The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season from May to September, when skies are clearer, and trekking conditions are ideal. However, travelers who prefer fewer crowds and lower prices may enjoy visiting during the shoulder or rainy seasons, depending on weather tolerance and travel goals. As a result, your decision will depend on your travel goals, comfort with weather conditions, and crowd preferences. This guide will help you gain a clearer understanding of this important topic.
Machu Picchu Seasons Explained: Weather, Crowds, and Travel Conditions
- Climate and Geography of Machu Picchu
- Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu by Season
- Machu Picchu Weather by Month
- Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu for Hiking, Trekking, and Mountain Views
- Machu Picchu Crowds, Ticket Availability, and Permit Demand by Season
- Cheapest and Least Crowded Time to Visit Machu Picchu
- Is There a Bad Time to Visit Machu Picchu?
- Travel Tips for Choosing the Right Time to Visit
- FAQs About the Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu
Climate and Geography of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is located in the Andes Mountains in the province of Urubamba, Cusco, Peru, at an altitude of 2,430 m.a.s.l. The difficult access to its location is due to the steep mountains and dense vegetation surrounding it. These features create a unique climate that combines warm, humid rainforest conditions with cool mountain air. As a result, seasonal conditions can vary significantly throughout the year, with an approximate temperature range of 36-82°F (8-28°C).
Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu by Season
Before we begin, it’s important to note that Machu Picchu operates under three main seasons. The dry season, the rainy season, and the shoulder season are the most popular among visitors. Each season has its own characteristics that may suit different types of travelers. Accordingly, understanding these characteristics will undoubtedly help you determine the best month to visit Machu Picchu.
Rainy Season in Machu Picchu
The rainy season in Machu Picchu begins in late November and ends in 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 47-72°F (7-22°C).
Locals close the classic Inca Trail in February to prevent dangerous landslides; therefore, there will be fewer visitors. This means greater service availability, allowing you to book at short notice and take advantage of affordable prices. Those who consider the wet season might want to look into alternative treks to Machu Picchu that offer similar experiences. Remember that many trails close for maintenance, but hikers still find them perfectly feasible, albeit with an added difficulty.
Shoulder Season in Machu Picchu
The shoulder season includes April, October, and November with temperatures from 45-72°F (7-22°C). Although not the same as the rainy season, occasional rainfall is typical. However, there are clearer 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.
Dry Season in Machu Picchu
For many visitors, the dry season is the best time to visit Machu Picchu because of its incredible weather. From mid-April to the end of October, clear skies, sunny days, and warm temperatures are more consistent. The average temperature during these months ranges from 32-72°F (0-25°C) and usually doesn’t fluctuate significantly. Nevertheless, you should definitely consider dressing in layers, especially at night when temperatures drop.
These months also coincide with the high season for tourism in the region. Many people want to make the most of these conditions, so booking months in advance is ideal. The Inca Trail and other attractions are available, but tickets for these tend to sell out quickly. We recommend carefully planning every detail to avoid any inconvenience.
Machu Picchu Weather by Month
Below is a month-by-month breakdown of Machu Picchu weather, rainfall, and crowd levels to help you plan your trip.
| Temperatures during the day | Temperatures at night | Precipitation (mm) | Some characteristics | |
| January | 80°F / 27°C | 63°F / 17°C | 138 mm | Occasional rains, hot days, overcast skies, and muggy breezes. |
| February | 82°F / 28°C | 65°F / 18°C | 141 mm | Frequent rainfall, overcast conditions, and dense cloud cover. |
| March | 81°F / 27°C | 64°F / 17°C | 151 mm | Overcast mornings, followed by sunnier afternoons with reduced rainfall. |
| April | 77°F / 22°C | 61°F / 14°C | 62 mm | Intermittent rain, clear sunrises, and gradually warming temperatures. |
| May | 70°F / 20°C | 55°F / 13°C | 23 mm | Consistently clear skies, with warmer daytime temperatures and excellent visibility. |
| June | 58°F / 20°C | 52°F / 11°C | 17 mm | Peak tourist season, with occasional light rain and warm, tranquil days. |
| July | 66°F / 19°C | 50°F / 10°C | 22 mm | Lower nighttime temperatures, the best month to visit Perú, and picturesque landscapes. |
| August | 68°F / 20°C | 54°F / 12°C | 24 mm | Persistently cold nights, with occasional strong winds and breathtaking panoramic views. |
| September | 70°F / 21°C | 54°F / 12°C | 44 mm | Cool afternoons, occasionally cold, with reduced tourist activity. |
| October | 72°F / 22°C | 54°F / 12°C | 75 mm | Occasional rains, consistently sunny days, calm, pleasant afternoons. |
| November | 75°F / 24°C | 54°F / 13°C | 86 mm | Increasing rainfall, pleasant days, and occasional clear views. |
| December | 79°F / 26°C | 61°F / 16°C | 121 mm | Bright, sunny mornings, followed by rainy afternoons and moderate tourist activity. |
Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu for Hiking, Trekking, and Mountain Views
The best time to visit Machu Picchu for hiking or trekking is during the dry season (May to September). During these sunny months, outdoor adventures are more frequent because of the excellent conditions. The warm days are ideal for panoramic visibility of both the mountains and the surrounding landscape. Clear skies and strong visibility make these months ideal for panoramic photography.
Although these months offer good conditions, they are also the most crowded with tourists from all over the world. If you’re looking for an optimal time, September is often ideal because of its excellent weather and fewer crowds. Trekking, hiking, and climbing are also possible in places like the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Consequently, we recommend combining the experiences available to you to make your trip more rewarding.
Machu Picchu Crowds, Ticket Availability, and Permit Demand by Season
The Peruvian government controls the number of people who can enter the Inca citadel each day. This control helps preserve this World Heritage Site so that future generations can enjoy it as much as we do. Nonetheless, this limit isn’t constant throughout the year because conditions vary, and therefore ticket availability also changes. You may be interested in learning how to buy Machu Picchu tickets; you can check out our article for that.
Let’s break it down: the maximum visitor capacity is 4,500 year-round, except during peak seasons. These exceptional months are from late June to early November, when 5,600 tickets are available per day. Despite the greater availability, more visitors come during these months, so we recommend booking in advance. This contrasts with the months from November to April, when there is less availability and fewer visitors.
Cheapest and Least Crowded Time to Visit Machu Picchu
The rainy season, from November to March, is the cheapest time to visit Machu Picchu. During these months, travel services offer significant savings compared to the rest of the year. Flight, hotel, and train prices are lower, making it ideal for saving money. Promotions and discounts are also frequent and widely taken advantage of by tourists; a prime example is food.
This season also coincides with the lowest tourist traffic in both Machu Picchu and the surrounding destinations. The town of Aguas Calientes, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley experience a significant decrease in visitors. We recommend extra caution and additional safety precautions, especially because of the frequent rains. To further enjoy the lower crowds, we recommend visiting the citadel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Is There a Bad Time to Visit Machu Picchu?
For many, the worst time to visit Machu Picchu is during the rainy season, especially in February. Constant rains, slippery trails, and cloud cover are common during this time, making exploration difficult. The risk of closures, delays, and cancellations is also higher compared to other months. Similar conditions apply to attractions like the town of Ollantaytambo and the Sacred Valley.
Travel Tips for Choosing the Right Time to Visit
The best advice for choosing the right time to visit the citadel is to consider your interests. If you have the flexibility to choose your travel dates, research carefully before making a final decision. This advice also applies to choosing the best time to visit Peru, as each season offers something unique. If you still have doubts, here are some tips that might help you decide:
- We recommend not visiting Machu Picchu on Sundays. The influx of local visitors has increased dramatically since the Peruvian government granted free entry to them. You could consider a weekday, but the capacity compared to the weekend is the same.
- When choosing your travel date, pay close attention to the month, day, and time of your entry to the citadel. Remember that the time shown on your ticket is for the selected entry time only. So, it is always advisable to verify that it is correct for your trip.
- Understanding the tour system is a good way to make your final choice. Like the Inca Trail, heavy rains close some routes during the rainy season. So, to see a specific attraction, you should make sure it’s open during your travel dates. Fortunately, all routes are open during the dry season.
- Choose the ideal time according to your personal needs. 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.
- Don’t limit your decision solely to your journey within the citadel. Even how you get from Cusco to Machu Picchu should be a factor in determining your travel time. The type of transportation, accommodation options, and other tourist services are also important considerations. This also includes trips to other destinations such as the Peruvian coast and rainforest.
FAQs About the Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu
Is February a bad time to visit Machu Picchu?
February is generally not the best time to visit Machu Picchu because it is the rainiest month of the year. Heavy rainfall can limit visibility, make paths slippery, and cause delays. Additionally, the Ministry of Culture of Peru closes the Inca Trail for maintenance during February.
When is the cheapest time to visit Machu Picchu?
The cheapest time to visit Machu Picchu is during the rainy season, from November to March, especially in January and February. During these months, flights, hotels, and tours are often more affordable because of lower demand.
Is Machu Picchu open during the rainy season?
Yes, Machu Picchu remains open year-round, including during the rainy season. Climate conditions can affect the experience, and some hiking routes, like the Inca Trail, may close temporarily for safety or maintenance.
When should I book Machu Picchu permits?
We recommend booking Machu Picchu permits at least 2 to 3 months in advance. Those who plan to hike the Inca Trail or visit during peak season (May to September) must plan 3 months in advance. Permits and tickets are limited and can sell out quickly.
What is the best time to hike the Inca Trail?
The best time to hike the Inca Trail is during the dry season, from May to September, when climate conditions are more stable, and trails are safer. April and October are also good options, offering fewer crowds and mild weather.
Which month has the fewest crowds at Machu Picchu?
The months with the fewest crowds are typically January and February, as these fall within the rainy season. While fewer visitors attend, travelers should prepare for rain and possible changes in visibility.
Does rain affect visibility at Machu Picchu?
Yes, rain can affect visibility at Machu Picchu, especially during heavy showers or early mornings when fog is common. Clouds often clear later in the day, and the mist can also create a unique and atmospheric experience.
“BETTER TO SEE SOMETHING ONCE THAN TO HEAR ABOUT IT A THOUSAND TIMES”
As we see, choosing the best time to visit Machu Picchu will depend on your interests, budget, and weather tolerance. Each season offers a distinct experience for any traveler. Whether you prefer clear skies or fewer crowds, good planning will allow you to make a perfect trip. Immerse yourself in the landscapes, history, and culture, but especially the opportunity to experience unique moments in an exceptional place.
Machu Picchu has so much to offer; it can be hard to know where to start. With many years of experience in the tourism sector, Machu Travel Peru is happy to help with anything regarding your trip to Machu Picchu and any tours around it. Let us help you make your Machu Picchu travel experience unforgettable! Contact us today to plan your dream adventure!
