Best Time to Visit Trujillo

Two seasons, one grey stretch

Trujillo sits on Peru's dry coast, so the year splits by sun, not by rain. From about December to April it's warmer and brighter, with a bit of drizzle now and then. March is the dampest month, with rain on 12 days, though it's rarely more than a light shower.

From June to October the sky turns grey. Locals call this blanket of low cloud the garúa. August is the dullest month, with barely over an hour of sun a day. It's still mild, with highs around 29°C, but the beach loses its appeal.

Which month for which trip

Want ruins and photos? Go in the bright months, January to May. The adobe city of Chan Chan and the painted temple of Huaca de la Luna look best under blue sky. Walking those open sites at midday is hot, so go in the morning or late afternoon.

Heading to the surf town of Huanchaco? Summer, December to April, is your best bet for sitting on the sand and watching the caballitos de totora. Those are the reed boats fishermen still ride. Surfers come in the cooler months for the swell, but you'll want a wetsuit.

If you mostly want city walks, churches and food, any month works. The colourful colonial houses around the Plaza de Armas look fine under cloud. Try ceviche for lunch and a slice of king kong, a layered sweet, for dessert. Evenings from June to September are cool, around 15 to 16°C, so you'll want a jumper.

Crowds and events

Peruvians travel in January and February for summer holidays, and again in late July for Fiestas Patrias, the national holidays. Huanchaco gets busy then. Outside those weeks, Trujillo is rarely crowded, and the ruins are quiet most of the year.

Late January brings the Marinera National Contest, a big dance competition that fills hotels. The marinera is the graceful handkerchief dance of the north coast. If you want to see it, book a room early. Easter Week in April has solemn processions. In late September, the Spring Festival fills the streets with floats and parades.

For the best mix of sun, calm streets and fair prices, aim for April or May. If you hate grey skies, skip July to October.