Best Time of Year to Visit Machu Picchu – Complete Guide
The best time of year to visit Machu Picchu depends on your tolerance for rain and crowds. The ancient Incan citadel perched among the sheer towering peaks of the Andes is on the bucket list of countless travelers. This renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site draws visitors from around the globe, all eager to walk the same stone paths and gaze upon the same brilliant architecture as the Incan builders centuries ago.
However, the timing of your visit can greatly affect your experience of this iconic destination. From fluctuating crowds to weather patterns, there are pros and cons to the different seasons. Whether you dream of hiking the Inca Trail or capturing that classic photo of Machu Picchu through the low-hanging morning clouds, determining the best time to go is crucial for making the most of your journey to this incredible Wonder of the World.
For more information about everything you need to know to visit Machu Picchu, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Visiting Machu Picchu and How to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu.
Table of Contents
- Summary
- Dry Season at Machu Picchu
- High Season at Machu Picchu
- Shoulder Season at Machu Picchu
- Rainy Season at Machu Picchu
- The Cheapest Time To Visit Machu Picchu
- Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu (Month-By-Month Guide)
- Best Time of the Day to Visit Machu Picchu
- Conclusion
Summary
- Dry Season: May – October
- Rainy Season: November – April
- Peak Tourist Season: June – August
- Shoulder Season: April, November
Dry Season at Machu Picchu
The dry season in Machu Picchu spans from May to October. Within the dry season, the highest influx of tourists are from June – August.
During the dry season, the weather generally remains clear and sunny, with minimal rainfall. This makes it an ideal time to explore Machu Picchu, because the clear conditions offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and ancient ruins. However, occasional heavy mists or fog, particularly in the early morning hours, may obstruct the views.
A benefit of visiting during the dry season is that the trails will not be muddy or slippery. Additionally, there are typically fewer mosquitoes.
Nevertheless, the dry season coincides with peak tourist season, resulting in significant crowds, especially during peak months. Finding solitude within Machu Picchu is impossible, and navigating through the site can be challenging due to congestion.
High Season at Machu Picchu
The busiest period for tourists visiting Machu Picchu is in June through August because the weather is the most favorable out of the entire year. Of course, that is exactly why most people choose that time to visit the site, leading to the largest crowds found at the site all year long.
If you don’t want to deal with crowds, avoid going during these months. However, if your primary goal is to have the best chance at good weather, then this is when you should book your trip.
That being said, the site is crowded from open to close every day for most of the year. In order to preserve the site and prevent ecological damage, the Peruvian government instituted a daily cap of tourists – 1,000 people per day. This means that you will experience long lines and crowds whether you visit in May or September.
Shoulder Season at Machu Picchu
April and November are considered the shoulder season at Machu Picchu. April is before the official start of the dry season, and November is when the weather starts transitioning into the rainy season. The weather is still relatively dry, but there is a better chance for fewer tourists.
During these months, the chance of rain remains at a minimum (though not impossible) and while the crowds remain large, they are not quite as overbearing as those during the high season.
Visiting Machu Picchu during shoulder season is a safe pick for those looking to visit during decent weather while avoiding the peak crowds.
Rainy Season at Machu Picchu
The rainy season at Machu Picchu is from November to April, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in January and February.
During the rainy season, there can be bursts of heavy rainfall or a constant drizzle, making predicting the weather a challenge. This can make exploring the ruins at Machu Picchu more challenging because trails can become muddy and slippery. Because of its location on top of a mountain, the clouds can also obscure the views of the site from the viewpoints.
However, the rainy season can be a beautiful time to visit Machu Picchu because the forests become a vibrant green color that blanket the surrounding mountains. Plus, all the rainfall creates lots of cascading waterfalls. Additionally, the rainy season has the lowest number of tourists, so the site tends to be less crowded than the peak tourist season in the dry months of June to August.
If you plan to visit Machu Picchu during the rainy season, it’s important to come prepared with waterproof clothing and grippy shoes (I prefer trail running shoes).
Furthermore, the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance during February, so if you want to do that, plan for a different month.
The Cheapest Time To Visit Machu Picchu
The cheapest time to visit Machu Picchu falls within the rainiest months from January to March. During this time, flights and accommodations in Cusco and the Sacred Valley are typically more affordable. February, being the wettest month, presents challenges in exploring the site due to mud and obscuring the iconic views. Plus, the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance.
Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu (Month-By-Month Guide)
January
January is one of the rainiest months at Machu Picchu, falling in the middle the rainy season which runs from November to April. During this time, heavy rain showers are frequent.
Despite the rain, the temperatures remain mild, ranging from 52°F to 68°F (11°C – 20°C). However, the clouds and rain can often make it feel cooler. Combined with the humidity, the air often feels muggy.
Exploring Machu Picchu during the rainiest months present challenges. For example, the trails can become muddy and slippery. Plus, the clouds can obscure the iconic views of the site, which is a huge bummer. However, the rain also brings the surrounding forest to life, creating beautiful, lush greenery. If the clouds are sparse enough to see the site from the viewpoints, the whole atmosphere can be ethereal.
In January at Machu Picchu, expect rain nearly every day or every other day. However, if you are ok with the rain, the good news is that there are significantly fewer tourists. The lack of tourists might make up for the rain, because visiting this site in peace provides a truly immersive experience.
- Average High Temperature – 75°F (24°C)
- Average Low Temperature – 55°F (13°C)
- Average Rainfall – 5.4″ (138mm)
- Average Rainy Days – 15 days
February
The weather in February is basically the same as January.
Temperatures at Machu Picchu during February are the same as January, ranging from 52°F to 70°F (11°C – 21°C). The humidity can make the air feel muggy and a little cooler.
The rain and closure of the Inca Trail mean a lot fewer tourists, so if a little water doesn’t bother you, this could be a good time to visit.
Additionally, the Inti Raymi festival occurs in February. This is a celebration of the winter solstice and the start of the Incan new year. This festival features colorful parades and traditional Incan ceremonies, adding an extra layer of cultural immersion to your visit.
- Average High Temperature – 77° (25°C)
- Average Low Temperature – 55°F (13°C)
- Average Rainfall – 5.6″ (141mm)
- Average Rainy Days – 20 days
March
The weather in March is basically the same as February, with slightly fewer rainy days. The season begins to transition towards the dry season at the end of March, making way for drier weather in April and May.
Temperatures at Machu Picchu during March are the same as in January and February, ranging from 52°F to 72°F (11°C – 22°C). Same as the couple months before it, the clouds and humidity can make the air feel cooler and muggy.
March can be a great time to visit Machu Picchu because you have a better chance at visiting on a day without rain, plus the surrounding mountains and forests are still lush and green. Additionally, there tend to be fewer tourists than during the peak tourist season from June to August.
Because of the chance of more sunny days, if you do plan to visit Machu Picchu in March, it’s still important to come prepared with waterproof clothing and sunblock.
- Average High Temperature – 77° (25°C)
- Average Low Temperature – 55°F (13°C)
- Average Rainfall – 5.9″ (151mm)
- Average Rainy Days – 13 days
April
April marks the end of the rainy season, so visiting Machu Picchu during this month provides mild and favorable weather conditions. Daytime temperatures at Machu Picchu during April are a little warmer than the preceding months, ranging from the mid-60’s F to the mid-70’s F. However, there is less rainfall, meaning more sunny days, you will be able to explore the Inca ruins with clearer skies and stunning views of the surrounding Andes Mountains.
Exploring Machu Picchu during April means that the trails are likely to be dry, so you shouldn’t have to worry about muddy or slippery areas.
In terms of crowds, April is considered the shoulder season. This means that there are fewer crowds, but it will likely still reach the 1,000 person visitor limit set by the Peruvian government.
Because the site is so popular (it is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, after all!), and the weather in April is favorable, you will need to make sure to plan ahead. Reserve your entrance ticket and accommodation in Aguas Calientes well in advance to ensure you can visit when you want.
- Average High Temperature – 77° (25°C)
- Average Low Temperature – 55°F (13°C)
- Average Rainfall – 2.4″ (62mm)
- Average Rainy Days – 9 days
May
May is considered the start of the dry season at Machu Picchu. While the weather is generally mild and pleasant during this time, there is a slightly higher chance of rain relative to the rest of the dry season. You can expect mostly clear skies and sunny days. It’s always a good idea to bring a waterproof jacket or poncho just in case of a brief afternoon shower.
Temperatures during the day at Machu Picchu during May are basically the same as April, ranging from the mid-60’s F to the mid-70’s F.
Because the weather is nice, the crowds begin to roll into Machu Picchu and don’t let up until the rainy season starts back up in November. It’s not quite as bad as the peak months of June – August, but don’t expect to have a quiet, serene experience.
Overall, May is a great time to visit Machu Picchu because of the mild weather conditions, offering a slight reprieve from the crowds of the peak season.
- Average High Temperature – 77° (25°C)
- Average Low Temperature – 52°F (11°C)
- Average Rainfall – 0.9″ (23mm)
- Average Rainy Days – 6 days
June, July, August
The peak tourist season occurs in the middle of the dry season in June, July, and August because these months offer the most favorable weather conditions. These are the busiest months at Machu Picchu, which means longer lines, more crowded buses and trains, and busier trails. This makes it more difficult to secure entrance tickets and permits for popular hikes such as the Inca Trail. Therefore, it is important to book accommodations and tours several months in advance. Accommodation prices are generally more expensive during peak season as well.
During these months, you can expect clear, sunny days and mild temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to low 70s F.
Despite the crowds, there are a few benefits to visiting Machu Picchu during the peak season. The clear skies enable stunning panoramic views of the site and surrounding landscape. Additionally, the bus and train schedule is more robust, making transportation more convenient, even though they are likely to be crowded.
- Average High Temperature – 77° (25°C)
- Average Low Temperature – 48°F (9°C)
- Average Rainfall – 0.7″ (17mm)
- Average Rainy Days – 2 days
September
September is a transitory month between the dry and rainy season. However, it is a great time to visit Machu Picchu because the weather is still mild and pleasant, with slightly fewer crowds compared to the peak season.
Daytime temperatures at Machu Picchu during September are about the same as the preceding months, ranging from the mid-60’s F to the mid-to-high-70’s F. However, as the month progresses, temperatures can start to drop a bit, and you should be prepared for slightly cooler temperatures.
September has a relatively low chance of rain, but it’s not nothing, so it’s recommended to bring a waterproof jacket or poncho just in case of a brief afternoon shower.
There is a chance for smaller crowds at Machu Picchu during September, relative to the peak season in July and August. That being said, it’s highly likely that the maximum number of daily visitors will be reached (1,000 people). So while it might not be as chaotic as peak season, it also won’t be quiet and serene. One benefit though, is that accommodation and tour prices may be lower compared to the peak season.
- Average High Temperature – 79° (26°C)
- Average Low Temperature – 52°F (11°C)
- Average Rainfall – 1.7″ (44mm)
- Average Rainy Days – 7 days
October
October marks the last month of the dry season at Machu Picchu. The weather begins transitioning into the rainy season, so there is a higher chance of rain compared to earlier in the dry season. That being said, there are still plenty of clear days to enjoy the site.
The temperatures are mild and pleasant in October, ranging from the mid-60s to low 70s F. This makes for an enjoyable experience and the opportunity to see the stunning views of the ruins and surrounding mountains with clear skies.
October is also sometimes seen as the beginning of the shoulder season at Machu Picchu. This means that there are slightly fewer tourists, but you will still be waiting in long lines and definitely won’t have the site to yourself. However, you may find lower accommodation and tour prices compared to the peak season.
Overall, October is a good time to visit Machu Picchu despite the slightly higher chance of rain than the peak season. The clouds can drift in between the mountains creating an otherworldly panoramic view that you might not get during the dry season. Plus, the site is less crowded compared to the peak season, which will allow you to enjoy the site a bit more.
- Average High Temperature – 79° (26°C)
- Average Low Temperature – 52°F (11°C)
- Average Rainfall – 1.7″ (44mm)
- Average Rainy Days – 7 days
November
November marks the transition into the rainy season and is considered the shoulder season at Machu Picchu. The amount of rainfall varies from year to year, so it can be unpredictable. For this reason, it is advised to bring a waterproof jacket or poncho just in case.
The weather in November is mild and comfortable during the day, with average temperatures ranging from 50°F to 73°F (10°C to 23°C). However, it can get chilly in the mornings, so make sure to bring layers.
Visiting in November during the shoulder season means the crowds won’t be as crazy as the peak season. While you definitely won’t have the site to yourself, exploring Machu Picchu with fewer tourists will probably be a more enjoyable experience.
Another benefit to visiting Machu Picchu during the shoulder season is that accommodation and other tourist services might be more affordable. However, some may have reduced hours or limited availability during the shoulder season, so it’s best to book in advance.
- Average High Temperature – 79° (26°C)
- Average Low Temperature – 55°F (13°C)
- Average Rainfall – 3.4″ (86mm)
- Average Rainy Days – 9 days
December
December falls at the beginning of the rainy season at Machu Picchu. Because it is summer, the temperatures are still pleasant despite the rain, ranging from the mid-60s to the high 70s F during the day.
Despite December being the shoulder/rainy season, crowds can vary depending on the specific dates of your visit. There tends to be an influx of tourists during the Christmas and New Year holidays. However, overall, December is still a good time to visit Machu Picchu because there are still plenty of sunny days to visit the site, and fewer tourists in general.
- Average High Temperature – 79° (26°C)
- Average Low Temperature – 55°F (13°C)
- Average Rainfall – 4.8″ (121mm)
- Average Rainy Days – 13 days
Best Time of the Day to Visit Machu Picchu
Due to the popularity of Machu Picchu, there are no times in which you will be the only one at the site. The Peruvian government has had to manage the hordes of tourists to preserve the site and prevent ecological damage, so they instituted a cap at the number of daily visitors to 1,000. Plus, they also created specific entrance times, which you can choose when you purchase your ticket. The purpose of this is to stagger the tourists throughout the day, preventing huge crowds from forming, and instead spreading the visitors evenly throughout the day.
This means that at 6am when the site opens, there is already a long line forming to get in, and this continues throughout the day until it closes. That being said, being one of the first people on the site in the morning could provide more of a peaceful experience. Plus, witnessing the sunrise and illuminating the iconic citadel is quite a memorable experience. Additionally, there is often some cloud cover in the mornings at Machu Picchu, which adds to the mystique and enchantment of the site.
Arriving in the afternoon a few hours before closing could provide you with a similar experience. They stop letting people in after a certain time to ensure everyone gets through the site by the time they close. If you are in one of the last groups to be let in, you might get lucky and experience the site with significantly fewer people. Additionally, the afternoon light is often gorgeous as the sun shines on the ancient ruins as it begins to set.
Conclusion
The Best times to visit Machu Picchu to avoid the largest crowds while also having pleasant weather are during the shoulder seasons in March – April and October – November. Bring light layers for warmth plus a waterproof jacket in case of rain. Be sure to book your entrance tickets several months in advance because they sell out quickly due to the daily limit of visitors.
For more information about everything you need to know to visit Machu Picchu, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Visiting Machu Picchu and How to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu.
Check out my video on YouTube of my experience visiting Machu Picchu in October!
