These Are the Best Times to Visit Peru, According to Travel Experts

"Allie Almario, a Travel + Leisure A-List travel advisor and vice president of Premier Travel and Tours, says visitors should consider that while summer in Peru takes place from December to March, the dry season is from April through September. If your ultimate aim is to avoid crowds, plan for your trip between March and November-just keep in mind that this timeframe overlaps with the rainy season."

"According to Almario, the best times to visit for smaller crowds include the month of September, the days after Thanksgiving, and the weeks before Christmas. November through February is the low season in Peru, and this is when you'll find quieter attractions throughout the country. Another T+L A-List travel advisor, Marisol Mosquera, makes a case for visiting in January or February, an unattractive time for hiking crowds because of the weather."

""It rains more in the mountains, making it less attractive for the general public and hikers," she says. The Inca Trail is even closed in February, so don't even consider a trip to Machu Picchu at this time. Instead, Mosquera, who is the founder and CEO of Aracari Travel, recommends making a beeline for the coast, specifically Lima, where travelers can expect warm, sunny temperatures and gentle, coastal breezes."

Peru offers beaches, vibrant cities, ancient ruins, and mountain scenery. Seasons run opposite the Northern Hemisphere: summer is December through March and the dry season is April through September. Peak tourism months are June through August, with shoulder seasons in March–May and September–October, and low season November–February. Smaller crowds are common in September, the days after Thanksgiving, and the weeks before Christmas. November–February brings quieter attractions, while January–February often deters hikers due to mountain rain and the Inca Trail closes in February. Coastal Lima stays warm and sunny during the highland rainy months.

Read at Travel + Leisure