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

November is the last month of the shoulder season in Peru and the start of the heavy rain in the mountains. As long as you are okay with a few rainy days and have a flexible schedule, November is still a great month to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu for affordable rates and almost no crowds.

It's also a great time to experience one of Peru's colorful festivals or explore the coast, full of an abundance of wildlife and clear sunny skies. Feel free to contact us if you have trouble planning your trip to Peru.

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1. Peru Weather in November Overview

The Andes Mountains, Peru

• Average temperature range: 6°C-32°C (43°F-90°F)
• Dry season: Lima, Trujillo, Paracas National Park
• Shoulder Season: Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, the Sacred Valley, the Amazon
• Rainfall: 175 mm (6.88 inches) in Cusco
• Rainy days: 12 in Cusco, 1 in Lima

Located in the southern hemisphere, temperatures in Peru stay pretty much the same year-round. The main change in weather is between the wet and the dry seasons.

November is the last month before the wet season truly starts. This month sees more rainfall, especially in the Amazon and Andes, but comfortably warm temperatures across the country.

This is the high travel season for coastal Peru and is a great time to visit colonial-era cities like Lima, Arequipa, and Trujillo as well as wildlife reserves such as the Ballestas Islands.

Despite the rain, it is possible to visit the Andes and Machu Picchu, but it's a good idea to plan a few extra days into your visit to factor in possible showers.

Machu Picchu in November

Machu Picchu, Peru

While November is not the best time to visit Machu Picchu, it is still possible if you are willing to be flexible with your plans and don't mind getting a little wet.

The benefit of seeing this world wonder during the off-season is that you will get it all to yourself and won't have to battle with hoards of people for the perfect view. Plus the cloudy skies make for dramatic vistas and beautiful photos.

The weather is much warmer in November with highs around 21°C (70°F) and lows around 6°C (43°F). The warmer temperatures and increased rainfall cause flowers to bloom all around the Sacred Valley and the hills to turn a brilliant green.

To make sure you get the most out of your visit, plan an extra day or two in the area so you can choose the time with the best weather to visit the world wonder. It's also a good idea to schedule your tour in the morning as it usually rains in the afternoon.

2. November Weather by Region

Peru has three different climate regions that each have its own distinct weather patterns. These areas include:

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

Depending on where you go, you will need to bring different clothing for different weather!

Cusco and the Andes: 6°C-21°C (43°F-70°F)

Cristo Blanco, Cusco, Peru

This region of the country includes some of the most popular destinations such as Cusco, Machu Picchu, the Rainbow Mountain, and Lake Titicaca.

In November, this high-altitude area experiences warmer and wetter weather. There is an average of 12 rainy days during this month, and days that aren't rainy will often still be cloudy and humid.

While it is still possible to visit the region at this time, you will need to plan a few extra days into your trip and have a flexible itinerary to work around the rain.

Lima and the Coast: 16°C-22°C (61°F-72°F)

Beach in Lima, Peru

While the rest of the country moves into the wet season, in Lima the warm and dry season is just beginning. At this time, coastal cities see an influx of travelers who come for the big waves and warm sunshine.

The highs in Lima reach up to a comfortable 22°C (72°F) with clear skies, making this the perfect time to walk through the city or sit on the beach. However, the water is still too cold for swimming. If you are looking for hotter temps and warm waters, head farther north towards the equator to places like Punta Sal or Los Organos.

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

Blue-headed parrots eating clay, the Amazon Rainforest in Peru

The large eastern area of Peru is covered by the famous Amazon Rainforest. This area of the country has hot and wet weather year-round. November is a shoulder month between the drier season and the wet season in the rainforest.

However, rains typically fall in the afternoon so visitors can plan activities and excursions in the morning for the best chance of staying dry.

3. Best Places to See in Peru in November

As long as you are willing to have a flexible itinerary, November is a great time to visit Peru for affordable prices on travel and accommodation. In November, you can visit some of the country's most popular sites without the long lines and crowded photos.

1) Lima

Beach in Lima, Peru

Lima is the capital city of Peru and is not only full of beautiful colonial-era architecture and interesting museums but is also the home of the country's growing food culture.

In Lima, you can find all the best Peruvian dishes from street food plates to full-course meals at fine dining establishments. Take a food tour of the city to try the best of the best and then head to the Miraflores district to enjoy the sunset while looking out over the Pacific Ocean.

While the beaches in Lima aren't great for swimming, this is a good place for watersports, sport fishing, and whale-watching.

2) The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu, Peru

Rain or no rain, Machu Picchu is still a must-see destination for first-time visitors to Peru. First, spend time in the Sacred Valley in picturesque colonial-era villages like Ollantaytambo and Pisac. Here, you can stroll through handicraft markets, eat local cuisine, and visit lesser-known Incan ruins.

Then take the Incan Rail up to Machu Picchu to take in the view of the world wonder at sunrise, surrounded by green mountains and cascading clouds.

3) The Ballestas Islands

The Ballestas Islands, Peru

Also known as the Peruvian Galapagos, the Ballestas Islands are one of the best places in the country to spot wildlife. Take a boat tour of the islands to see rare birds like Peruvian boobies, Inca terns, and penguins existing alongside sea lions, turtles, dolphins, and whales.

From the Ballestas Islands, you can also go further south to Paracas National Park to explore untouched beaches or to Huacachina to drive across rolling sand dunes.

4) Northern Peru

Cajamarca, Peru

Northern Peru is often overlooked by travelers and is a hidden gem full of pre-Incan ruins, abundant nature, and beautiful beaches.

Head to the colonial city of Cajamarca to learn about the ancient Moche civilization and then to the adobe city of Chan Chan which is believed to be the historical capital of the Chimu Kingdom built in 1100 AD.

4. November Crowds and Costs

Hiking on the Mout. Cordillera, Peru

November is a less crowded time to travel to Peru due to the higher rainfall in popular regions such as the Andes Mountains and Amazon Rainforest. However, this means that travel and accommodation rates are quite low and wait times for major attractions are almost nonexistent.

While the interior of the country enters its low season, Lima and the coast start to get busy as the good weather and big waves draw water sports enthusiasts. Prices and crowds will be slightly higher along the coast at this time.

5. What to Wear in Peru in November

Local market in Peru

What you will need to pack for Peru in November depends on where you will go.

In the mountains and high altitude regions, make sure to bring a raincoat, waterproof shoes, and a few hoodies and fleeces for when the temperature drops at night.

If you plan to visit the Amazon, the weather will be wet but hot. You will need to bring clothing made from quick-dry materials, a light raincoat, and an umbrella.

When traveling in Lima or along the coast, you will be comfortable in shorts and a T-shirt. Make sure to bring good walking shoes for city tours and sunblock to protect your skin.

6. November Festivals in Peru

Peru is a country of festivals and November is no different, with two major celebrations that are a great way for travelers to get hands-on experience with the local culture.

• All Saints' Day (Todos Santos) – this holiday is celebrated every year on November 1st or 2nd all over the country. It is a religious holiday and is celebrated first with a Catholic mass and then with offerings of food, drink, and flowers left on the graves of loved ones.
• Puno Week – starting on November 5th, this week-long festival takes place in Puno and celebrates the mythical arrival of the first Inca on the shores of Lake Titicaca. This festival involves lots of dancing, beautiful costumes, and street performances.

Monthly Weather in Peru

Explore Peru with Global Highlights

For the perfect November trip to Peru, look no further than Global Highlights!

We specialize in creating tailor-made tours that not only consider your travel dreams but also work around the weather to craft the perfect experience. Let us deal with the planning stress so you can just enjoy the journey.