Best Time to Go to Machu Picchu: Weather & Crowds Guide
When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu? This is perhaps the most repeated question among travelers looking for the best chance to visit Machu Picchu. Depending on the expectations of the travelers this answer may vary.
Many factors are important when considering your dream visit to Machu Picchu. One thing that will never change is that the weather in the mountains is somewhat unpredictable, so the best recommendation is to be prepared for anything.
Any day may seem like the best time to visit Machu Picchu, due to its beauty and mysticism. However, here are some tips so you can decide the time of your visit.
When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?
Such a complicated question to answer. We will try to clarify your doubts. As for the answer, let’s analyze several aspects:
Machu Picchu, the wonder of the world, is located in the middle of the cloud forest among the vegetation of the Cusco jungle.
Thanks to this particular location, the climate tends to vary rapidly. However, there are months when it is more stable and it is possible to predict whether the day will be sunny or not. Now we tell you about it:
Best time ti visit Machu Picchu: The rainy season
During the months of November to March, it is possible to find rainy and cloudy days. The rains do not persist for the whole day, they usually last a couple of hours a day. For this time of the year, it is very important to know how to dress, because there is nothing worse than walking with wet clothes.
It is very common for tourists to desist from visiting Machu Picchu during this time, but there are pros and cons to this season.
During these months, you can find few tourists, which means that there will not be large crowds during your visit. Another advantage is that you will be able to find many bargains. Hotels and airline tickets are usually cheaper.
Availability of Machu Picchu
During the low season, you will always find availability for the visit to the wonder.
As for the multi-day treks, it is important to mention that the 4-day Classic Inca Trail is closed during the whole month of February. So your visit would not be possible during this month.
Landslides
Due to heavy rains, many of the most famous trekking routes in Cusco often suffer landslides. It is generally recommended to be careful when hiking during this season as many tourists do not have the necessary equipment to make the hike.
This season is less crowded than others so it is possible that during your visit you will find it calmer than during the other months.
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Greenish landscapes
During the rainy season, you can see green landscapes that you will not find during the dry season. Having a postcard with a green landscape will be a nice souvenir that you will want to take with you!
Dry Season
This season runs from April to October. In the world of tourism is known as the high season, since it has a greater influx of tourists seeking to tour Cusco and visit Machu Picchu.
The main characteristic of this season is that there are more sunny days compared to the rainy season. The days in the mornings are very hot and the nights are usually cold.
Availability in Machu Picchu
As for the availability of Machu Picchu’s entrances, during this time, it is very saturated. Many tourists plan their trip around these months. We recommend that you book your tours or entrance tickets at least 4 months before your travel date.
Because these are months of great popularity, prices tend to increase in terms of flights and hotels, so take the necessary precautions.
Landscapes
As for the scenery during this season, it varies greatly from the rainy season since the scenery will be spectacular but will not have those greenish features that can be seen in the rainy season.
Since there are not so many hours of rain per day, the roads are in better condition and the tours in the areas develop normally.
Crowds
You will find many groups of travelers looking for a vacation taking advantage of the good weather. Therefore, it will be possible to walk with large groups of people. One advantage is that you will have fellow hikers with whom you will share walking experiences. You will form a walking family that you will remember for a lifetime.
Take advantage of photography
In the dry season you can also make the most of your photographic skills and take advantage of the clear skies for your postcards. Surely you saw the classic photo of Machu Picchu, well, during this season you will have the opportunity to have one just like it! Fill your instagram with beautiful photos in Machu Picchu.
During the dry season, in the month of June, the Inti Raymi takes place. This festival of the sun, undoubtedly attracts many international eyes. This is an excellent option to participate if you are in Cusco!
Temperatures month by month: Best time to visit Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu in January
Generally in January temperatures range between 71°F (21°C) and 45°F (7°C). This month is the rainiest month of the year. We recommend that you bring rain gear and rain gear so that it is not uncomfortable to walk in the rain. If you decide to hike during this month, it is almost certain that you will not find many people on the route, you will have the mountains to yourself!
It is important to mention that, due to the heavy rains, many trails are in a less than optimal state. The Inca Trail and the Salkantay are operational, however, we recommend you to opt for the Lares Trek.
Machu Picchu in February
This is a month where fewer passengers decide to hike. During these days, the rains are usually a little more intense but they do not last all day.
If you would like to make your trip during this month, it is very likely that you will find full availability in hotels and entrance fees to Machu Picchu. In addition, you will have varied offers for your hotels, restaurants, etc.
In the case of the Inca Trail, it is closed during the whole month, so during this time it will not be possible for you to do this trek. We recommend that you can opt for travel packages that have day tours that do not include a lot of mountain hiking. It is very likely that the plans will vary a little during this time due to some landslides that occur on the route because of the rains.
Machu Picchu in March
March is a month when the rains diminish somewhat in the city but persist in the mountains. You should not be overconfident at this time, as even if it is sunny, it is very likely to rain later.
During this month, the number of travelers already increases. Many treks, such as the Inca Trail, reopen in March. The temperature in Machu Picchu varies between 71°F (21°C) and 42°F (6°C).
Machu Picchu in April
This is considered a month of transition, it is the passage from the rainy season to the dry season. The season regarding travelers, begins to rise and increase reservations.
At this time, it is possible to have better views in Machu Picchu, with clearer skies and sunnier days. Be cautious, as many of the experiences tend to sell out.
Machu Picchu in May
May is undoubtedly the preferred season for travelers. Clear skies and incredible views with sunshine for most of the day. This month is usually the busiest for treks such as the Inca Trail or the Salkantay. As the weather improves, treks become more popular.
Keep in mind that most tours and treks are crowded with travelers. We recommend that you book your excursions in advance.
Machu Picchu in June
It is just in this month that travelers from North America especially, arrive in Cusco. If you are looking for an excellent adventure and a cultural experience, June is the month. If you arrive in this month, you will have the experience of living the festivities of Cusco.
In some cases, you may have some rainy days, but they are light rains.
Machu Picchu in July
July is the month that is in the middle of the dry season. Also, if you decide to come during the last days of the month, you will be able to witness the celebrations for Peru Day. Since the weather in the mountains is somewhat unpredictable, it is important to mention that at night, it is quite cold.
Machu Picchu in August
Many visitors arrive in this month. You will find many queues and travelers. August is considered the month of the winds, so the sky is mostly clear.
Good time to hike Machu Picchu, just be prepared for the cold!
Machu Picchu in September
For this month, the rain is returning. We still have sunny days but the cold also intensifies at night on the mountain.
As this is another high season month, we recommend that you schedule your visit in advance.
Machu Picchu in October
This is considered a month of transition from the dry season to the rainy season. We highly recommend that you plan your trip around this month as there are many spaces available and there are not many crowds. There is not much rain during the day, the weather is mild.
Machu Picchu in November
November is officially the beginning of the rainy season. Visitors are reduced in both trekking and visiting Machu Picchu. There will be some days with sunshine and good weather. We recommend that you can be ready for both climates.
Machu Picchu in December
Although there are more rainy days during this month, there is still an influx of passengers due to the end of the year celebrations. Despite the rains, you can still enjoy the last month of the year.
Best time to visit Machu Picchu: Pros and Cons
Many factors determine the best time to visit Machu Picchu. This will depend largely on your point of view and the experience you are seeking at this wonder of the world.
To summarize them, let’s take a look at the comparison table:
| Aspects | Dry season | Rainy season |
| Landscapes | Clear sky Dry vegetation Brown/mustard-colored landscapes Cloudless views | Verdant landscapes Mountains with abundant vegetation Fields of vegetation along the journey Foggy views |
| Costs | During the Dry season you will find: High prices No sales available | During the Rainy season you will find: Low costs Sales |
| Availability | Most of the tickets are sold out Limited availability for Machu Picchu (highest months) | Plenty of tickets available Either for trains or Machu Picchu, you can buy worry- free. |
| Crowds | A lot of tourists trying to reach Machu Picchu. Trains, hotels and Machu Pichcu are crowded. | Few travelers. Walk on your own peace Enjoy the peace of being only with you and the nature. |
| Weather | Most of the days are sunny, however, by the night, the temperature can descend below cero. | Rainy days but with temperatures warmer tan the dry season. |
We know the decision is yours, but no matter what, you’ll enjoy your visit to Machu Picchu. Whether you prefer to hike in a bit of rain or wait for the sunny season, we hope your visit will be the best of all. If you’re already ready to travel, let us know and we can help with your next adventure.
