The short answer
- Month
- September
- Verdict
- Excellent
- Andes (Cusco, Machu Picchu)
- Dry, warmer nights
- Coast (Lima, Paracas)
- Grey, brightening late
- Amazon
- Dry, getting hotter
- Inca Trail
- Excellent; book 3 to 5 months ahead
September is a favourite with people who know Peru. The dry season continues, nights are a little less cold, and the peak season crowds thin out after August.
September across Peru
How September compares with the rest of the year in each region. The ringed column is September.
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 September
- The Inca Trail and Salkantay: Excellent weather with slightly easier permits.
- Machu Picchu: Clear mornings and shorter queues.
- Lake Titicaca: Sunny days and milder nights.
What to avoid in September
- Leaving Inca Trail bookings late: September still sells out.
Festivals and events in September
- Spring equinox: Gatherings at Inca sites around 21 to 23 September.
Weather in September
Average highs, lows and rainfall, with September 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 14 day trip for September
Our suggestion for September: Lima, the Sacred Valley, the Inca Trail, Cusco and Lake Titicaca. Every trip can be made private and changed to suit your dates.
Tip: September is the sweet spot for treks: dry weather without the July crowds.
Want a September trip made for you?
A local specialist will send a free itinerary and price for 14 days, built around your dates.
Other months
Thinking about August or October? See Peru in August and Peru in October, 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 September a good time to visit Peru?
Yes, it is one of the best months, with dry weather and fewer visitors than mid year.
Sources we checked
Peru month by month
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