March Weather in Peru
March marks the transition out of peak wet season in the highlands, though rain continues. The coast is still sunny and warm through mid-March.
| City | Avg High | Avg Low | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lima | 27°C | 20°C | Still warm, slight increase in coastal fog late month |
| Cusco | 19°C | 8°C | Wet season continuing, drier in second half of month |
| Arequipa | 20°C | 9°C | Warm with decreasing rain |
| Puno | 15°C | 4°C | Rainy, cold nights, rain easing late March |
| Trujillo | 28°C | 19°C | Dry and warm |
| Iquitos | 31°C | 23°C | High water, hot, rain decreasing |
Inca Trail in March
The Inca Trail reopens on 1 March each year after the February maintenance closure. March permits are released during January or February - monitor the official booking site (camino-inca.com) closely. March is not a busy permit month compared to May–August, so booking 6–8 weeks in advance is usually sufficient. Expect the trail to be green, muddy, and partly cloudy; cloud forests are particularly atmospheric in March.
Semana Santa
Semana Santa (Holy Week, the week before Easter) moves with the Catholic calendar and falls in March or April. When it falls in March, it transforms highland cities:
Ayacucho: Peru’s most celebrated Semana Santa, lasting almost two full weeks before Easter Sunday. Massive candlelit processions, elaborate alfombras (carpet arrangements of flowers, seeds, and sawdust), and traditional highland music. The town’s hotels are fully booked during Semana Santa - reserve 3–4 months ahead.
Cusco: Solemn processions through the colonial streets, with the statue of the Lord of the Earthquakes (El Señor de los Temblores) carried through the city on Easter Monday. Significant cultural event, with large local crowds.
Highlights for March
Green Andes: The entire highland landscape is at its lushest in March - emerald terraces, waterfalls at full flow, and wildflowers across the puna grasslands. Photography is exceptional even with intermittent cloud.
Lower crowds: March is below peak season, so queues at Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuamán, and popular Cusco restaurants are shorter than in July or August.
Amazon high water: The Pacaya Samiria wetlands reach close to peak water levels, making boat-based wildlife watching excellent. River dolphins are easier to spot.
Packing for March
Highlands (Cusco, Machu Picchu, Puno):
- Waterproof jacket and waterproof trekking shoes - still needed
- Light warm layers (evenings remain cool)
- Gaiters for trail mud
- Quick-dry clothing
Coast (Lima, Trujillo):
- Light summer clothing, though bring a layer for Lima evenings
- Sunscreen remains essential
Amazon:
- Light long-sleeves for insect and sun protection
- DEET repellent
- Waterproof bag covers
Practical Tips
Inca Trail permits: March permits open early; book as soon as the allocation is released. Guided tours departing in March have good availability and are one of the easier months to book the routes most travellers want.
Machu Picchu tickets: No seasonal closure. Book via machupicchutickets.gob.pe; circuit choice affects whether you reach the Sun Gate.
Road conditions: Some highland roads (especially to remote areas around Huaraz and Chachapoyas) can be affected by landslides in March. Check SUTRAN and local sources before travelling overland.
Crowd Levels in March
March sits firmly in shoulder season. The Inca Trail reopens on 1 March but the rush doesn’t build until April — which means March hikers get a genuinely quieter trail and greener scenery than peak-season trekkers.
At Machu Picchu, morning entry slots are easier to secure than in May–August but still sell out weeks ahead, especially on weekends. Aim for the 6am–7am entry window to beat tour groups arriving by the 10am Vistadome trains from Cusco.
Cusco city is relaxed in early March. Restaurants in the Centro Histórico don’t require advance reservations except during Semana Santa, when the city receives significant domestic tourism. If Semana Santa falls in March, hotel availability in Ayacucho collapses entirely — book 3–4 months out.
Lima is in its warmest stretch of the year and remains relatively tourist-light compared to northern hemisphere summer. Miraflores restaurants are busy on weekends but walk-in lunch is generally fine.
What to Book in Advance
- Inca Trail permits: Released January–February for March departures; monitor camino-inca.com and book as soon as your preferred date is available. March allocation fills more slowly than July but doesn’t last indefinitely.
- Machu Picchu tickets: Book via machupicchutickets.gob.pe at least 3–4 weeks ahead; circuits 1 and 2 (including the Sun Gate) sell out first.
- Ayacucho accommodation during Semana Santa: If Holy Week falls in March, every hostel and hotel in Ayacucho fills months in advance. This is non-negotiable.
- Amazon lodge packages: March high-water tours on Pacaya Samiria run on tight schedules — book a licensed operator at least 6 weeks ahead.
Plan Your March Trip
- Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - The trail reopens in March after the February closure; early March permits are available.
- Machu Picchu Tickets: How to Book - March entry slots are much easier to obtain than peak season.
- Best Time to Visit Peru - How March compares to April as dry season builds.
- Lima Travel Guide - Lima is warm and sunny in March; a good month to prioritise the coast.
- Paracas Travel Guide - The coast is at its best in the Peruvian summer; wildlife and clear skies.
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