The best time to visit Machu Picchu depends on the preferences of each traveler. Here we provide all the necessary information to plan your trip.
Machu Picchu is located in the middle of the Andes Mountains and the edge of the jungle. Due to this location, the climate has two very distinct seasons: dry season and rainy season.
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 travel, and more.
The climate in the region where Machu Picchu is located has very distinct seasons, rainy or dry, although the weather in the Andes is unpredictable, so some rains may occur during the dry season.
Many travelers consider the best time to visit the Wonder of the World is during the dry season, from April to October, as it is less likely to rain. During these months, the weather is usually sunny and clear, ideal for taking incredible photos. However, due to the unpredictability of the weather, it may rain even in the driest months.
April and May mark the beginning of the high season, called so because there is a higher number of tourists visiting the Inca citadel. For this reason, you need to book your trip at least 2 months in advance.
April is characterized by good weather and few rainy days, as it is in the transition period between the dry and rainy seasons.
May is considered the start of the dry season, as it generally does not rain, and it is perfect for those who want to see clear skies and amazing sunrises.
The temperature in both months varies between 28°C at the highest and 4°C at the lowest.
The months of June, July, and August are considered high season because they coincide with the 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.
During these months, the weather is hot and dry during the day, and at night, the temperature usually drops, with winds. It is never safe to rule out rain, as the weather is unpredictable, and it may rain a couple of days during these months.
June is characterized by the Cusco Festival, with various cultural activities throughout the month, and the most important, Inti Raymi. For this reason, tourists visit Machu Picchu massively, requiring advance bookings.
July is also a high season month due to National Holidays. However, it is the preferred month to do the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, so you need to book this tour almost 3 months in advance to get a spot.
August is characterized by being the month of winds, this month is completely dry, making the sunrises in Machu Picchu completely clear. It is also a high season for hiking to the Inca citadel.
The temperature in these months usually varies between 29°C at the highest and 2°C at night, so it is recommended to bring warm clothes if you plan to hike.
The months of September and October are in the transition season, so it is likely to rain some days. However, the tourist influx also tends to drop, making it more likely to find availability up to 1 month in advance.
September is considered a month where the dry season predominates, with some rainy days. However, it is still winter, so the cold is more intense, making it feel cooler.
October is a month with a higher probability of rain, as it is closest to this season. However, there are more warm and good weather days. For this reason, it becomes another high season month to do the Inca Trail, requiring booking the tour 3 months in advance.
The temperature in these months is around 22°C during the day and 4°C at night, with a higher probability of rain.
The rainy season, from November to March, is characterized by having entire days with rain, although there are some days when the sky is clear with sunny and cool weather. During this season, you will find a colder climate but with greener scenery due to the rains.
During this time, there are fewer travelers, making it ideal for those who prefer to avoid crowds. Additionally, as it is the low season, it is easier to find deals on travel, flights, hotels, and more.
In February, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is closed due to constant rains and maintenance of the route.
During these months, the rains are stronger and more constant, some days dawn with rain, and even throughout the day, there are drizzles.
January is the rainiest month of the entire season, so if you travel during this time, you must bring appropriate rain gear. Also, keep in mind that last-minute changes to the itinerary may occur due to road closures due to landslides, train delays, and even postponed or canceled flights.
February has fewer rainy days than January, but the rains are more intense, reducing the number of 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 it the most awaited month for those who want to do the Inca Trail. Due to the rains, the flora is in full bloom, making the journey impressive.
The temperature varies between 21°C at the highest and 6°C at the lowest, with rain even when the day is sunny.
During these months, you can have weeks with only light rains, making the weather pleasant. The tourist influx is regular, making it easier to find availability for tickets or flights.
November is the month when the rains officially begin, being more constant but not so intense. You can enjoy the landscape, which begins to turn greener.
December has more frequent and intense rains, but this does not prevent visitors from arriving at the Inca citadel. The last week of December sees the highest number of tourists due to year-end celebrations.
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 the best time to visit Machu Picchu is the dry season, which runs from April to October. However, its disadvantage is that it is the high season, making it more challenging to find availability in hotels, flights, and tickets to the Inca citadel.
Whatever your decision, you must be prepared for any weather eventuality. Here are some tips to help you organize your trip to Machu Picchu.
Regardless of the season you travel, you should always bring:
Upon arriving at the Machu Picchu citadel, you will not be allowed 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 want to visit the Inca city 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 is at the discretion of each traveler. For example, if you want to see the sunrise in the Inca citadel, you can go at 6:00 am, just when the entrance opens. At that time, there will not be many people, so you can take your time for photos.
On the other hand, if you want to have a completely clear view of Machu Picchu, the 9 am and 10 am time slots are perfect, as by mid-morning, the fog has dispersed, and the entire landscape is clear.
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