The short answer
- Month
- August
- Verdict
- Very good
- Andes (Cusco, Machu Picchu)
- Dry, windy, cold nights
- Coast (Lima, Paracas)
- Grey and cool
- Amazon
- Driest month
- Inca Trail
- Peak season; sold out early
August keeps the dry season's clear skies, with windy afternoons in the mountains and the coldest nights at Lake Titicaca. It is the driest month in the Amazon.
Crowds stay high until the end of the month.
August across Peru
How August compares with the rest of the year in each region. The ringed column is August.
Swipe sideways to see all 12 months →
| Region | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AndesCusco, Machu Picchu, Titicaca | Wet or difficult | Wet or difficult | Wet or difficult | Mixed | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Mixed | Mixed | Wet or difficult |
| Inca Trailclosed every February | Wet or difficult | Wet or difficult | Mixed | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Mixed | Mixed |
| CoastLima, Paracas, Nazca | Best | Best | Best | Best | Mixed | Mixed | Mixed | Mixed | Mixed | Mixed | Mixed | Best |
| AmazonPuerto Maldonado, Manu | Wet or difficult | Wet or difficult | Wet or difficult | Mixed | Mixed | Best | Best | Best | Best | Mixed | Mixed | Wet or difficult |
Where to go in August
- The Amazon: Best wildlife watching around lakes and rivers.
- Lake Titicaca and Colca: Clear skies and condors.
- Treks: Dry, but book well ahead.
What to avoid in August
- Underpacking: nights at Puno and on treks can fall well below freezing.
Festivals and events in August
- Pachamama offerings (1 August): Andean communities make offerings to Mother Earth.
- Santa Rosa de Lima (30 August): A national holiday honouring Lima's patron saint.
Weather in August
Average highs, lows and rainfall, with August highlighted.
Average daily high / low and monthly rainfall
| Month | Limacoast, grey from June to October | Cusco3,400 m, Sacred Valley is warmer | Machu Picchu2,430 m, cloud forest | PunoLake Titicaca, 3,830 m | Arequipa2,335 m, sunny all year | Puerto MaldonadoAmazon, cold snaps from June to August |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 26° / 20°1 mm | 19° / 7°160 mm | 22° / 12°340 mm | 15° / 3°140 mm | 22° / 9°28 mm | 31° / 21°300 mm |
| Feb | 27° / 21°0 mm | 19° / 7°135 mm | 22° / 12°320 mm | 15° / 3°120 mm | 21° / 9°40 mm | 31° / 21°300 mm |
| Mar | 26° / 20°0 mm | 19° / 7°110 mm | 22° / 12°290 mm | 15° / 3°105 mm | 22° / 9°20 mm | 31° / 21°280 mm |
| Apr | 25° / 18°0 mm | 20° / 5°45 mm | 23° / 11°140 mm | 15° / 1°45 mm | 22° / 8°1 mm | 31° / 20°190 mm |
| May | 22° / 17°0 mm | 20° / 3°8 mm | 23° / 9°55 mm | 14° / -3°10 mm | 22° / 7°0 mm | 29° / 18°110 mm |
| Jun | 20° / 16°1 mm | 19° / 1°4 mm | 22° / 7°30 mm | 13° / -6°3 mm | 21° / 6°0 mm | 28° / 16°65 mm |
| Jul | 19° / 15°1 mm | 19° / 0°4 mm | 22° / 6°25 mm | 13° / -6°2 mm | 21° / 6°0 mm | 29° / 15°45 mm |
| Aug | 19° / 15°1 mm | 20° / 1°7 mm | 23° / 7°35 mm | 14° / -4°7 mm | 22° / 6°1 mm | 31° / 17°60 mm |
| Sep | 19° / 15°1 mm | 20° / 4°22 mm | 23° / 9°70 mm | 15° / -1°25 mm | 23° / 7°1 mm | 32° / 19°110 mm |
| Oct | 20° / 16°0 mm | 21° / 6°45 mm | 24° / 11°120 mm | 16° / 1°40 mm | 23° / 7°0 mm | 32° / 21°190 mm |
| Nov | 22° / 17°0 mm | 21° / 6°75 mm | 24° / 11°160 mm | 17° / 2°55 mm | 23° / 7°1 mm | 32° / 21°250 mm |
| Dec | 24° / 18°0 mm | 20° / 7°120 mm | 23° / 12°260 mm | 16° / 3°100 mm | 23° / 8°6 mm | 31° / 21°300 mm |
Rounded long term averages. Blue shading marks the wetter months. Individual years can be hotter, colder or wetter.
A 12 day trip for August
Our suggestion for August: Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and the Amazon at Tambopata. Every trip can be made private and changed to suit your dates.
Tip: Add the Amazon in August: it is the driest month for Tambopata and Manu.
Want a August trip made for you?
A local specialist will send a free itinerary and price for 12 days, built around your dates.
Other months
Thinking about July or September? See Peru in July and Peru in September, or compare every season in our guide to the best time to visit Peru.
Rather have a trip to Peru made just for you?
Answer a few quick questions and a local specialist will send you a free, no-obligation itinerary and price.
Frequently asked questions
Is August a good time to visit Peru?
Yes. It is dry and clear, though still busy and cold at night in the mountains.
Sources we checked
Peru month by month
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