In the high Andes, seasons are defined by rain rather than by temperature. The dry season, roughly May to September, brings clear skies, firm trails and the best views. It’s also the busiest and coldest time. The wet season, from about November to March, means green landscapes and fewer people, but also landslides, cloud and some closures.
The seasons in brief
Dry season (May–September)
- Clear, sunny days and cold nights, especially above 3,500 m.
- Best conditions for trekking, Machu Picchu and Uyuni.
- Crowds and prices peak in July and August.
Shoulder months (April, October, early November)
Good balance. There may be some rain, but crowds are lighter and the landscape is greener. April and October are often an excellent choice for Machu Picchu.
Wet season (November–March)
- Frequent afternoon rain and cloud, with heavy rain in January and February.
- The Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance.
- Roads in the highlands can be blocked by landslides.
- Uyuni’s salt flat is flooded, which makes the famous mirror effect, though some routes and areas may be inaccessible.
Country by country
Peru: May–September
This is the best window for Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and the Cordillera Blanca near Huaraz. Trekking is at its best from June to August. Book Inca Trail permits at least four to six months ahead, and Machu Picchu tickets as early as you can. Lima, on the coast, is cloudy and gray from May to November, which is a different story from the highlands.
Bolivia: May–October
La Paz, Lake Titicaca and Sucre are best in the dry months. For Uyuni, the choice is between the dry season (access to the entire salt flat, a wider set of tours, very cold nights) and the wet season (the mirror effect, roughly January to March). Both are worth the trip; pick based on what matters more to you.
Ecuador: June–September
In the highlands around Quito, Cotopaxi and Quilotoa, the drier months are June to September, with another smaller dry spell around December and January. Ecuador is close to the equator, so seasonality is milder than in Peru or Bolivia. The Amazon and coast follow different patterns, and the Galápagos have their own seasons.
Timing by activity
- Trekking (Inca Trail, Salkantay, Cordillera Blanca, Cotopaxi): June–August.
- Machu Picchu and archaeological sites: April–October. Early morning is the quietest time of day regardless of month.
- Festivals: Inti Raymi in Cusco (24 June), Carnaval in Oruro (February or early March), and Semana Santa in Quito and Ayacucho.
- Photography: The dry season gives clearer mountain views; the wet season gives dramatic skies and green terraces.
Altitude and what to pack
Seasons matter less than altitude when it comes to comfort. Even in the “warm” dry season, nights in Cusco can drop below freezing, and at Uyuni, they can reach -10°C.
- Bring a warm jacket, hat, gloves and thermal base layers.
- Add a rain jacket for any month, and strong sun protection for all of them.
- Acclimatize in stages: one to two days at 2,500–3,000 m before going higher.
- Rest on arrival and drink plenty of water.
Booking tips
- Book Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail and train tickets early for June–August.
- Leave a spare day in your itinerary for strikes, road closures or altitude issues.
- In the wet season, remain flexible. Flights are more reliable than overland routes.
For the most dependable weather, aim for late May, June or September.
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