Peru in November: Weather, Things to Do & Tips

Peru, a shining pearl that stands out with miracles and fantasy, can bring you incredible experiences. November marks the end of the dry season in many regions in Peru, offering pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the peak tourist months. It would be a fantastic choice to start a trip to Peru in November, with extraordinary shocks of ancient Inca civilization and natural charm.

Peru Weather in November

Map of Peru's Weather in November

Peru experiences the last month of the dry season in November and enjoys the generally mild temperatures across the country. The overall temperatures get warmer in many regions, particularly along the coastal areas, and rainfall is a low possibility. The weather gets warmer the further north, like the sunny coastal region with temperatures averaging around 20-25°C. It is nice for beach sunbathing and outdoor activities.

In the Andean Highlands, it is milder in the daytime at around 15-20°C, although it can see a possibility of rain. The mild temperatures are ideal for trekking to highlands like Cusco and Machu Picchu.

Characterized as hot and humid, you may expect frequent rain showers in the Amazon region in the afternoons and late evenings, yet it is still good for trekking through the jungle and ideal for river-on sightseeing.

Cost & Crowd of Visiting Peru in November

Visiting Peru in November can offer an acceptable balance between cost and crowds. November offers decreasing crowds compared to the peak season from June to August and avoids continual rainy worries that happen between December and February. Moreover, it marks the start of price cuts in tickets and accommodation.

Compared to the peak tourist season (June-August), many popular regions like the Andes Mountains and Amazon Rainforest are less crowded in November due to the relatively higher rainfall.

The smaller crowds mean there are almost no wait times for major attractions. You can enjoy shorter lines and more intimate encounters with historical sites, and more readily available permits for Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail.

However, it should be noted that coastal cities like Lima enter their busy season as the weather gets warmer for water sports activities, so costs and crowds may be slightly higher along the coast at this time.

Where to Go in November in Peru

Lima

Main Plazas, Lima

Being the coastal capital city of Peru, Lima enjoys warm and pleasant weather in November, making it suitable for leisurely city walks. The city is amazing, with a large collection of historic buildings, including colonial-era architecture and national museums.

You can visit the city's iconic landmarks of Plaza Mayor, Lima Cathedral, and the Monastery of San Francisco. Explore busy local districts such as Miraflores and Barranco and sample the colorful street food of Peruvian taste. The sunny days in November also offer a nice chance to enjoy the beautiful coastline of Lima, immersed in real fun for beach sports and whale watching.

Paracas

Located on the southern coast of Peru, Paracas is comfortably sunny for slow tourism in November. This time, the destination provides a lot of charm and fun for town strolls and nature exploration.

For your history pursuit, you can visit the Paracas History Museum that houses various artifacts like pottery, textiles, and mummies from the ancient Paracas civilization, or catch sight of the prehistoric Paracas Candelabra over 2,000 years ago.

The Paracas National Reserve and Ballestas Islands are the best for stunning ocean landscapes and wildlife spotting. You can spoil your time on untouched red sand beaches and see dramatic species of marine life and birds, including Humboldt penguins, pink dolphins, and flamingos.

Arequipa & Colca Canyon

Misti Volcano, Arequipa

This fantastic city has mild daytime temperatures and cool nights during November, which is favorable for strolling through the historic highlights. It is famous as the "White City" for its colonial architecture made of white volcanic stone. The popular sites to visit include the Santa Catalina Monastery, Plaza de Armas, and the Andean Sanctuaries Museum, as well as the Misti Volcano. Then you can explore the Colca Canyon, which Arequipa leads to.

The lush landscapes of the canyon are superb for brighter skies and fewer crowds than a few months ago. You may spot a rarely seen spectacle: the massive Andean condors glide through the canyon. This time is also ideal for hiking in the area where many traditional villages like Yanque and Chivay may be found.

Amazon Rainforest

Although every visitor to the Amazon Rainforest can't avoid its rain, you don't have to worry about the lasting heavy rains for several days in November. With short downpours, typically in the afternoon, you can take a riverboat or jungle hike to feast on the incredible regional biodiversity and cloud forests.

The low-water advantage this month allows you to stay in an eco-lodge in the rainforest, closer to unique species of wildlife like macaws and pink dolphins and local indigenous communities.

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What to Do to Visit Peru in November

Trekking the Andes in Its Full Bloom

Plants & Flowers at Machu Picchu

The start of the rainy season in November transforms the Andes into a lush, green, and flower-blooming paradise for multiple choices of trekking, taking advantage of mildly cool weather and fewer crowds.

You can choose to hike the Inca Trail from Cusco to Machu Picchu, stunned by the Incan ruins decorated by vibrant vegetation. The mountains, like Rainbow Mountain, Peru in November can offer crystal-clear lakes, trickling-down waterfalls, and diverse blossoms. You can expect a remarkable color change during the trekking against the green backdrop of stunning Andean landscapes.

Cruising the Amazon River

Amazon Jungle Boat Tour

Amazon is still in its rainy season in November, when rivers are ideally full, and wildlife is abundant. It's also a good time for cruising the Amazon River. There are diverse types of rivers for sightseeing, whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation.

You can raft down the river to traverse the dense rainforests or take a thrilling boat tour for wildlife viewing along the riverside, with a rare glimpse of caimans, Peruvian monkeys, and birds. For a relaxing option, you can take a river cruise from Iquitos through Peru's wild jungle to explore the Amazon Basin and discover pink river dolphins.

Wildlife Spotting Trip to Ballestas Islands

View of Ballestas Islands

The Ballestas lslands are Peru's lesser-known attractions off the coast of Paracas. They are vibrant with various species of wildlife. In November, the islands boast clear blue skies and no misty days for superb wildlife viewing. Not only that, this month brings fewer crowds and generally mild weather compared to the high season from December to March.

The most popular way for the best viewing is to take a several-hour boat trip from Lima or Paracas. You can spot most of the species of wildlife except for baby sea lions. The wildlife includes Humboldt penguins, dolphins, turtles, fish, sharks, and hundreds of bird species such as the Peruvian booby, the Inca tern, and the Guanay cormorant.

Sandboarding & Dune Buggy in Huacachina

Huacachina Oasis in Ica, Peru

November is just when Huacachina's Open Sandboarding contest takes place, during which you must experience the thrill of sandboarding and riding a dune buggy. It would be an unforgettable moment to slide down the sand on a sandboard from the top of the towering dunes.

For more adventures, you can ride a fast and adrenaline-pumping dune buggy, individually or in a small group, across the steep and rolling dunes. Don't miss stopping for photos of the bewitching desert oasis and sunset over the dunes. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced boarder, you can expect a lot of fun from this thrilling activity that provides a particularly different experience from snowboarding.

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Peru's Festivals and Events in November

Puno Week

Every year during the first week of November, the Anniversary of Puno attracts great attention. The celebration aims to commemorate the founding of Puno and the legendary establishment of the Incan Empire. It involves a week of traditional street dances, dramatic processions with unique costumes, and spectacular fireworks.

On November 5, you can also expect a special performance re-enacting the mythical origins of the Inca and Manco Cápac on the shores of Lake Titicaca. There is a great variety of parties for you to participate in during this week.

Semana Turistica de Ica

This is one of the most iconic regional festivals in Peru. The Semana Turística de Ica (Tourist Week of Ica) usually takes place during the second half of November in the Ica region. One of the most exciting things is entering the Open International Sandboarding Competition near the Huacachina Oasis.

Besides, you can't miss the program highlights of the Marinera Dance Finals. The festival also includes the celebration of Pisco, during which you can feast on Pisco tastings like Pisco de Uva macerada and Pisco Sour, and local cuisines such as Carapulcra (dried potato with pork and chicken meat) and Coctel de camarones (cooked shrimp).

All Saints' and All Souls' Day

This Catholic holiday is celebrated all over the country on November 1 and 2. Families visit to clean and decorate graves with flowers, candles, and offerings of food in honor of saints and their ancestors. You can experience its unique rituals, such as enjoying the festival feasts of Lechon (a roast suckling pig) and tanta wawa (a traditional Peruvian bread shaped like babies and dolls).

You may be given special gifts like flowers, alcohol, and sweets. You can head to the Andes to capture the fantastic parade in which participants dress eccentrically. Regions like Cusco and Puno are colorful with street vendors that sell a wide range of traditional Peruvian food and beverages such as tamales and chicha.

What to Pack for Peru in November

Since weather varies greatly in November, also considering the high altitude, you should specify your items based on different destinations.

For Lima and some coastal cities, the daytime weather is warm; it is suitable to wear T-shirts, shorts, and light dresses. In the evening, take a sweater or light jacket for a bit of coolness. If you plan to explore the city and historical sites, prepare comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen.

For Cusco, Puno, and the Andean Highlands, days may see sudden rain showers and nights will be chilly, so take some thermal layers like a fleece coat and a waterproof jacket, or a hat and sunglasses for cold and sunshine in high-altitude areas. Pack your hiking boots for trekking on rugged routes. It's also essential to bring altitude sickness medication if you visit high-altitude areas.

For the Amazon rainforest, it's humid, rainy, and insect-filled. You may wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and take insect repellent to protect against insects. In addition, bring a poncho, a waterproof jacket, and quick-dry clothing in case of humidity and sudden showers.

Plan Your November Peru Vacation

November is spring in Peru, a pleasant and shoulder season for in-depth exploration and outdoor activities. With nice weather, fewer crowds, and vibrant festivals, you can plan your Peru vacation in November to explore the country's inspiring landscapes and unique culture. Traveling with Odynovo is a rewarding choice that will add unforgettable adventure and fun to your Peru trip. You can enjoy a customized itinerary according to your preferences, so get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of Peru with us!