The short answer
- Month
- January
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Andes (Cusco, Machu Picchu)
- Rainy season, afternoon storms
- Coast (Lima, Paracas)
- Summer: sunny and warm
- Amazon
- Wet and hot
- Inca Trail
- Open, wet and muddy
January is the heart of the rainy season in the Andes. Mornings are often clear, but heavy afternoon storms are common in Cusco and at Machu Picchu, and landslides can delay trains.
On the coast it is summer: Lima, Paracas and the beaches north of Lima are sunny and warm.
January across Peru
How January compares with the rest of the year in each region. The ringed column is January.
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 January
- Lima and the south coast: Beach weather, the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina's dunes.
- Machu Picchu: Green and quieter. Book an early entry slot before the afternoon rain.
- Arequipa: Mostly dry and sunny even in the rainy season.
What to avoid in January
- Long treks like Salkantay, which are wet, muddy and cloudy.
- Tight connections between trains and flights: allow time for delays.
Festivals and events in January
- Lima's anniversary (18 January): Celebrations in the historic centre for the city's founding.
Weather in January
Average highs, lows and rainfall, with January 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 10 day trip for January
Our suggestion for January: Lima, Paracas and Huacachina, then Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Every trip can be made private and changed to suit your dates.
Tip: Pack a light rain jacket and plan outdoor sightseeing for the mornings.
Want a January trip made for you?
A local specialist will send a free itinerary and price for 10 days, built around your dates.
Other months
Thinking about December or February? See Peru in December and Peru in February, 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 January a good time to visit Peru?
It is the rainy season in the Andes, so it is quieter and cheaper but wetter. It is the best month for the coast.
Sources we checked
Peru month by month
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