The Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu

 A visit to Machu Picchu is on many bucket lists, and the adventure is fit for all ages, from children to seniors.

Since it requires advanced planning, let’s go through all the factors that impact a trip to the site to figure out what month of the year is best for you.

There’s a lot of information in this blog about Machu Picchu’s rainfall, temperatures, crowds, and more.

You can use the table of contents below to skip down to the part of the post that interests you most!

The 4 Best Tours to Machu Picchu

No matter what time of year you choose to visit, these are the top-ranked tours to Machu Picchu, each with hundreds of 5-star reviews:

➡️ Click to Book: Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

• 2-day tour from Cusco
• Includes: all transportation, hotel, and admission fees

➡️ Click to Book: Group Tour to Machu Picchu

• Small group tour from Cusco to Machu Picchu
• Includes: entrance fees, transportation, and a guide

➡️ Click to Book: Inca Trail (4 Days)

• Four days and three nights on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• Includes: guides, meals, entrance fees, and train back to Cusco

➡️ Click to Book: Inca Trail (2 Days)

• Two days on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• Includes: guides, meals, entrance fees

Machu Picchu Weather: Month by Month

Temperatures barely fluctuate throughout the year at Machu Picchu. Daily highs are almost always in the 60s, making it perfect for hiking!

The stable temperatures are due to a variety of environmental factors:

1. Geography: The Andes Mountains act as a natural barrier, shielding Machu Picchu from extreme weather patterns.
2. Cloud Forest: The humid and misty conditions typical of this environment help regulate temperature fluctuations.
3. Equatorial Proximity: Being located in the tropics provides Machu Picchu with a consistent amount of sunlight throughout the year, which keeps the temperature range constant. 

While there are outliers in the weather patterns, here is what you can generally expect, month by month, at Machu Picchu:

• January:
  • Average Temperature: 66°F (19°C)
  • Daily High/Low: 70°F (21°C) / 61°F (16°C)
  • Average Rainfall: 5.9 inches
• February:
  • Average Temperature: 66°F (19°C)
  • Daily High/Low: 70°F (21°C) / 61°F (16°C)
  • Average Rainfall: 4.9 inches
• March:
  • Average Temperature: 66°F (19°C)
  • Daily High/Low: 70°F (21°C) / 61°F (16°C)
  • Average Rainfall: 4.3 inches
• April:
  • Average Temperature: 64°F (18°C)
  • Daily High/Low: 68°F (20°C) / 61°F (16°C)
  • Average Rainfall: 2.4 inches
• May:
  • Average Temperature: 64°F (18°C)
  • Daily High/Low: 68°F (20°C) / 61°F (16°C)
  • Average Rainfall: 1.1 inches
• June:
  • Average Temperature: 63°F (17°C)
  • Daily High/Low: 66°F (19°C) / 59°F (15°C)
  • Average Rainfall: 0.5 inches
• July:
  • Average Temperature: 63°F (17°C)
  • Daily High/Low: 66°F (19°C) / 59°F (15°C)
  • Average Rainfall: 0.2 inches
• August:
  • Average Temperature: 64°F (18°C)
  • Daily High/Low: 68°F (20°C) / 59°F (15°C)
  • Average Rainfall: 0.3 inches
• September:
  • Average Temperature: 64°F (18°C)
  • Daily High/Low: 68°F (20°C) / 59°F (15°C)
  • Average Rainfall: 0.9 inches
• October:
  • Average Temperature: 66°F (19°C)
  • Daily High/Low: 70°F (21°C) / 61°F (16°C)
  • Average Rainfall: 1.9 inches
• November:
  • Average Temperature: 66°F (19°C)
  • Daily High/Low: 70°F (21°C) / 61°F (16°C)
  • Average Rainfall: 3.1 inches
• December:
  • Average Temperature: 66°F (19°C)
  • Daily High/Low: 70°F (21°C) / 61°F (16°C)
  • Average Rainfall: 4.8 inches

The Best Weather at Machu Picchu

The best weather at Machu Picchu is during the dry season, which spans from May to October.

You’ll see minimal rainfall, and relatively mild temperatures, with highs in the upper 60s or low 70s. It’s perfect for hiking at the site itself, or for spending several days on the Inca Trail.

Peak Season at Machu Picchu

The peak season at Machu Picchu runs from June through August. It corresponds with both the dry season and summer vacations in Europe and North America. 

While daily crowds are regulated at Machu Picchu to prevent over-crowding, if you’re planning a visit during peak season you should make travel arrangements months in advance. 

This includes entrance tickets to Machu Picchu, tours, and hotels.

Machu Picchu in the Dry Season

During the dry season at Machu Picchu (which again typically spans from May to October), visitors can expect ideal conditions, but more people and higher costs.

Crowds: The dry season attracts a significant number of tourists to Peru. Popular cultural sites and trails will see more foot traffic and larger crowds, especially in June, July, and August.

Costs: Accommodation and tour prices will be slightly higher during the dry season due to the increased demand. Make reservations well in advance, since many tours and hotels will sell out.

Hiking Conditions: Of course, the dry season provides optimal hiking conditions, whether you’re spending days on the Inca Trail, or one day at Humantay Lake. 

Weather: Daytime temperatures typically range from around 63°F (17°C) to 70°F (21°C), with cooler evenings.

Machu Picchu in the Wet / Rainy Season

During the rainy season at Machu Picchu (which, again, typically spans from November to April), visitors can experience some pros and cons.

First, you’ll hear stories about people going to Machu Picchu and never actually seeing it! There are days when the fog never really lifts! This is somewhat rare, but it’s definitely a risk if you go to Machu Picchu in the wet season!

Crowds:

The rainy season generally sees fewer tourists, so cultural sites and trails will be less crowded.

Costs: 

Accommodation and tour prices may be lower during the rainy season due to reduced demand.

Hiking Conditions: 

The rainy season will create more challenging hiking conditions, with trails becoming slippery and potentially hazardous. Hikers should be prepared for muddy paths and have more waterproof clothing and boots.

Road Conditions: 

Road conditions during the rainy season in Peru may be affected by occasional landslides or washouts, potentially leading to temporary closures or delays in transportation. I’d definitely recommend hiring a driver or taking a tour, rather than renting a car and driving on your own.

Weather: 

Daytime temperatures remain mild in the rainy season at Machu Picchu, in the mid-60s°F. But be prepared for intermittent rainfall and overcast skies, which may limit visibility.

Visit Machu Picchu in the Shoulder Season

Frankly, the shoulder season is the best time to visit any destination, and Machu Picchu is included in that recommendation!

At Machu Picchu, the shoulder season includes the months of April, May, September, and October. Let’s go over the benefits of a visit during these months:

1. Mild Weather: The shoulder seasons provide a balance between the extremes of the dry and rainy seasons. You’ll have fewer rainy days that could impact travel and visibility.
2. Reduced Crowds: Compared to the peak season, the shoulder seasons see fewer tourists, allowing visitors to experience Machu Picchu and its attractions with more space.
3. Availability and Flexibility: Hotels, hostels, tours, and transportation options are more readily available during the shoulder season. It gives you much more flexibility, allowing you to book reservations closer to your travel dates.

The Best Time of Day to Visit Machu Picchu

The short answer is: I’d book a reservation or tour for the early morning, between 8:00am and 10:00am. The risk is: Machu Picchu is often covered in fog at those earlier hours. But since you’re there, you can always wait for the clouds to move out and the fog to lift.

Here are a couple of other factors to help you decide what time of day to visit Machu Picchu:

1. Sunrise Views: If you’re interested in capturing sunrise views, you can book an entry as early as 6:00am. Remember: many days the site is still cloudy that early! Machu Picchu’s last reservations of the day are usually for a 3:00pm entry, and the site closes to tourists by 5:00pm. 
2. Crowds: To avoid the largest crowds, aim to visit Machu Picchu during off-peak hours. Early morning visits or late afternoons are often quieter. By late afternoon, school groups are gone, leaving the site much quieter.
3. Weather Conditions: During the dry season, mornings often offer clearer skies and better visibility, allowing for unobstructed views.

Most Crowded Time to Visit Machu Picchu

Reservations to visit Machu Picchu are now capped at 4,500 each day in 2024 (spread out over entry hours, which begin at 6:00am). That’s up from 3,800 per day in 2023.

You’ll find a line at the entrance, but it moves fairly quickly.

By late morning, the number of tourists at the site seems to peak. You’ll have school groups there some days adding to the crowd, too.

Add to that, hikers who’ve finished their morning hikes up Waynapicchu, who will likely be back down at the base of the mountain and wandering the trails toward the exit.

The bookings will surely fill up in the dry season months, from April through October. You might get lucky in December or January and have fewer daily visitors during the rainy season.

Regardless, it’ll never feel overly crowded at Machu Picchu, because of the limits on daily visitors. You’ll always have room to walk around, and be able to find places to sit and relax for a while as you admire the ancient city.

The Best Time of Year to Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

You have a window, from late spring to fall, which will provide the best time of year to hike the Inca Trail. Opting for a visit from May through early September will provide much more comfortable conditions to spend several days in the elements!

As I mentioned, temperatures don’t fluctuate a whole lot, so it really comes down to rainfall.

Even if you’re not bothered by a slippery trail, the dry months will provide much clearer skies and visibility, so you can take in the beautiful views as you hike.

Plus, the rain gets heavy enough some years to wash out trails or even roads in Peru. While you can have an amazing time hiking the Inca Trail any time of year, it’s really best to aim for one of the dry months!

FAQs: The Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu

The most frequently-asked-questions about when to visit Machu Picchu are month-specific, so let’s go through the pros and cons of each month:

Is January a good time to visit Machu Picchu?

January’s rainfall creates lush landscaping around Machu Picchu, and the Cusco area will see fewer tourists. You’ll also have more options and flexibility in booking tours and accommodations.

On the other hand, you could encounter frequent showers, muddy trails, and limited visibility.

Plus remember: days are shorter in January. The sun will set in the 5 o’clock hour, reducing the time available for sightseeing.

Is February a good time to visit Machu Picchu?

February is similar to January, in that the landscape will be green and temperatures will remain relatively mild. Other benefits include smaller tourist crowds at cultural sites, and larger flexibility when it comes to booking hotels and tours.

On the downside, February is still part of the rainy season, so trails might be wet and muddy while visibility could be reduced.

Plus, there’s less daylight in February, so your days will be shorter.

​​​Is March a good time to visit Machu Picchu?

At the end of the rainy season, the surrounding forest will be lush and green. Temperatures will remain mild, and as the rainy season tapers off, you’ll have fewer showers interrupting your outdoor activities.

Another benefit is: fewer tourists visit in March, so the prices and availability of hotels and tours are lower and more flexible.

As for cons, rainfall and fog might make trails muddy and visibility lower.

Is April a good time to visit Machu Picchu?

April marks the transition from the rainy season to the drier months, providing a balance between manageable rainfall and more stable and enjoyable trail conditions.

April typically sees fewer tourists compared to the peak months, so you’ll likely find lower prices and more options when it comes to tours and hotels.

There aren’t really any drawbacks to a visit to Machu Picchu in April, other than the risk of rain showers.

Is May a good time to visit Machu Picchu?

Short answer: Yes.

May marks the beginning of the dry season, offering mild temperatures, clearer skies, and minimal rainfall. Tourism increases, but it’s not yet peak season.

Since more people are visiting, a May trip to Machu Picchu will require a bit more pre-planning and earlier booking.

​​​​​Is June a good time to visit Machu Picchu?

June marks the peak of the dry season, and brings ideal weather with clear skies and minimal rainfall. It’s the best time to hike trails and visit the cultural sites.

Visiting in June will require more advanced planning, since hotels and tours book up faster.

Is July a good time to visit Machu Picchu?

The weather is usually perfect in July: dry and mild. It’s ideal for hiking and anything you want to do outside.

The only challenges of a July visit involve the crowds. It’s peak tourist season, so you’ll have to book tours and hotels in advance. As for Machu Picchu, you’ll definitely need to reserve our timeslot as early as possible.

Is August a good time to visit Machu Picchu?

Yes, August continues the dry season, with minimal rainfall and mild temperatures in the Cusco region. You’ll have excellent hiking conditions during an August visit to Machu Picchu.

The downside will be larger tourist crowds, higher hotel costs, and the importance of booking hotels, tours, and drivers months in advance.

Is September a good time to visit Machu Picchu?

September’s weather continues to be dry and mild at Machu Picchu, making it a great month to visit. Even better: Compared to the peak months, September sees a decrease in tourist traffic, providing a more peaceful experience at the site and smaller crowds in the region in general.

You should still book reservations for Machu Picchu well in advance, to secure your desired entry time.

Is October a good time to visit Machu Picchu?

I think October is still a great time to visit Machu Picchu. Temperatures will still be mild, and crowds in Cusco will be much smaller.

Just remember: October falls within the transition period, so some days will be foggy and rainy. 

Is November a good time to visit Machu Picchu?

November brings fewer tourists to Machu Picchu, along with more availability for tours and hotels. 

Just keep in mind: while temperatures will be mild, you’re likely to have a couple of rainy and foggy days during your visit. Plus, the days are shorter in November, so your daily allotment of daylight will be cut.

Is December a good time to visit Machu Picchu?

While there may be an increase in tourists during the holiday weeks, December generally sees lower tourist traffic compared to the peak months at Machu Picchu.

December falls within the rainy season, so visitors should expect a couple of rainy days. And daylight is reduced, as the sun sets in the 5 o’clock hour.

Wrap: The Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu

Personally, with crowds, prices, hotels, and weather taken into consideration, I’d aim to visit Machu Picchu in late-April, May, September, or early-October.

Shoulder seasons combine the best of all worlds! You’ll avoid the big crowds of June, July, and August in Cusco, and still have a pretty solid chance of avoiding too many rainy days.