Weather in Peru in April

April is when Peru’s weather and landscapes start to change in interesting ways. If you’re planning a trip, it’s good to know what the weather will be like and what local customs to expect. Here’s our guide to the weather in Peru in April.

Is April a good time to visit Peru?

Yes, April is a great time to visit Peru! It’s when the weather starts transitioning from the wet season to the dry season, so you’ll get milder temperatures and less rain. While there might still be a few showers, the skies tend to be clearer, making it easier to enjoy sightseeing and outdoor activities.

April is also perfect for hiking, especially on popular trails like the Inca Trail, with improved conditions and fewer crowds. Plus, major attractions like Machu Picchu won’t be as busy. The landscapes are especially beautiful, too, as they’re still lush and green after the rainy season.

Learn more in-depth about the best time to visit Peru.

April: Sunshine, average temperatures, and rainfall

April sees the start of the dry season in most of Peru. Daylight hours continue to decrease gradually, averaging about 11-12 hours per day across the country. If you're still not sure where to head during your Peru trip, see our trip ideas gallery for more inspiration. 

Coastal Region

Coastal temperatures remain pleasant (in places like Lima, Paracas National Reserve and Pisco), averaging 73°F (23°C). Rainfall is negligible at less than 0.1 inches (2.5 mm). The "garúa" fog in Lima starts to dissipate.

Andean Region

The Andes (in places like Cusco, Lake Titicaca, and Huascarán National Park) experience average temperatures of 54°F (12°C). Rainfall decreases significantly to about 2.4 inches (61 mm). This marks the beginning of the ideal trekking season.

Amazon Rainforest Region

The Amazon (places like Iquitos, Tarapoto, and Pucallpa) stays warm with average temperatures of 84°F (29°C). Rainfall decreases but remains substantial at 8 inches (203 mm). River levels begin to recede, revealing sandy beaches along the riverbanks.

Looking for more options for your holiday in April? Find the perfect holiday destination with our top suggestions.

What about the crowds & costs?

April is part of Peru's shoulder season, which means you’ll hit that sweet spot between the busy and quiet times. You won’t face huge crowds at popular spots like Machu Picchu, making it easier to explore at a relaxed pace. 

Plus, prices for hotels and tours are usually lower than in the peak months of June to August, so you’ll get more bang for your buck. Just watch out for price hikes around Easter, especially in places celebrating Semana Santa. It’s a good idea to book your stay and tours early, especially if you’re heading to popular destinations.

Things to do in Peru in April

April is the start of the dry season in the highlands, making it a great time for trekking and visiting Machu Picchu. The weather is clear, and the crowds are still manageable. Check out our top picks for this month or explore our full guide to Peru’s top attractions. For an even more in-depth look at how to spend your time in Peru, see our ideal 7-day, 10-day and 14-day itineraries.

Experience Semana Santa

Semana Santa (Holy Week) is celebrated across Peru with major processions and ceremonies in cities like Ayacucho, Cusco, Arequipa, and Lima. Expect traditional music, dance performances, and special holiday foods like empanadas de Semana Santa.

Explore Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley

April is a great time to visit Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley as the rainy season ends and the landscapes are at their greenest. Fewer tourists mean a more relaxed experience at the ruins. Start your day early to see the morning mists over Machu Picchu, which often clear by mid-morning for great photos. 

Feria Internacional del Libro de Trujillo

If you love books, head to Trujillo for the International Book Fair. This event brings together local and international authors for book presentations, talks, and workshops. Beyond the literature, the fair often includes poetry readings, illustration workshops, and debates on contemporary literary trends. It's a great chance to pick up works by Peruvian authors, many of which may not be easily available outside the country. 

See Feria de las Cruces in Lima

The Feria de las Cruces (Festival of the Crosses) is celebrated in various districts of Lima. People decorate large crosses with flowers, and neighborhoods hold processions with music and dance. In some areas, you’ll also see competitions for the best-decorated cross and enjoy traditional foods served during the festivities. 

Puno Week

If you’re near Lake Titicaca, don’t miss Puno Week, which celebrates the mythical emergence of the first Inca, Manco Capac, from the lake. The festival features over 200 dance groups in colorful traditional costumes, music, and fireworks. One of the main events is the reenactment of Manco Capac and his sister-wife, Mama Ocllo, emerging from Lake Titicaca on ornately decorated boats.

Plan your trip with our Peru itineraries

Our Peru itineraries are crafted to help you experience the best of the country, stress-free. Think of them as a starting point — perfect for planning, but flexible enough to adjust to your own pace and interests. After all, travel is about freedom, but a little planning goes a long way.

• Peru itinerary 7 days: Perfect for travelers with limited time who want to experience the country’s cultural and archaeological highlights.
• Peru itinerary 10 days: Ten days lets you go beyond the basics with visits to Lake Titicaca and the Andean highlands, along with Machu Picchu and Cusco.
• Peru itinerary 14 days: A two-week adventure covering Peru’s top spots, from the Amazon rainforest to Arequipa and the Colca Canyon, plus the Inca heartland. A great option if you want to immerse yourself in a world of nature, adventure and ancient history.

Still deciding where to go this spring? See our picks for the best places to go in April.

How many days in Peru is enough?

How many days you spend in Peru really depends on what you want to see and do. It’s a big, diverse country with a ton of cultural, historical, and natural attractions to explore, so there’s something for everyone.

If you’re aiming to visit some of Peru’s most popular spots, like Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca, and the Nazca Lines, a trip of 10 to 14 days is ideal. This gives you enough time to really dive into each place, try out different activities, and soak in the culture and food.

For those short on time, a week-long trip can still give you a great taste of Peru. You could explore the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, the historic city of Cusco, and the Sacred Valley before heading to Lima for a bit of city life.

If you’re interested in hiking the Inca Trail, remember the hike takes 4-5 days, plus you’ll need time to acclimate in Cusco. Trips to the Amazon rainforest usually take at least 3-4 days due to travel time.