans, penguins, and Peruvian boobies.

After exploring the Ballestas, spend the rest of the day roaming the sand dunes of Huacachina or touring Paracas.

4. April Crowds and Costs

Train to the Machu Picchu

April is a good time to travel to Peru for lower costs and smaller crowds. This is the shoulder season for both Lima and the Andes region meaning that prices are often more affordable and there are fewer international travelers in Peru.

You can expect to get better rates for hotels, flights, and tours at this time as long as you avoid traveling during Holy Week. Holy Week, or the week before Easter, sees a rush of local travelers and larger crowds as well as higher prices. If you want to visit Peru during Easter, make sure to book your travel and accommodation well in advance.

5. What to Wear in Peru in April

Visitor in Machu Picchu

When you are in the mountains, you will want a light jacket or fleece along with pants and waterproof shoes. You will also need an umbrella or rain jacket to bring with you in case of sudden showers. Because you will be at a higher elevation, it is important to also bring sunscreen and sunglasses with you to protect your skin and eyes on sunny days.

In Lima, the weather will be comfortable and dry so clothes like t-shirts, shorts, and skirts are appropriate. Walking sandals or sneakers are great for city tours.

In the Amazon, you will need a completely waterproof coat, umbrella, and quick dry clothing to help keep you comfortable in the warm and wet environment.

Monthly Weather in Peru

Explore Peru with Global Highlights

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