Machu Picchu, a modern world wonder, is the best tourist destination in Peru and one of the world’s most important sites. The one that remained hidden for centuries after the Spanish conquest, and that US explorer Hiram Bingham later investigated. Today, it receives approximately 3 million visitors annually, all eager to enjoy its magic and view the vibrant ruins. Many people choose the right time to visit, which can impact their experience.
Although any day may seem like the best day to enjoy the Inca citadel, we can guarantee that each season offers its charm. Weather conditions, ticket availability, reservations, and even the visit hours are often factors to consider when traveling to the archeological complex. Thus, our Machu Travel Peru team wants to share this blog to help you make an excellent decision based on your needs and expectations.
All about the best time to visit the Inca citadel
- Ideal time for visiting Machu Picchu
- Seasons
- Best hours to visit
- Duration of visit
- Machu Picchu weather month by month
- Recommendations
- Frequently questions
Ideal time for visiting Machu Picchu
As mentioned, the best time to visit Machu Picchu will depend on your preferences and what you want to experience. June through August are generally the best months to appreciate stunning views and enjoy clear skies. These months are peak tourist season, with ideal weather but less-than-easy trails for the multitude.
However, the shoulder season offers the perfect combination of pleasant weather, spectacular views, and a steady flow of people. Making it an excellent option for enjoying the weather and taking precautions against the multitude. April, May, September, October, and November are the months that fall under this season.
Seasons
While the Peruvian coast generally experiences cloudy and cold days, the Sierras and Jungles have sunny and warm days. However, both regions also experience heavy rain and overcast days at certain times of the year. Machu Picchu experiences particular seasons because its location is in these two regions.
The Incas’ citadel is approximately 2,430 meters above sea level in the jungle eyebrow; cloudy rainforest surrounds it. It has warm and humid days, fresh nights, spontaneous cloudiness, and rain at any time of the day and year. Also, it has an average annual temperature of around 52ºF – 80ºF (12ºC – 27ºC). Machu Picchu has three special seasons during the year: the rainy, shoulder, and dry.
1. The rainy season – Less crowded time
The rainy season in Machu Picchu begins in late November and ends in late March. Its main features include rain, humidity, cloudy skies, muddy trails, and warm nights. February and March are particularly the wettest months, mainly in the morning and late afternoon. The average temperature during this season ranges between 47°F and 72°F, or 7°C and 22°C. Locals close the Inca Trail in February to prevent dangerous landslides; therefore, there will be fewer visitors.
2. Shoulder season – The balanced time
The middle season includes April, May, September, October, and November. Although not the same as the rainy season, occasional rainfall is typical. However, there are more apparent days, blue skies, a regular flow of people, and a temperate climate, neither too cold nor too hot. In other words, it’s a perfect combination of weather and crowds to enjoy nature and a balanced environment.
3. Dry Season – The best weather time
Machu Picchu’s dry season coincides with peak tourist season, with more visitors than at any other time of year. From mid-April to the end of October, clear blue skies, sunny days, and warm temperatures are the main features of this season. The average temperature during these months is between 32°F and 72°F, or 0°C and 25°C. Therefore, ticket availability to the citadel is lower, and it is advisable to book in advance.
Best hours to visit
Regardless of the season, there are perfect times to visit Machu Picchu and enjoy all its beauty. Early morning, specifically from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., is an excellent option to observe beautiful sunrises. Another recommended time is in the afternoon, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Both are fantastic options for experiencing the citadel with few people and incredible views.
Duration of visit
The recommended time to visit the citadel of Machu Picchu is 02:30 hours. In the same way, this is the range of time allowed and indicated in a Machu Picchu entrance ticket. Of course, each one has a determined circuit to follow so that you can find different entrances. Although this is the approximate time, some routes include hiking a nearby mountain, making the visit longer than mentioned.
Machu Picchu weather month by month
| Temperatures during the day | Temperatures at night | Some characteristics | |
| January | 27°C / 80°F | 17°C / 63°F | Occasional rains, hot days, overcast skies, and muggy breezes. |
| February | 28°C / 82°F | 18°C / 65°F | Frequent rainfall, overcast conditions, and dense cloud cover. |
| March | 27°C / 81°F | 17°C / 64°F | Overcast mornings, followed by sunnier afternoons with reduced rainfall. |
| April | 22°C / 77°F | 14°C / 61°F | Intermittent rain, clear sunrises, and gradually warming temperatures. |
| May | 20°C / 70°F | 13°C / 55°F | Consistently clear skies, with warmer daytime temperatures and excellent visibility. |
| June | 20°C / 58°F | 11°C / 52°F | Peak tourist season, with occasional light rain and warm, tranquil days. |
| July | 19°C / 66°F | 10°C / 50°F | Lower nighttime temperatures, the best month to visit Perú, and picturesque landscapes. |
| August | 20°C / 68°F | 12°C / 54°F | Persistently cold nights, with occasional strong winds and breathtaking panoramic views. |
| September | 21°C / 70°F | 12°C / 54°F | Cool afternoons, occasionally cold, with reduced tourist activity. |
| October | 22°C / 72°F | 12°C / 54°F | Occasional rains, consistently sunny days, calm, pleasant afternoons. |
| November | 24°C / 75°F | 13°C / 54°F | Increasing rainfall, pleasant days, and occasional clear views. |
| December | 26°C / 79°F | 16°C / 61°F | Bright, sunny mornings, followed by rainy afternoons and moderate tourist activity. |
Recommendations
- We recommend not visiting Machu Picchu on Sundays. The influx of national visitors has increased dramatically since the Peruvian government granted free entry to all local tourists.
- When planning your trip to the Inca citadel, pay close attention to the month, time, and day. Trust us, a Machu Picchu virtual tour cannot match the complete experience of a real tour.
- Huayna Picchu is an excellent option for adventurous travelers. This route is open year-round, even during the rainy season. However, booking the Machu Picchu tickets in advance is advisable for the dry and shoulder seasons (April to October).
- Understanding the tour system is a good idea when planning your first visit to Machu Picchu. Although you can combine different tours in a single day, you should be careful with scheduling. Therefore, we recommend hiring a specialized tour company to maximize your stay at the citadel.
- Peak season is the best time to hike in Machu Picchu. It coincides with the dry season and makes walking the trails leading to Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu easier. Different from the rainy season, as it can be dangerous due to the slippery stretches.
Frequently questions
1. When does the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu open and close?
The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is open from 06:00 am until 5:00 pm.
2. Is Machu Picchu closed during the year?
One of the interesting facts about Machu Picchu is that it is an open year-round attraction. However, unexpected exceptions exist, such as protests, social protests, or natural disasters.
3. When is it cheaper to travel to Machu Picchu?
The rainy season is the best time to find offers on hotels, trains, flights, and tours. Therefore, the cheapest months to travel to Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley are from late November to late March.
4. When is the coldest month to travel to Machu Picchu?
The coldest months to travel are from June to August. Particularly true at night, different from midday when the skies are clear, cooler, and warmer.
5. When are the holidays in Machu Picchu?
The main festival in Aguas Calientes, the closest town to Machu Picchu, is on July 7th. This honors the citadel’s declaration as one of the World’s Seven Wonders. Locals usually hold dances, festivals, and live music to commemorate this special date.
6. Can I stay overnight at Machu Picchu?
The Peruvian Ministry of Culture prohibits overnight stays at the Machu Picchu citadel. However, the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, a luxurious five-star hotel, is the perfect place to spend the night. This is especially true because it is closest to the Historic Sanctuary entrance.
“BETTER TO SEE SOMETHING ONCE THAN TO HEAR ABOUT IT A THOUSAND TIMES”
We hope this blog about the best time to visit Machu Picchu has been helpful. Take your time touring the different sacred constructions and enjoy this rich ancestral culture. We wish you an incredible experience exploring this Wonder of the World. The Machu Travel Peru team is ready to help you plan a trip to Machu Picchu, Cusco, or Peru.
