The best time to visit Machu Picchu is usually during the dry season, from May to October, when there are more sunny days and a lower chance of rain—perfect for enjoying the views and taking photos. However, the rainy season also has its advantages: fewer people, greener landscapes and, in many cases, better prices. In the end, the choice depends on each traveler’s preferences.
Machu Picchu is located between the Andes mountain range and the edge of the cloud forest, and because of this location the climate is divided into two very marked seasons: the dry season and the rainy season.
We can distinguish both seasons not only by the weather, but also by the number of visitors and how easy it is to find availability for entrance tickets, trains, accommodation and other services. In this guide, we give you all the information you need to choose the best time of year for your trip to Machu Picchu.
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The climate in the Cusco region, where Machu Picchu is located, has two very defined seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. However, the weather in the Andes is unpredictable, so you can still get some rain even during the dry season.
Many travelers consider the dry season, from May to October, to be the best time to visit this Wonder of the World, since it’s less likely to rain. During these months, the weather is usually sunny and clear, ideal for taking amazing photos. However, from time to time it can still rain, even in the driest months.
In May, the high season begins, called this way because a larger number of tourists visit the Inca citadel. For this reason, it’s important to book your trip at least 2 months in advance.
May: It is considered the beginning of the dry season, as it generally has no rain, and it’s perfect for travelers who want clear skies and incredible sunrises.
Temperatures in this month range from about 28 °C (82 °F) during the day to 4 °C (39 °F) at night.
June, July and August are considered high season because they coincide with summer in the Northern Hemisphere, making Machu Picchu a perfect place for vacations. If you want to visit the Inca citadel during this time, we recommend booking at least three months in advance, as entrance tickets to Machu Picchu are in very high demand.
During these months, the weather is warm and dry during the day, and temperatures usually drop at night, often with some wind. The weather is still unpredictable, so it might rain on a couple of days during this period.
June: Known as the month of the Cusco Festivities. Throughout June there are different cultural events, and the most important one is Inti Raymi. Because of this, many tourists visit Machu Picchu, and trips for this date must be booked well in advance.
July: Also a high-season month due to Peru’s National Holidays. It’s one of the favorite months to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, so you should book this tour almost 3 months ahead to secure a spot for this unique experience.
August: Known as the month of the winds. It’s a completely dry month, which makes sunrises at Machu Picchu look totally clear. It’s also a very popular time for hikes to the Inca citadel.
During these months, temperatures usually range from about 29 °C (84 °F) during the day to 2 °C (35 °F) at night. The cold can be intense at night and early in the morning, so it’s recommended to bring warm clothing if you plan to do any kind of hike.
September and October are transition months, so there is a higher chance of rain on some days. However, the number of visitors usually drops, meaning you can often find tickets to enter Machu Picchu up to 1 month in advance.
September: Considered a month when the dry season still predominates, with a few rainy days. However, since it’s still winter in the Andes, temperatures feel cooler and the air a bit fresher.
October: A month with a higher probability of rain, as it is closer to the rainy season. Even so, there are many warm days with pleasant weather. For this reason, it is also one of the ideal high-season months to hike the Inca Trail, and you should book the tour about 3 months in advance.
Daytime temperatures in these months are around 22 °C (72 °F), while at night they can drop to about 4 °C (39 °F), with a higher chance of rain.
The rainy season runs from November to April and is characterized by days with frequent or even constant rain, although there are also days when the sky clears and the weather is sunny and fresh. During this time, the climate is cooler, but the landscape looks much greener thanks to the rain.
There are fewer travelers during these months, which makes this season ideal for those who prefer to avoid large crowds. In addition, because it’s considered low season, it’s easier to find deals on trips, flights, hotels and more.
In February, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is closed due to heavy rains and to allow maintenance work on the route.
In these months, the rains become stronger and more frequent. Some days start with rain in the morning, and there can be drizzle or showers throughout the entire day.
January: This is the rainiest month of the whole season, so if you travel at this time, you should bring proper rain gear. Keep in mind that last-minute changes to your itinerary may occur due to road closures caused by landslides, train delays or, less commonly, postponed flights.
February: Has fewer rainy days than January, but showers can be more intense, which reduces the number of visitors to the Inca citadel. For this reason, many people consider it one of the least recommended months to visit Machu Picchu if you prioritize stable weather. However, if you travel well prepared for the rain, you can enjoy a quieter atmosphere and even get some clear days.
March: Brings more sunny days and a lower chance of rain during the day. It’s one of the most anticipated months for trekking lovers who want to hike the Inca Trail, since the vegetation is at its best after the rains, making the route especially beautiful and memorable.
During these months, temperatures range from about 21 °C (70 °F) during the day to 6 °C (43 °F) at night, with occasional showers even on sunny days.
In April, you can start to feel the shift toward the dry season: days are more stable, there is less rain and the landscape is still green from the previous months’ showers. Visitor numbers begin to increase, but it’s not yet peak high season, so you can still find a bit more availability for trains, hotels and entrance tickets if you book in advance.
April: Known for its pleasant weather and few rainy days, as it’s a transition month between the rainy season and the dry season. It’s an excellent option for travelers looking for a balance between nice weather, green landscapes and a moderate number of visitors.
Temperatures in this month range approximately from 28 °C (82 °F) during the day to 4 °C (39 °F) at night.
In November and December, you can have weeks with light rains, which makes the weather feel pleasant. Visitor numbers are moderate, so it’s usually possible to find availability for entrance tickets or flights.
November: The month when the rainy season officially begins. Showers become more frequent, but not too intense, and you can enjoy landscapes that are starting to turn greener.
December: Rain becomes more frequent and heavier, but this doesn’t stop visitors from coming to the Inca citadel. During the last week of December, the number of tourists increases significantly due to the year-end holidays.
In these months, daytime temperatures can reach about 25 °C (77 °F) and nighttime temperatures can drop to around 5 °C (41 °F), with a mix of sunny days and intense rains.
Most travelers consider the best time to visit Machu Picchu to be the dry season, which runs from May to October. The downside is that this is high season, so it can be more difficult to find availability for hotels, flights and entrance tickets to the Inca citadel.
On the other hand, the rainy season, from November to March, has fewer visitors, lower prices and a higher chance of finding availability for Machu Picchu.
Whatever time of year you choose, you should be prepared for any changes in the weather, so here are some tips to help you plan your trip to Machu Picchu.
No matter the season, you should always bring:
When you arrive at the entrance to Machu Picchu, you will not be allowed to enter with:
The coldest month to visit Machu Picchu is June, as temperatures can drop to around 5 °C (41 °F) or even lower.
Yes, Machu Picchu is open every day of the year. If you want to visit the Inca city during the Christmas season, we recommend booking at least 3 months in advance, since it’s a special time of year and tickets usually sell out quickly.
The best time of day depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for. For example, if you want to see the sunrise over the Inca citadel, you can go at 6:00 a.m., right when the site opens. At that time there are fewer people, so you can also take your time for photos.
On the other hand, if what you want is a completely clear view of Machu Picchu, the 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. time slot is ideal, since by mid-morning the fog has usually lifted and the entire landscape is visible.
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