Knowing the best time to visit the Amazon is one of the most important steps in planning an unforgettable adventure. The Amazon in Peru offers year-round wildlife viewing, warm temperatures, and lush rainforest scenery, but each season brings different advantages. Understanding rainfall patterns, wildlife behavior, and the regional climate can help you decide the best time to visit the Amazon in Peru based on your travel style and needs.

From high-water months perfect for river exploration to low-water seasons that bring wildlife closer to shore, every period offers something unique for travelers wanting to experience Amazon wildlife Peru with authenticity and respect.

Understanding Amazon Seasonality

The Peruvian Amazon has two main seasons: the high-water (rainy) season and the low-water (dry) season. While temperatures stay fairly consistent throughout the year, generally between 28°C and 32°C (82°F–90°F), rainfall varies significantly month by month.

Here is a simplified climate overview using the regional weather chart:

Rainy/High-Water Season (December–May)

Rainfall:

• December: 390 mm

• January: 350 mm

• February: 340 mm

• March: 270 mm

• April: 150 mm

• May: 105 mm

During this season, rivers rise and flood the surrounding forest, making canoe and boat exploration ideal. High-water conditions allow you to reach deeper zones of the rainforest, where wildlife sightings from boats can be plentiful. Forest trails may be muddier, but scenery is incredibly green and vibrant.

Dry/Low-Water Season (June–November)

Rainfall:

• June: 60 mm

• July: 60 mm

• August: 65 mm

• September: 100 mm

• October: 160 mm

• November: 230 mm

This period brings slightly cooler mornings and clearer trails. Lower river levels expose beaches and riverbanks where animals gather, creating excellent conditions for spotting caimans, macaws, monkeys, and giant river otters. Hikers enjoy easier access to forest paths, perfect for photography and deeper nature walks.

Wildlife Viewing by Season

Because animal activity is influenced by water levels, travelers often ask about the best time to visit the Amazon for wildlife viewing. Fortunately, the rainforest is full of wildlife all year. The difference lies in how you experience it.

High-Water Season Wildlife

• Easier to access remote lagoons where pink river dolphins feed

• Abundant birdlife perched above flooded forests

• Chance to see monkeys traveling across the canopy above the waterways

Low-Water Season Wildlife

• Higher concentration of animals around smaller waterways

• Increased visibility of giant otters, hoatzins, sloths, and caimans

• Ideal conditions for spotting reptiles on exposed riverbanks

Whichever month you choose, you will encounter Amazon wildlife in its natural environment.

When Should You Go? 

The best time to visit the Amazon depends on your priorities:

• For boat-based exploration: Choose January through May.

• For hiking and photography: June through November is ideal.

• For a balanced climate: April, May, September, and October offer comfortable transitions between seasons.

Plan Your Amazon Adventure With Us

No matter which season you travel in, the Peruvian rainforest has extraordinary biodiversity, diverse cultures, and gorgeous landscapes. Our travel team is here to help you choose the dates, lodges, and experiences that match your interests.

Ready to explore Peru’s Amazon the right way? Contact Good Life Expeditions to start planning your journey today.