Best Dates for Astrophotography at Ausangate 2026
Capture spectacular nightscapes and the Milky Way above the snow-capped Ausangate Mountain — one of the most impressive astrophotography destinations in the Peruvian Andes.
By photo tours peru
1/13/20262 min read
Best Dates for Astrophotography at Ausangate 2026
Ultimate Monthly Guide for Landscape & Night Sky Photography for Ausangate
Capture spectacular nightscapes and the Milky Way above the snow-capped Ausangate Mountain — one of the most impressive astrophotography destinations in the Peruvian Andes. Clear skies, minimal light pollution, and dramatic high-altitude landscapes make Ausangate a top astrophotography spot Peru 2026.
April – Shoulder Season: Emerging Clear Skies
Best For: Milky Way rising early, landscape + stars combos
Why April?
Transition from rainy to dry season. Increasing clear night skies ideal for astrophotography tours.
The landscape still lush and green — perfect for foregrounds in night shots.
Occasional showers increase the chance of dramatic clouds clearing into stellar skies after sunset.
#Ausangate astrophotography April# shoulder season stargazing Peru# Milky Way Peru photography#
Astro Tip: New moon windows in late April maximize darkness for deep-sky exposures.
May – Start of Dry Season: Stable Night Skies
July – Peak Dry Season & Star Trails
November – Beginning of Variable Weather
Best For: Clear starfields, Milky Way panoramas
Why May?
Official start of the dry season brings less cloud cover and low precipitation — ideal conditions for Andean night sky photography.
Nights are crisp and clear, maximizing star visibility.
# Ausangate astrophotography# Peru dry season night photography# best time photographing Milky Way Andes#
June – Prime Astrophotography Month
Best For: Maximum clear sky nights
Why June?
One of the driest, most stable months of the year with minimal atmospheric moisture — crucial for Milky Way astrophotography Peru.
Long nights + minimal cloud cover give up to 7-9 hours of shooting time under stars.
Opt for new moon windows for deeper sky capture.
# June stargazing Ausangate# Andes astrophotography dry season# Milky Way photography Peru#
Best For: Stellar night sky clarity & star trail sequences
Why July?
Extremely clear skies and very low precipitation rates — near perfect for astrophotographers.
Cold nights reduce atmospheric turbulence, giving sharper stars in long exposures.
# July Ausangate night sky# Andes star trails Peru# best Peru astrophotography months#
September – Transition & Balanced Conditions
August – Excellent Visibility & Winter Skies
Best For: Crisp night conditions
Why August?
Still part of the dry season with consistently clear weather — great for capturing constellations and Milky Way arcs over high peaks.
Slight warming trend at night makes shooting comfortable compared to June/July extremes.
# August astrophotography Ausangate# Andes night sky tours# Peru landscape + Milky Way#
Best For: Comfortable night photography + fewer crowds
Why September?
Still largely clear skies with more pleasant temps and stable conditions.
The Milky Way core is still visible early in the night sky, perfect for multi-night projects.
# September night sky Peru# Milky Way photography Andes# shoulder season Ausangate#
October – Last Great Dry Month
Best For: Early night astrophotography + less crowded trails
Why October?
End of the overall dry cycle — generally clear nights early in the month.
Great choice for combination trips (landscape & astro) before rainy conditions start increasing.
# October astrophotography Ausangate# Peru night sky tours# seasonal star photography Andes#
Best For: Landscape photography with occasional astro windows
Why November?
Transition into rainy season; some night sky windows still possible with careful planning.
Best suited for photographers willing to adapt to weather changes.
# November Ausangate photography Peru# mixed season stargazing, Andes night sky planning#
Quick Summary — Best Months for Ausangate Astrophotography 2026
Month Astro Score Conditions
April ⭐⭐⭐ Shoulder season, greener foregrounds
May ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Dry skies begin
June ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best clear conditions for Milky Way
July ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Peak dry, deep night skies
August ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent visibility
September ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Balanced temps + clear nights
October ⭐⭐⭐ Early dry continuation
November ⭐⭐ Transitional weather
Final Tips
“Book our Ausangate Astrophotography Workshop 2026 — Capture the Milky Way over Peru’s highest peaks under crystal clear Andean skies. Limited spaces available in peak months like June, July & August!”
