Peru Weather in February: Travel Tips for First-Timers

February in Peru is the warm and wet season in the Andes and the Amazon, but the dry season on the coast. This is the best time of year to visit north and western Peru.

Despite the rain, it is also a good time to visit Machu Picchu and the mountains for lower prices and no crowds.

Just make sure to bring an umbrella and raincoat for the mountains, but plenty of sunscreen for the beach!

Peru Weather in February Overview

• Average temperature range: 7°C-32°C (44°F-90°F)
• Wet season: Cusco, Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca, the Amazon Rainforest, Puno
• Dry season: Lima, Arequipa, Trujillo, the Ballestas Islands
• Rainfall: 133 mm (5.2 inches) in Cusco
• Rainy days: 13 in Cusco, 1 in Lima

Located near the equator, temperatures in Peru remain about the same year round and the biggest seasonal change is between the wet season and dry season. February in Peru is the wet season in the high-altitude Andes Mountain region and the Amazon Rainforest but is the dry season on the coast.

Machu Picchu in February

Panorama of Machu Picchu, Peru

February is the rainiest month in Machu Picchu but it is still a good time to see the world wonder if you want to avoid the crowds. It's also a great time to capture incredible photos of the ruins with billowing clouds and a lush green landscape in the background.

Although it may rain almost every day in Machu Picchu in February, it usually doesn't start raining until the afternoon. To take advantage of the driest part of the day, try to schedule your tour in the morning.

February is summer in Peru and Machu Picchu experiences its warmest and most comfortable temperatures during this time with average highs around 19°C (66°F) and nightly lows of 7°C (44°F).

February Weather by Region

Peru has three separate and distinct climate regions including the high-altitude Andes Mountains, the arid coast, and the tropical wet Amazon Rainforest. If you are visiting more than one region of Peru, you'll need to prepare for different seasons and weather!

Check out more details about each region below.

Cusco and the Andes: 7°C-19°C (44°F-66°F)

Vicuna in Andes

This area of the country is also known as the highlands and is much cooler than the rest of Peru because of its higher elevation.

February is usually the wettest month in this region, with an average of 133 mm (5 inches) of rainfall. However, despite the rain, this is a good time to be up in the mountains to experience them at their greenest and lushest. While most travelers want to see Machu Picchu and Cusco with clear skies, there is something magical about exploring these ancient places when they are partly shrouded in clouds and mist.

Even with the rain, the highlands still receive a moderate amount of sunshine, especially in the morning. In this area, rain normally starts in the afternoon giving early risers plenty of time to explore.

Lima and the Coast: 20°C-27°C (68°F-80°F)

Panoramic Beach Sunset in Lima

February is the middle of summer and the high season on the Peruvian coast. The warm and sunny weather makes this a great time to explore cities like Lima, Trujillo, Arequipa, and Pisco. You can also head to the beautiful beaches near Lima to take in the sun and watch surfers catch big waves.

There is little to no rainfall in February in this region and you can expect clear skies and dry weather.

The Amazon and the East: 22°C-32°C (72°F-90°F)

Floating house on the Amazon River in Peru

The eastern area of Peru is covered by the Amazon rainforest and is humid, hot, and rainy in February. Just like in the Andes, rain usually occurs in the afternoon in this region so it's a good idea to schedule tours and excursions in the morning.

The average rainfall in February in Iquitos is 233 mm (9 inches). Iquitos typically receives 18 days of rain on average. Areas to the south, like Manu National Park, sometimes experience 27 days of rain during this month.

Best Places to See in Peru in February

Just because it's the rainy season, doesn't mean there isn't plenty to do in February in Peru!

One of the best things about visiting Peru in February is that it is the month of festivals. Experience the Festival of the Candelaria in Puno, Pisco Sour Day, or Peruvian Carnival for unforgettable memories and cultural experiences.

1) Lima

The City of Lima

February is an incredible time to soak up the sun in and around Lima. First, head out and explore the city on a food tour to take in colonial architecture while trying the delicious flavors of this culinary hot spot. Lima is also rich in history and full of great museums, shopping, and cafes. You can take in the sunset at one of the city's popular beaches or head south to Paracas National Park to spend some time surrounded by nature and towering sand dunes.

2) Arequipa

Arequipa, Peru

Despite its high elevation, Arequipa is in its dry season in February and is a great place to visit if you want the picturesque mountain views without the rain. Most of the colonial buildings you'll see here are made from beautiful white volcanic rock from the three large snow-topped volcanoes that surround the city.

Arequipa is also the jumping-off point for trips to the famously gorgeous Colca Canyon.

3) Pisco and the Ballestas Islands

Pisco and the Ballestas Islands are off-the-beaten-path destinations that are often overlooked by travelers. This makes them especially great spots for anyone who wants to enjoy authentic Peruvian culture.

Pisco is the home of Peru's most famous alcohol by the same name and is a great place to go to visit local vineyards to relax and learn about the history of this specialty drink. You can even visit the city during the Pisco Sour Festival which takes place on the first Saturday of February.

From Pisco, it is only a quick boat trip to the Ballestas Islands which are commonly called the Peruvian Galapagos for their abundant and unique wildlife.

4) Puno

Although Puno is in the rainy season in February, it is still a great place to visit to experience the Festival of the Candelaria. This is an 18-day highland festival that includes cultural and visual treats such as dance competitions, folk music, fireworks, and celebrating in the streets. Although smaller celebrations for this holiday take place in other cities in Peru, Puno is truly the heart of this festival and is the place to be if you want to experience it.

February Crowds and Costs

Hiking in Cusco

February is usually a more affordable month to visit Peru, especially if you plan to spend most of your time in the Andes or Amazon.

Machu Picchu gets its lowest number of visitors in February because of the closure of the surrounding hiking trails for routine maintenance. This makes the prices of hotels and guide services in the Sacred Valley and Cusco lower than average.

If you plan to spend most of your time in Lima and along the coast, you will encounter prices that are higher than normal due to the good weather and outdoor festivals. February is part of Lima's high surfing season and the city is often busy with higher prices on hotels and travel during this time.

What to Wear in Peru in February

In the Andes, you will need to bring rain jackets, waterproof shoes, and umbrellas to help combat sudden showers and downpours. The benefit of traveling in this region in February is that you won't need cold weather gear. Shorts and a hoodie will be enough during the day, although you will want a fleece and pants to stay warm when the temperature drops at night.

In Lima and the coast, summer attire will be perfect. Plan on wearing T-shirts, shorts, skirts, and sandals.

Monthly Weather in Peru

Explore Peru with Global Highlights

For the perfect February trip to Peru, look no further than Global Highlights! We specialize in creating tailor-made tours that not only consider your travel goals but also work with the weather to make your dream trip. If you'd like to visit Peru in the rainy season to avoid the crowds, we can plan the perfect adventure for you. Let us deal with the planning stress so that you can just enjoy your trip.