The Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu
Published on: November 21st, 2024
Last updated: November 21st, 2024
Peru's Machu Picchu is among the most extraordinary sites on earth and a year-round destination. Whether you visit in winter, summer or sometime in between, your experience is guaranteed to be unforgettable. That said, the best time to visit Machu Picchu will depend on your personal preferences and expectations.
Taking into account both weather conditions and crowds, the best month to visit Machu Picchu is either May or October. These months provide the perfect balance of low rainfall and relatively few visitors compared to the peak season from June to August and the rainy season from November to March.
Although we generally recommend visiting Machu Picchu in one of the shoulder seasons, both summer and winter have their perks as well. Below we’ll explain all the benefits and downsides of travelling in each month of the year, plus insider tips to help you make the most of your trip.
Machu Picchu Month-by-Month Weather Guide
Machu Picchu has some unique climate conditions, thanks in part to its staggering altitude of approximately 2,400 metres (8,000 feet) and its location within a cloud forest. Because it’s in the southern hemisphere, June–August is winter and December–February is summer. Winter is the dry season and summer is the rainy season, but temperatures don’t fluctuate much throughout the year. For more details, here’s our in-depth monthly climate guide to Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu in January
January is the heart of summer at Machu Picchu, with average daytime temperatures around 20–25ºC (68–77ºF). This is also the middle of the rainy season, which means it’s less popular in terms of tourism. If you’re okay with risking some rainfall and cloud cover in exchange for avoiding the crowds, January can be a good time to visit.
Machu Picchu in February
February is the rainiest month at Machu Picchu, so trails can be very muddy and slippery. The Inca Trail is closed every year during this month for maintenance and many tour operators shut down as well. We usually only recommend visiting in February if you’re not planning on doing any hiking. However, it’s also the month with the fewest visitors and the greenest landscapes.
Machu Picchu in March
March is the end of the rainy summer season at Machu Picchu, and weather conditions start improving towards the end of the month. If you want to ensure smaller crowds and don’t mind the chance of rain, you can visit in late March at the very beginning of the autumn shoulder season. This is the earliest time of year that it’s advisable to go hiking around Cusco.
Machu Picchu in April
April is a fantastic month to visit Machu Picchu and hike the Inca Trail. Temperatures tend to be in the low 20sºC (around 70ºF) during the day and rain isn’t likely, making for ideal trekking conditions. This is also one of the less-crowded times of year, as the peak tourism season is still a couple of months away.
Machu Picchu in May
May might just be the best time to hike at Machu Picchu. The weather is similar to that of April – mild and dry – with an even lower chance of rain as the dry season approaches. However, this is also when the trails start to get busier; consider doing a less-popular route like the Salkantay Trek if you want a quieter hike.
Machu Picchu in June
June is the beginning of the dry winter season: the most popular time of year to visit Machu Picchu. Daytime temperatures drop by a few degrees and it can be extremely chilly at night, so make sure you’re prepared with plenty of layers. This is also the month of Inti Raymi, a festival dedicated to the Incan sun god, which is celebrated in Cusco.
Machu Picchu in July
July is the peak of the dry season at Machu Picchu. Weather conditions are perfect for hiking and exploring the Incan citadel, though the crowds can be a bit overwhelming. The site and surrounding trails get especially busy towards the end of the month, as Peru’s Independence Day is celebrated on 28th July.
Machu Picchu in August
Like the preceding months, August is sunny and busy at Machu Picchu. It’s also one of our favourite months to go to the Sacred Valley, which boasts several other Incan sites and stunning views; visiting it is definitely one of the best things to do in Peru besides visiting Machu Picchu. Some of our favourite luxury train journeys in Peru include a stop in the Sacred Valley.
Machu Picchu in September
By early September, the crowds are starting to thin out and the chance of rain is rising again. As long as you’re prepared for sudden showers, this is a wonderful time to visit Machu Picchu. It’s possible that cloudy skies might occasionally obscure the views, but if you prefer clouds to crowds, we suggest opting for September over July or August.
Machu Picchu in October
October is one of our favourite months to visit Machu Picchu. Right in between the crowded winter and the rainy summer, this shoulder season offers pleasant temperatures, low rainfall and relatively few tourists. It’s also one of the best months for hiking – whether you choose the classic Inca Trail, a shorter version or one of the alternative trails nearby.
Machu Picchu in November
November is a transitional month between the shoulder season and the wet season at Machu Picchu. It might be a bit rainy and humid, but not nearly as much as in the following months. Similar to late March, early November is a good time to visit if you want to sneak in right before the weather worsens and minimise the chance of crowds.
Machu Picchu in December
December marks the start of the rainy summer at Machu Picchu. This is a very busy time of year in Cusco thanks to Christmas and New Year’s Eve, but it’s not a particularly popular month to visit the citadel itself. Fortunately the rain is far from constant, so it can still be a good time to explore the ruins if you’re lucky.
The Best Time to Avoid Crowds at Machu Picchu
The best time to hike the Inca Trail is when rain is scarce and crowds are thin. The dry season runs from April to October, but June through August are the driest – and busiest – months. We recommend visiting in April, May, September or October if you want to hike Machu Picchu Mountain, Huayna Picchu Mountain or the Inca Trail.
The full Inca Trail takes around four nights, but there are shorter versions as well. And while this famous trek is certainly worth tackling, there are plenty of other ways to get to Machu Picchu if the weather doesn’t cooperate – or if you’d simply prefer a quicker and less challenging journey.
The Best Time to Hike the Inca Trail
The best time to hike the Inca Trail is when rain is scarce and crowds are thin. The dry season runs from April to October, but June through August are the driest – and busiest – months. We recommend visiting in April, May, September or October if you want to hike Machu Picchu Mountain, Huayna Picchu Mountain or the Inca Trail.
The full Inca Trail takes around four nights, but there are shorter versions as well. And while this famous trek is certainly worth tackling, there are plenty of other ways to get to Machu Picchu if the weather doesn’t cooperate – or if you’d simply prefer a quicker and less challenging journey.
The Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu for Events and Holidays
If you’re trying to decide when to visit Machu Picchu, the weather isn’t the only thing that matters – you should also consider local holidays. For example, Inti Raymi (the Festival of the Sun) in June is an incredible event to witness. Although it’s celebrated in Cusco, it can also cause an influx of visitors at Machu Picchu.
Late July and late December are also popular times to visit the area thanks to Peruvian Independence Day and Christmas, respectively. Visiting Machu Picchu during one of these annual celebrations is a wonderful opportunity to see and participate in local traditions, but it can also mean larger crowds.
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