South America · December
Best time to visit Peru in December 🇵🇪
December in Peru is shoulder season — mixed conditions. a shoulder-season pick — quieter and cheaper, but expect mixed weather or a few closures.
Last updated June 2026
Is December a good time to visit Peru? Quick answer
Workable — shoulder season with mixed conditions.
| Verdict for December | Shoulder season — mixed conditions |
| Average temperature | 20°C high / 7°C low |
| Rainy days | ~11 days |
| Crowds | med |
| Prices | med |
| Events this month | Santuranticuy (Cusco, 24 Dec) |
| Peak months overall | April, May, June, July, August, September, October |
| Insider tip | Reserve Inca Trail permits 4–6 months ahead — daily caps fill fast. |
Peru year at a glance
The absolute peak months for Peru are April, May, June, July, August, September, October. December is a solid shoulder choice if you want fewer crowds.
What Peru is like in December
Wet but festive; Cusco's Christmas Eve craft market is wonderful. Highlands & Machu Picchu: dry May–Sep best, wettest Jan–Mar. Inca Trail closed February. Amazon: lower water Jun–Oct, flooded Dec–May.
Insider tip
Reserve Inca Trail permits 4–6 months ahead — daily caps fill fast.
December by region in Peru
Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu
shoulderDry May–Sep. Inca Trail closed Feb.
Amazon (Iquitos, Madre de Dios)
goodHigh water Dec–May (boat access); low water Jun–Oct (more trails, wildlife).
Lima & Pacific coast
bestSunny Dec–Apr; grey & misty Jun–Oct.
Where to go in December instead
Thailand in December
A tale of two coasts and three seasons.
Philippines in December
7,000 islands, one dry season.
Cambodia in December
Cool & dry for Angkor.
Laos in December
Mekong country, cool dry winters.
UAE in December
Desert winters are magical; summers brutal.
Switzerland in December
Two seasons, both spectacular.
FAQs: Peru in December
Is December a good time to visit Peru?
It's a shoulder month: workable but mixed. December in Peru is shoulder season — mixed conditions. Expect average highs around 20°C and lows near 7°C, with roughly 11 rainy days.
What is the weather like in Peru in December?
Average daily high around 20°C, low around 7°C, with about 11 rainy days. Wet but festive; Cusco's Christmas Eve craft market is wonderful.
What events or festivals happen in Peru in December?
Key events in December include Santuranticuy (Cusco, 24 Dec).
Are flights and hotels cheaper in Peru in December?
Prices in December are typically mid-range, with moderate crowds.
Should I book Peru in advance for December?
You can usually book closer to your travel dates in December — supply is plenty and prices stay reasonable.