The best time of year to visit Machu Picchu and hike the Inca Trail is during the dry season from late April to May, September, and October. During this time, the weather is mostly sunny with little rain, and the sky is clear and blue. There is less mist around Machu Picchu and the Andes so you would have the chance to get a clear view of it. These are the shoulder seasons and you won't see huge lines in Machu Picchu.
How is the Weather in Machu Picchu?
There are two seasons in Machu Picchu; the dry season and the rainy season.
The dry season is from May to September when the weather is sunny with little rain.
The rainy season is from November to April when you would probably experience significant rainfall. The wettest period occurs from mid-December to February, bringing regular heavy showers. Due to the rain, this is the quietest time to visit Machu Picchu.
Temperatures change greatly between the days and nights in Machu Picchu. During the daytime, it can be mild or warm, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 27°C (68–81°F). It could drop below freezing at night or in the early mornings in June, July, and August.
Here are some summary facts on Machu Picchu's climate and travel:
- Dry season: May to October
- Rainy season: November to April
- Wettest months: mid-December to February
- Coldest month: June
- Busiest travel time: June to August
Best Months to Visit Machu Picchu For Fewer Travelers and Good Weather
The best months to go to Machu Picchu are late April, May, September, and October if you don't want to experience the huge crowds during the summer vacation from June to August. These are the shoulder travel seasons with fewer travelers. You won't have to wait in long lines to enter Machu Picchu and you would have more time to take photos without feeling rushed.
Late April
Late April is the end of the rainy season in Machu Picchu. You will expect a mix of sunny days with occasional light showers. It may rain, but mainly light showers. The weather can be unpredictable, with a mix of cloudy hours, sunny spells, and light showers all in one day. Days are warm and nights are cool.
Temperatures are mild during the day and cool at night. When the sun gets out, it can become quite warm. The average temperature ranges from 12°C to 25°C (54–77°F).
April is still the shoulder travel season, and there are fewer travelers in Machu Picchu.
May
May is the start of the dry season in Machu Picchu. The weather is sunny with a blue sky most of the time. On some occasions, you may encounter light showers with overcast skies, although this is quite rare. During the day, it's cool, while the nights could get cold.
In May, Machu Picchu starts to get busier, so expect to see lines at the entrance and popular photo spots. It is quiet normal to wait about one hour for a bus ride back to Aguas Calientes.
Despite the increasing crowds, it is still less crowded compared to the peak months of June, July, and August.
September
September is one of the best times to visit Machu Picchu. It is at the end of the dry season but without the huge summer vacation crowds, making Machu Picchu quieter.
September is the end of the dry season. The rainy season is coming. Brief showers could occur at any time. Enjoy warm days and cool nights with temperatures ranging from 11°C to 26°C (52–79°F).
This shoulder season offers a reprieve from the massive crowds of June, July, and August.
October
October is the transition month from the dry season to the wet season around Machu Picchu. The weather is dry for most of the days, but there may be some light rain in the afternoon on some days. The weather becomes warmer, with temperatures ranging from 12 to 25°C (54–77°F). October is in the shoulder travel season. Machu Picchu is quite quiet at this time of year.
Is November a Good Time to Viist Machu Picchu?
You can visit Machu Picchu this month but expect rainy and cloudy days. It is the rainy season. There is the possibility that heavy rains may occur but this is not common.
November is in the shoulder season, so travel costs are relatively low and there are fewer people around Machu Picchu.
Is December a Good Time to Visit Machu Picchu?
December is very wet around Machu Picchu, especially from mid-December. There are frequent heavy rains, which may last for days.
Machu Picchu is humid and cloudy this month. There is very little chance that you would see the ruins clearly. Most of the time, it is shrouded in thick mist.
Therefore, December is not a good time to visit Machu Picchu.
Is February a Good Time to Visit Machu Picchu?
February is not a good time to visit Machu Picchu due to the frequent heavy rains. The rains may cause floods and landslides which will block the rain route. Machu Picchu is foggy at this time of year.
What is the Best Day of the Week to Visit Machu Picchu?
The number of travelers at Machu Picchu is no different on different days of the week. Some people may say it is more crowded on Sundays, as Machu Picchu is free to local residents on Sundays. But actually, it is as crowded as on the other days.
Is Machu Picchu Worth Visiting in the Rainy Season?
You could have a great experience in Machu Picchu during the rainy months: October, November, March, and April. During these months, the chance of frequent heavy rains is low. There are mainly slight showers. There may be heavy showers, but they usually don't last long. There are opportunities to enjoy clear days or a clear sky for hours after rainfall.
The biggest advantage of visiting Machu Picchu during the rainy months is that it is less crowded. You wouldn't have to wait in long lines to enter the site, and travel prices are usually lower. Please be advised though, April is very crowded if the Easter holiday falls in this month.
However, the period from mid-December to February is not a good time to visit as there are frequent heavy showers. The rainfall may cause floods and landslides blocking the access roads.
What is the Wettest Month in Machu Picchu?
The period from Mid-December to late February is the wettest time in Machu Pichu. There is regular rainfall, which can last for days during this time. Heavy showers are very common, which usually arrive in the late afternoon or early morning. Heavy rainfalls may cause landslides, which could block the Inca Trail or train lines.
Machu Picchu Rainfall and Temperatures by Month
| Month | Rainy Days | Rainfall(mm) | Rain Condition | Temperature (Average) |
| October | 9 days | 75 mm (3") | Afternoon showers | 11–23°C |
| November | 12 days | 86 mm (3") | Chance of heavy rainfall | 12–24°C (54–75°F) |
| December | 13 days | 121 mm (5") | Frequent moderate rainfall | 11–23°C (52–73°F) |
| January | 18 days | 158 mm (6") | Frequent moderate rainfall | 13–24°C (55°F–75°F) |
| February | 20 days | 141 mm (6") | Frequent moderate rainfall | 13–25°C (55–77°F) |
| March | 13 days | 108 mm (4") | Light showers / heavy rainfall | 13–25°C (55–77°F) |
| April | 9 days | 41 mm (2") | Light showers | 15–25°C (59–77°F) |
| May | 6 days | 23 | Light Showers | 11-25°C (52 -77 °F) |
Tips for Traveling in the Rainy Season in Machu Picchu
- 1. Make your schedule flexible, as the rain may cause landslides, which may delay trains and block roads/trails and, therefore, disrupt your travel plans.
- 2. Machu Picchu is shrouded in mist most of the time, especially early in the morning, so don't go there before 10 am.
- 3. Take layers of clothing and rain gear with you as the weather is changeable.
The High Travel Season in Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu's high travel season is during its dry season from May to September. During these months, the weather is sunny, the sky is clear, and you would get better views of Machu Picchu against the blue sky and the rugged mountains.
Temperatures are warm during the day, ranging from about 20°C to 27°C (68°F to 81°F). Nights could be cooler, dropping to freezing or slightly below, especially in June, July, and August.
During the high travel season, Machu Picchu is very crowded, especially from June to August. There are huge crowds at the entrance and train stations. You would usually need to wait for 1–2 hours to get into the site. Tickets for the site could be sold out a month in advance. Hotel prices rise greatly too.
Make the Most of Machu Picchu in Any Month
It's true that good weather doesn't always ensure a great experience, and vice versa. What truly counts is how you plan your visit. Our Peru travel experts visit Machu Picchu all year round. They are skilled at making difficult weather enjoyable and avoiding crowds during busy times. Contact us to start planning your Peru adventure.
- Dry season: May to October
- Rainy season: November to April
- Wettest months: mid-December to February
- Coldest month: June
- Busiest travel time: June to August
