Visiting Peru in November: Wet Season Returns to the Highlands
November Weather in Peru
The wet season is resuming in the highlands; Lima and the coast are improving.
| City | Avg High | Avg Low | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lima | 22°C | 16°C | Fog clearing, sunny days increasing |
| Cusco | 20°C | 8°C | Wet season beginning — afternoon showers regular |
| Arequipa | 22°C | 9°C | Some rain but still largely dry and pleasant |
| Puno | 18°C | 6°C | Wet season; Puno Week festivities first week |
| Trujillo | 25°C | 17°C | Dry and warming |
| Iquitos | 32°C | 23°C | Rising water season — flooded forest access begins |
Puno Week (First Week of November)
The most important cultural festival in the Puno calendar. On 5 November, the founding myth of the Inca civilisation is commemorated — Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo, sent by the sun god Inti, are said to have emerged from Lake Titicaca to found the Inca Empire. Modern celebrations involve:
- Folk dance competitions with groups from across the Puno region
- Processions from the lake shore to the Plaza Mayor
- Traditional music and costumes
- Lake Titicaca boat ceremonies
Book Puno accommodation at least 2 months ahead for Puno Week. Hotels fill with visitors from Cusco and Lima.
What to Do in November
Lima: November is a good month for Lima — the garúa fog progressively gives way to sunshine and warmth. By late November, Lima’s coastal parks and Miraflores are pleasant for outdoor dining and walks along the malecón. La Mar cevichería and Lima’s top restaurants are quieter than in summer or July.
Arequipa: Still largely dry and pleasant in early November. Santa Catalina Monastery visits, Yanahuara viewpoint, and Colca Canyon day trips all work well through mid-November. Some afternoon rain likely by late November.
Machu Picchu: Open and accessible; green landscapes with dramatic cloud effects. Ticket availability is much better than July–August. The train from Cusco runs normally. A good month for those who want fewer crowds.
Northern coast (Trujillo, Chiclayo): The northern coast is warming up toward its summer season. Chan Chan and Huaca del Sol y de la Luna are uncrowded and enjoyable in November’s warm, dry conditions.
Amazon in November
November marks the start of high-water season in the Amazon. Rivers begin rising and the first areas of forest flood. Pink river dolphins appear in shallower flooded areas. Jungle lodges near Iquitos are at excellent wildlife-spotting conditions — the beginning of high water is one of the best times for certain Amazon experiences.
Packing for November
Highlands (Cusco, Puno):
- Waterproof jacket essential from mid-November
- Warm layers for evenings and mornings
- Quick-dry clothing
Lima and Coast:
- Light clothing; sun and warmth increasing
- Light jacket for evenings
Amazon:
- Light clothing, strong DEET repellent
- Rain jacket for afternoon showers
Practical Tips
Best value month: November is one of the quietest and cheapest months for highland Peru. Hotel rates are at their lowest; Inca Trail permits are readily available. If your schedule allows, early November (before Puno Week) is some of the best value on the calendar.
Inca Trail: Open in November. Book 2–4 weeks ahead — permits are available at relatively short notice. Expect mud and rain; waterproof gear is essential.
Road conditions: Some highland roads begin to be affected by early rain. Check conditions before travelling overland to remote areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is November a bad time to visit Peru?
- Not for all destinations. November is genuinely poor for highland trekking — the wet season is establishing itself and trails become muddy. But the coast (Lima, Paracas, Trujillo) is excellent: sun is returning to Lima after months of garúa. Machu Picchu is open and less crowded, though rainy. For budget travellers prioritising the coast or the Amazon, November works well.
- Is Machu Picchu accessible in November?
- Yes — Machu Picchu is open year-round. In November, expect rain most afternoons and some very dramatic cloud effects over the ruins. The site is far less crowded than June–August. Tickets are available at relatively short notice. The Inca Trail is open and very green — muddy but passable with proper gear.
- What festivals are in Peru in November?
- The Puno Week celebrations (first week of November, 5 November week) commemorate the legendary emergence of Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo from Lake Titicaca. Puno's main square hosts several days of folk dance competitions, processions, and music. It is one of the best times to visit Puno.