The best time to visit Machu Picchu essentially depends on each traveler's preference, so here we will provide you with all the necessary information to plan your trip.
Machu Picchu is located amidst the Andes Mountains and the cloud forest, due to this location the climate has two very marked seasons: dry season and rainy season.
Although the best season is not essentially due to the climate factor, but also to the number of visitors, and the possibility of finding availability of tickets, train trips, and more.
The climate of the region where Machu Picchu is located has the seasons very marked, rainy or dry, although the climate in the Andes is unpredictable, so some rains may occur in the dry season.
Many travelers consider the best season to visit the Wonder of the World is during the dry season which comprises the months from April to October, since it is unlikely to rain and when climbing the mountain it is sunny and with a clear sky perfect for taking the most incredible photos; however, since the climate is unpredictable, there is a possibility of rain even in the driest months of the season.
In April and May, the high season begins, so-called because there are more tourists visiting the Inca citadel. For this reason, you must book your trip at least 2 months in advance.
April is characterized by being a month with good weather and few rainy days, because it is in the transition season between dry and rainy seasons.
May is considered the beginning of the dry season, as it generally does not rain, and it is perfect for those who want to see clear skies and incredible sunrises.
The temperature in both months varies between 28°C maximum and 4°C minimum.
The months of June, July, and August are considered high season, as they coincide with summer in the northern hemisphere, making Machu Picchu a perfect place for vacations. If you want to visit Machu Picchu during this season, we recommend booking at least three months in advance.
In these months, the weather is hot and dry during the day and the temperature usually drops at night, with winds, and never ruling out rain, the weather is unpredictable, so it can rain a couple of days in these months.
June is characterized as the month of the Cusco Festivities, throughout the month of June various cultural activities are celebrated, and the most important one, the Inti Raymi. For this reason, tourists visit Machu Picchu massively, having to book the trip for this date well in advance.
July, likewise, is a high season month, due to Independence Day, however, this month is the preferred one for doing the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, so you must book this tour almost 3 months in advance to get a spot.
August is characterized as the month of winds, this month is completely dry, which makes the sunrises in Machu Picchu completely clear. It is also a high time for hiking to the Inca citadel.
The temperature in these months usually varies between 29°C maximum and 2°C during the nights, so it is recommended to wear warm clothes if you plan to hike.
The months of September and October are in transition season, so it is likely to rain on some days. However, the influx of tourists also tends to decrease, because it is more likely to find availability up to 1 month in advance.
September is considered a month where the dry season predominates more, with some rainy days; however, as it continues in winter, the cold becomes greater, feeling cooler.
October is a month with a higher probability of rain, as it is the closest to this season; however, there are more warm and good weather days. For this reason, it becomes another high season month for doing the Inca Trail, having to book the tour 3 months in advance.
The temperature in these months is around 22°C during the day and drops to 4°C at night, with a higher probability of rain.
The rainy season, which comprises the months from November to March, is characterized precisely by having entire days with rain, although there are some days when the sky is clear with a sunny and cool climate. During this season, you can find a cooler climate, but with a greener landscape due to the rains.
During this time there are not many travelers, so it is ideal for those tourists who do not like crowds. Also, being the low season, you can find many offers on trips, flights, hotels, and more.
In the months of December, January, and February, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is closed due to constant rains and for maintenance of the route.
In these months, the rains become stronger and more constant, some days start raining in the morning, and even during the day, there are drizzles.
January is the rainiest month of the entire season, so if you travel during this season, you must bring suitable rain gear. Also, keep in mind that last-minute changes in the itinerary may occur due to closed roads due to landslides, train delays, and even postponed or canceled flights.
February has fewer rainy days than February, but these rains are more intense, which causes fewer visitors to the Inca citadel. This month is considered one of the worst to visit Machu Picchu; however, if you are lucky, you can have a couple of clear days.
March has more sunny days with less chance of rain during the day, making this month the most anticipated for those who want to do the Inca Trail, since due to the rains, the flora is in full bloom, which makes the journey impressive.
The temperature varies between 21°C maximum and 6°C minimum, with rain even when the day is sunny.
During these months, weeks of light rain can occur, making the weather pleasant, the influx of tourists is regular, which allows you to find availability in tickets or flights.
November is the month when the rains officially begin, being more constant, but not so intense, and you can enjoy the landscape that begins to turn greener.
December has more frequent and intense rains, but this does not prevent visitors from reaching the Inca citadel. The last week of December is when there is the highest number of tourists due to the New Year's Eve festivities.
In these months, the maximum temperature is 25°C and the minimum is 5°C, with sunny days and intense rains alike.
Most tourists consider that the best time to visit Machu Picchu is the dry season, which comprises the months from April to October, although its disadvantage is that it is in high season and it is more difficult to find availability of hotels, flights, and tickets to the Inca citadel.
Whatever your decision, you must be prepared for any eventuality in the weather, so here we give you the tips to organize your trip to Machu Picchu.
Whatever the season you travel, you must always bring:
Upon arriving at the Machu Picchu citadel, you will not be able to enter with:
The coldest month to visit Machu Picchu is June, as the temperature can drop to 5°C or even lower.
Machu Picchu is open every day of the year. If you wish to visit the Inca citadel during the Christmas season, we recommend booking at least 3 months in advance, as it is a special date and tickets tend to sell out quickly.
The best time varies according to each traveler's preference. For example, if you want to watch the sunrise at the Inca citadel, you can go at 6:00 am, right when the entrance opens. At this time, there won't be many people, so you can also take your time for photographs.
On the other hand, if you want to have a completely clear view of Machu Picchu, the time between 9 am and 10 am is perfect, as by mid-morning, the mist has already dispersed and the entire landscape is clear.
