Visiting Peru in April: Dry Season Arrives and Semana Santa
April Weather in Peru
April is a transitional month — the wet season is ending in the highlands and conditions improve markedly by mid-to-late April.
| City | Avg High | Avg Low | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lima | 24°C | 17°C | Clouds increasing, brief garúa beginning late April |
| Cusco | 20°C | 7°C | Clearing skies from mid-April, morning frost possible |
| Arequipa | 21°C | 8°C | Very pleasant — clear and mild |
| Puno | 16°C | 3°C | Drying out, cold nights, clearer skies |
| Trujillo | 27°C | 18°C | Dry, warm |
| Iquitos | 31°C | 22°C | Water levels still high, rain decreasing |
Dry Season Begins
The transition from wet to dry typically occurs across most of highland Peru in April. By late April, Cusco is experiencing largely clear days with cold nights. The Inca Trail, Salkantay, and Huaraz area trails are drying out. The Sacred Valley is at its most lush — terraces are green, rivers are running full, and the mountains above are snow-capped and clear.
Semana Santa Highlights
When Semana Santa falls in April (check dates before booking), these destinations are worth prioritising:
Ayacucho: The centrepiece of Peruvian Semana Santa. The city (approximately 560km from Lima, accessible by overnight bus or plane) hosts 13 days of celebrations. The Good Friday procession of the Lord of the Resurrection through the streets is considered one of the most significant religious spectacles in South America. Book accommodation 4–6 months ahead.
Cusco: Easter Monday features the Señor de los Temblores procession. The statue (dating from 1650) is carried through the streets on a litter of red flowers. Enormous local crowds; emotionally significant event even for non-religious visitors.
Lima: The Palm Sunday procession at Lima Cathedral in the Plaza Mayor draws large crowds. Semana Santa is also a national holiday period — many Limeños leave for the coast and highlands, meaning Lima’s neighbourhoods are quieter than usual.
Activities in April
Machu Picchu: April is arguably the best month for photography — green terraces, occasional cloud drama, and below-peak crowds. Book tickets 3–4 weeks ahead.
Sacred Valley: The valley looks spectacular in April — try the Pisac market (Sunday is largest), the Maras salt pans and Moray agricultural terraces, and Ollantaytambo fortress.
Arequipa: One of the best months. Clear skies, mild temperatures, and the Santa Catalina Monastery at its best. Condors at Cruz del Cóndor in Colca Canyon are highly active in April.
Lima: April begins Lima’s shoulder season — temperatures are cooling from summer peaks and the first coastal fog of winter starts appearing late in the month. Still very pleasant for sightseeing.
Packing for April
Highlands:
- Light insulating layer (fleece or down) for evenings and mornings
- Waterproof jacket (rain still possible early April)
- Sunscreen — UV is intense at altitude even in mild temperatures
- Comfortable walking shoes
Lima and Coast:
- Light clothing with a jacket for evenings
- Sunscreen
Amazon:
- Light long-sleeves, strong DEET
- Water levels begin lowering; jungle walks become easier late April
Practical Tips
Inca Trail bookings: April is a sweet spot — drier than March, less competitive for permits than May. Book 8–10 weeks ahead.
Hotel prices: Below peak season but rising. Book ahead for Semana Santa week if those dates fall in April.
National holiday: Semana Santa is a national holiday in Peru. Banks, government offices, and many businesses close on Good Friday and Easter Monday.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is April a good month to visit Peru?
- April is excellent — one of the best months. The dry season is beginning across the highlands; skies clear noticeably compared to February and March. The landscape is still green from the wet season but the rain is reducing. Machu Picchu is very photogenic with green terraces and clearing skies. Crowds are below peak season levels.
- When is Semana Santa in Peru?
- Semana Santa (Holy Week) falls in April in most years (dates shift annually with the Catholic calendar). Ayacucho is the top destination for Semana Santa in Peru — celebrations run for almost two weeks and include processions, alfombras (elaborate flower carpets), and traditional food. Cusco also has significant Easter processions.
- Can I do the Inca Trail in April?
- Yes, and April is a good month for it. The trail reopened in March, so April allows a reasonably uncrowded booking window (less competitive than May–August). The trail is still partially green from the rainy season and the weather is improving. Permits do sell out — book 2–3 months in advance for preferred dates.