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

July is a great time to go to Peru for stunning views of Machu Picchu and crisp and cool weather in the Andes Mountains.

This is also the driest time to explore the Amazon Rainforest and the clearest time to go sightseeing in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

July is the high travel season in Peru and is more crowded than other months.

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1. Peru Weather in July: Overview

Llamas in Andes Mountains

• Average temperature range: 1°C-21°C (34°F-86°F)
• Fog season: Lima and the coast
• Dry season: All of Peru
• Rainfall: 4 mm (0.2 inches) in Cusco
• Rainy days: 2 in Cusco, 1 in Lima

Peru is located in the southern hemisphere which means that July is the middle of winter. During this time, Peru will experience some of its coldest temperatures of the year.

In the Andes Mountains at night, you may encounter temperatures close to 0°C (32°F). However, the temperature rises to a nice comfortable 19°C (66°F) by afternoon.

While the Andes Mountains and Machu Picchu are quite cool in July, temperatures are warmer along Peru's coast in cities like Lima and Trujillo. The Amazon Rainforest is warm and wet all year round, but July is the driest season with the littlest rainfall and coolest temperatures.

Machu Picchu in July

Machu Picchu

Weather at Machu Picchu in July is almost perfect. The temperatures are cool, the mountain air is clean and crisp, and the skies are clear. This is the perfect time to visit for pristine views of this world wonder and the Sacred Valley below.

Daytime temperatures at Machu Picchu range from a moderately chilly 6°C (43°F) in the early morning to a comfortable 18°C (65°F) during midday. Nighttime temperatures get down to 0°C (32°F), so you will need to bring warm clothes for sleeping. Machu Picchu receives an average of 11 hours of sunshine a day during July.

The one downside of going to Machu Picchu in July is that it's the high season and you will likely have to deal with lots of other travelers. To avoid the biggest crowds, go in the late afternoon because most commercial tour groups visit the site in the morning.

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

2. July Weather by Region

Peru has three different climate regions that each have its own distinct weather pattern.

• The high-elevation Andes Mountains
• The arid coast
• The wet Amazon Rainforest

Cusco and the Andes: 1°C-19°C (34°F-66°F)

Vinicunca or Rainbow Mountain, Cusco Region

This region contains some of the most popular destinations in Peru including Machu Picchu, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca, and the Rainbow Mountain. This region of Peru is at a higher altitude than the rest of the country and sees the coldest temperatures. Days are often sunny and dry with clear skies making this month the perfect time for stunning mountain views.

You can expect temperatures near freezing at night and in the early morning.

Lima and the Coast: 15°C-19°C (59°F-66°F)

Enjoy sunset in Lima

The coastal region of Peru contains some of the country's largest cities such as Lima, Arequipa, and Trujillo. This area of the country is known as the desert coast and receives little rainfall year-round.

In July, temperatures are comfortable and perfect for exploring the colonial district of Arequipa or taking a food tour of Lima.

There is a heavy fog called la garua that settles in the region during this time and the ocean is too cold for surfing or swimming. Because of this, July is the low travel season in this region.

The Amazon and the East: 21°C-30°C (70°F-86°F)

A family of Capybara at the shores of the Amazon rainforest in Manu National Park, Peru

The Amazon Rainforest covers the eastern region of Peru and is wet all year. However, July is one of the coolest and driest months with an average of only 153 mm (6 inches) of rain in the north and less in the south.

The weather will still be warm and humid, but the slightly cooler temperatures and fewer thunderstorms make this the best time to explore the Amazon.

3. Best Places to See in Peru in July

July has some of the best weather of the year and as such, you'll find that the whole country is ready to celebrate with plenty of holidays and festivals.

Peru's two independence days are celebrated on July 28th and 29th with parades and fireworks. Earlier in the month is the La Virgen del Carmen festival that takes place on July 16th near Cusco.

1) The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu

Inca Salt pans at Maras, near Cuzco in Sacred Valley, Peru

It's not a trip to Peru without a stop in Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. Spend a day or two in the lush green Sacred Valley visiting colorful markets before taking the Incan Rail to explore the spectacular ruins of Machu Picchu. Like most world wonders, the pictures just don't do it justice.

2) Cusco

Hiking in Cusco

Once the capital of the Incan Empire and then the seat of the Spanish Colonial government, Cusco has plenty of incredible things to see from the ruins of the Incan sun temple to the romantic cobblestone streets and cathedrals of the Plaza de Armas.

Whether you want to spend your day exploring or relaxing in a coffee shop taking in the view of the mountains, Cusco has something for everyone.

3) The Amazon Rainforest

Boat in the River in the Peruvian Amazon Jungle at Madre de Dios Peru

July is the best time of year to experience the Amazon Rainforest with all its wonderful biodiversity and lush vegetation.

Take an Amazon River cruise starting from Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado and wake up to the sound of tropical birds as you meander through the jungle. Many cruises also stop at indigenous villages to give travelers the chance to meet the native Amazonian people and learn about their way of life.

4) Lima

Lima is often overlooked by travelers, but this bustling capital city has a lot to offer from colonial architecture to fun nightlife and a great food scene.

Spend the day taking a food tour of the city to try some of this top culinary destination's best dishes, then head to the Miraflores district to catch the sunset overlooking the area's famous bluffs and the Pacific Ocean.

5) Trujillo and Northern Peru

Pier at Huanchaco Beach - Trujillo

Trujillo and other destinations in northern Peru, like Paracas National Park, are great places to visit for travelers who want to avoid the crowds and get an off-the-beaten-track experience.

Explore the pre-Incan adobe ruins of Chan Chan, walk along Huanchaco beach during sunset, and explore the colonial cathedrals of Trujillo,

4. July Crowds and Costs

July is one of the busiest months of the year for travel in Peru. Because of this, the cost of travel will be higher than it would be during the off season, especially in popular locations like the Sacred Valley and Cusco. Popular destinations will also be more crowded and you will need to make reservations and buy tickets well in advance.

July is also one of the busiest months of the year to visit Machu Picchu, but this doesn't mean you should avoid it altogether. Most large tour groups visit Machu Picchu in the morning, so you can avoid the largest crowds by visiting in the afternoon instead.

5. What to Wear in Peru in July

The weather in Peru varies greatly depending on where you are traveling.

• If you are spending most of your time in the Andes Mountains, make sure to pack plenty of warm clothes. A fleece, sweatshirts, pants, and warm shoes are all a good idea.
• Travelers who plan to go to higher-elevation locations like the Rainbow Mountain or Lake Titicaca may require winter coats, hats, and gloves.
• Travelers visiting the Amazon Rainforest will need moisture-wicking shirts and pants along with a raincoat. For those visiting the coast and northern Peru, a sweater and pants should be enough to stay warm and comfortable.

Monthly Weather in Peru

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