Visiting Peru in November
November marks the start of spring and the wet season in Peru. Despite the rain, it can be an ideal month to visit, especially if you are enticed by milder temperatures in the highlands and a considerable crowd decrease in their most famous sites.
Throughout November Hiking trails remain in decent condition, and rains are not yet ferocious enough to disrupt travel plans. Although you’ll probably get a little wet, November can offer the perfect balance between the overcrowding in Machu Picchu from June - August and more dramatic rainy downsides from January to February.
Firstly, the climate story doesn't follow the same script country-wide. November days are sunny and increasingly warm in the coastal areas, which get almost no rain year-round. The further north you head, the warmer the days and the sea.
Heavy rains arrive with some delay in the Amazon region, so although you will experience some downpours, they will likely occur only in the afternoons and late evenings.
November can transition quickly, offering different experiences throughout the month. Having early access to highland Inca gems increases the chances of good weather. Even in mid-November, it’s not rare to glimpse Machu Picchu with clear skies.
The pros of visiting Peru in November are more than a little enticing. Aside from a drop in crowds, prices for tours and accommodation will also start their downhill slide. Overall, we think the benefits of visiting Peru in November outweigh the drawbacks.
Read on for more detailed info to help you decide if you agree!
More Peru travel info:
For more info on travel in Peru, check out our guide on how to plan a trip to Peru and this article on 19 beautiful places in Peru.
And if you could use some one-on-one help planning your trip, consider scheduling a Peru travel consultation with one of our Local Experts!
Weather
With the beginning of November, rain clouds gradually start to appear on the horizon in much of Peru. You should expect for the Andean highlands to start seeing showers as well as the first drops of rain to begin falling in the Amazon. However, all along the coast the weather is dry, warm, and sunny.
Here’s an overview of what temps and rainfall you can expect in Peru’s three climate zones.
The north coast - Average daytime temps in Lima and nearby coastal hubs in November are 64-72°F (18-22°C) with lows around 59-62°F (15-17°C). Sea temp along the central coast is around 64°F (18°C), and at Mancora and Chiclayo in the north, around 68-70°F (20-21°C). The sea may still be a little too cold for swimming, yet with no rain expected, it is an ideal month to explore the hidden highlights of Northern Peru.
The Amazon - Wet and humid all year round, the Peruvian Amazon hubs of Manu, Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado start to see their temperatures and chances of rain rise in November—the latter with a bit more gusto than the former. Expect temps of around 89°F (32°C) by day (71°F - 22°C at night) and sporadic downpours. Take advantage of those price decreases to spend a few extra days in the Amazon, and you’ll likely be able to do all you plan without too much itinerary wiggling.
The Andes - Cusco, Peru's adventure hub, enjoys highs of 69.8°F (21°C) and lows of 44.6°F (7°C) in November. With only nine days of rain expected through the month, it offers ideal conditions for hiking trips and train rides to Machu Picchu. Lake Titicaca's average high temp of 18.8°C/65.8°F and low of 1.5°C/34.7°F make November the mildest month of the year on the world's highest navigable lake.
Pro tip - November may fall outside the peak season, but it's still a very popular month for all the reasons mentioned above.
Prices will be lower than in July, but you'll still want to book many of your accommodations and tours in advance. This is particularly true if you wish to spend a few days on a sunny stretch of beach along Peru’s coast. Locals looking for a beach vacation at reasonable prices also favour this pre-Christmas period.
Events
November is a time to mourn the dead and celebrate saints in Peru, like the rest of Latin America.
This fervently religious and spiritual country serves up a few spectacular cultural festivals this month.
El Día de los Muertos - Countrywide
Día de los Muertos is closely tied to the Catholic festivities of All Saints and All Souls (November 1 & 2) even though the tradition goes back at least 3,000 years, to a time when indigenous cultures kept the skulls of their deceased loved ones as decorations to honour their memory on special occasions.
Today, festivities include sombre Catholic masses, followed by joyous vigils in cemeteries, where families gather to sing, dance, read poetry and decorate the graves of their dearly departed, offering traditional foods like tamales and lechon.
Puno Week - Puno
From November 5, a one-week festival is held to celebrate Manco Cápac's legendary emergence as the first Inca. All around the altiplano city of Puno, devoted locals dress up in magnificent costumes and perform street dancing, recreating Capac’s rise from the depths of Lake Titicaca. This fun-filled and exciting event is a fantastic way to enjoy a week of partying – and cultural enlightening – in Puno.
Semana Turistica - Ica
A less-ancient yet just as enjoyable party to attend, Ica's newly branded tourist week showcases the best offerings of the Peruvian desert.
See the devilish souls participating in the international sandboarding festival in Huacachina, join the marinera dance festival, and enjoy the pisco sours and regional culinary delights.
Where to visit in November
Shoulder-season travel in Peru means you need not miss out on any of the country's most revered highlights. Pack a poncho, or buy one locally, make sure you have rainproof boots and pants, and discover how magical Peru can be – even with a little sprinkle of rain.
Machu Picchu & the Andean Highlands
Aside from the world-famous Inca Trail, the Peruvian highlands offer an insane array of fantastic hiking trails. They will be mostly uncrowded in November, which is a phenomenal plus. Since rain should be expected anytime in the Andes, your packing list need not change much.
Remember that the earlier in November you visit, the higher the chances of clear skies in the highlands. You'll want to plan your itinerary so you head up the Andes first, then move on to the coast or Amazon.
Cordillera Blanca
First-time visitors to Peru might not know that the Sacred Valley isn't the only Andes area worth exploring. The Cordillera Blanca, north of Lima, offers hidden gems as breathtaking as the more famous attractions. Home to more than 50 peaks over 5,700 meters and more than 700 glaciers, this region of the Andes is a wonderful destination for those looking to get off the beaten path.
Huaraz is the ideal place to stay while visiting the area in November. Although longer hikes are not recommended this month, shorter day trips to see glaciers and lakes make for memorable experiences.
The Northern Coast
The normally arid Northern Peruvian coast is always a safe bet in November. Although swimming may be off the cards due to low sea temperatures, exploring the region’s many ancient sites is spot on. Explore the colonial city of Cajamarca, and all the incredible treasures left behind by the ancient Moche civilization, like the awe-inspiring mud city of Chan Chan and the fantastical displays of the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum in Lambayeque.
Amazon rainforest
Everyone who visits the Amazon Rainforest knows that rain is inevitable, but they usually worry about the heavy rains lasting several days. Luckily, these occur in January/February, with November typically serving sporadic short downpours once or twice daily.
November is a low-water month, so you have more chances for lodge-based excursions. Peru has the second-largest swath of rainforest and plenty of destination choices.
What to do in November
Amazon trekking
November is the last of the low-water months, so normally flooded forests can now be explored on foot in the Amazon. The end of the dry season also means mosquitos won't be out in full force yet – but you'll still need to pack that spray.
Lodge-based Amazon trips are usually more affordable than cruises, so if you're on a tight(er) budget, this month offers excellent value experiences.
Multi-sport adventures
Amiable temperatures, mild river currents, and mostly sunny days mean November is a great month for all-encompassing outdoor adventures. Can't decide between mountain biking, hiking, canoeing or rafting? Well, In November you can do them all.
Cultural experiences
Temperate days and overcast skies can make November ideal for cultural tours in Peru.
From the underrated highlights of Lima to the sparkling colonial gem of Arequipa, the remarkable Nazca Lines, floating Uros Islands of Lake Titicaca, the Incan jewels of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, and the pre-Inca riches near Trujillo: take advantage of fewer tourists and better prices this month, and squeeze them all in.
Spot sea lions, penguins and more on the Ballestas Islands
The Ballestas Islands, off the southern coast near Paracas, are home to diverse wildlife such as sea lions, penguins, boobies, and cormorants, and endemic sea birds like Peruvian pelicans and Inca terns.
Take a boat tour to spot the wildlife residents, and then visit the Paracas Necropolis, a 5,000yo pre-Inca burial site. November brings blissfully warm days with no rain.
Hit the sand dunes at Huacachina
Peru’s famous desert oasis enjoys moderate temperatures in November so it’s a great time to head there and be active – as opposed to having to chase the shade all day long.
With its enticing desert lake, laid-back town, oodles of adventure sports like dune buggy rides, sandboarding and hiking, (and plenty of night-time entertainment) Huacachina is perfect if you’re looking for an adrenalin rush and a little fun.
Connect with Nicho, our Lima-based local expert, for help perfecting your itinerary, answers to all your travel questions, and fabulous local tips for a better visit!
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