The short answer
- Month
- February
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Andes (Cusco, Machu Picchu)
- Wettest month
- Coast (Lima, Paracas)
- Hot and sunny
- Amazon
- Very wet
- Inca Trail
- Closed for maintenance
February is the wettest month in the mountains, and the Classic Inca Trail closes for maintenance. Machu Picchu stays open, and you can still reach it by train.
It is also festival season. Puno's Virgen de la Candelaria fills the streets with thousands of dancers in early February, and Carnival is celebrated across the Andes.
February across Peru
How February compares with the rest of the year in each region. The ringed column is February.
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 February
- Puno for Candelaria: Huge processions and dance competitions; book well ahead.
- The coast: Peak summer in Lima and Paracas.
- Machu Picchu by train: Few crowds, but expect rain.
What to avoid in February
- The Classic Inca Trail: it is closed all month.
- The Amazon, where heavy rain floods trails and can close some lodges.
Festivals and events in February
- Virgen de la Candelaria, Puno: The main day is 2 February, with dances continuing for about two weeks.
- Carnival: Water fights and parades across the Andes in the days before Lent; in 2027 Carnival falls on 6 to 9 February.
Weather in February
Average highs, lows and rainfall, with February 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 8 day trip for February
Our suggestion for February: Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu by train and Cusco. Every trip can be made private and changed to suit your dates.
Tip: If you want to hike in February, choose the Short Inca Trail only if your operator confirms it is open, or plan Salkantay or Lares and expect mud.
Want a February trip made for you?
A local specialist will send a free itinerary and price for 8 days, built around your dates.
Other months
Thinking about January or March? See Peru in January and Peru in March, 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 the Inca Trail open in February?
No. The Classic Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance.
Sources we checked
Peru month by month
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