Best Time of Year to Visit Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is located in the Cordillera of Vilcabamba in the Andes mountains and on the edge of the jungle. The climate is temperate all year round but it gets chilly and cloudy mornings in the wet season. The average minimum temperature is 10°C/50°F and average maximum temperature is 27°C/80°F. As it is also located on the edge of the jungle, it can rain or get foggy anytime of the year. It is important to note that from April to September is dry season and from October to March is wet season.

Travellers usually ask questions such as “When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?” “When is the best time to go to Peru?”, or “What is Machu Picchu weather like?”. Below you can find our answered FAQs and we are happy to take a phone call with any remaining questions you may have.

According to weather conditions and our experience, the preferred time to visit Machu Picchu: is from late April/early May and to late September/early October. Nowadays the weather conditions have changed due to global warming so it is usually unpredictable but less rainy. Here we provide you the following information to plan your trip to Peru and the Inca sanctuary of Machu Picchu. One of the 7 wonders of the world!

When is the Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu in Peru

In order to know when to visit Machu Picchu, you should learn about the weather in the region and peak season time to avoid crowds so as to enjoy exploring the site.

• Dry season in Machu Picchu: This is between April and October, for many, although not for all, is the best time to visit Machu Picchu. The sun shines all day and there is almost no rain, allowing you to explore the site with clear views of the scenery and Inca constructions. The treks in the Andean mountains en route to Machu Picchu also offer scenic beauty and best views of the surrounding scenery and Machupichu. However, you will likely line up to enter and visit the different temples, shrines, livng strututes of the royalty, etc. and it is very important that you book your Machu Picchu tour, and Waynapicchu mountain extra hike, train tickets, hotel, etc at least 3 months in advance.
• Rainy season in Machu Picchu: It occurs between November and March, and unlike what many people think, it does not rain all day, it does more in the afternoons and it is usually covered in fog early in the mornings but it clears away late in the morning, giving you the opportunity to see Machu Picchu as the fog dissipates as if an artist reveals his masterpiece. As long as you do not mind getting a little wet, you can find lower prices, discounts at hotels and other places.

If you come in June, we recommend that you to book the Inti Raymi (the sun worship festivity) it takes place on June 24th, and also the Rainbow mountain Tour located in high up in the Andes.

Machu Picchu Peak Season

The high season occurs between May and August; this season coincides with the dry season, but also with the vacations in Europe and the USA. If you plan to travel in high Machu Pichu tourist season, know that you have to book Machu Picchu tickets, train tickets, guides, and hotel reservations at least 3 months in advance. One of the main disadvantages of this season, it is not precisely that you do not find places, but what you will have to pay for them.

During the high season, the prices of most tourist services, rise between 30 and 100%, depending on the time of anticipation of your reservations.

Machu Picchu Weather Month to Month

Machu Picchu in January, February and March

These are the rainiest months in Machu Picchu and in general in the region of Cusco. During most of the day the sky is cloudy, but there are also short periods of clear days, the temperature is relatively pleasant with an average of 14°C/57°F. Although the rains can be an inconvenience when visiting Machu Picchu, th Machu Picchu looks spectacular with green and colorful flora in all its surroundings.

One of the main advantages of visiting Machu Picchu in these months is that you will be able to find the vast majority of services at reduced prices, with many offers in the luxury service area. So with a moderate budget you can greatly enjoy your stay in Machu Picchu, if you are the traveler who wants to save the most, this is the time you should visit the Inca city.

Machu Picchu in April

April is one of the most propitious months to visit Machu Picchu, the rains are minimal and the days are sunnier and more pleasant. Although the high season begins in April, it is still possible to find offers in the services. April is the the best time to enjoy the views when all is green and pretty.

Visiting Machu Picchu in May

In the month of May the days are clear, with some exceptions. The dry season is already felt, with sunny days and cold nights. During this month there is a large number of visitors to the Inca city of Machu Picchu and the services rise in price. In May it is possible to see and enjoy many of the activities of the jubilee parties in Cusco.

Machu Picchu in June

Undoubtedly June is the month that has more tourist activity, Machu Picchu is full of tourists from all over the world. The weather this month is sunny during the day and very cold at night, especially during the night. The services are saturated so it is advisable to book before arriving into Peru. All this is reinforced by the activities that take place in the city of Cusco, in June the festivitials of Cusco are celebrated and Inti Raymi is celebrated on the 24th June.

Machu Picchu in July / August

During these months, winter in the mountains has arrived, the days are warm, and these are the months in which Machu Picchu receives a high traffic of visitors. Tourist services sell out very quickly these months. The clear days allow visitors to see Machu Picchu clearly, Take magnificent and clean photographs of Machu Picchu.

NOTE: Between May and August the demand for the Machu Picchu Tickets is highly requested, so if you want to visit Machu Picchu on these dates you must book your admission in advance. If you want to climb Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu must book your ticket with more than two months in advance.

Machu Picchu in September / October

During these months the change of season is made, the cold of winter decreases and the temperature becomes warmer with a very pleasant climate. The tourist high season begins to fall, as well as the costs of various services. Many visitors and travelers believe these are the best months to visit Machu Picchu, the first rains make the Inca shrine begin to turn green and the sun shines on most days. These are some of the best days to enjoy all the beauty of Inca Machu Picchu.

Visiting Machu Picchu in November / December

Machu Picchu turns a bright green color in the rainy months. During these months the rain is felt with greater intensity in Machu Picchu, but still possible to enjoy sunny and warm days. You will see more offers on tourist packages. In these months you can visit Machu Picchu andsee it without it being saturated with visitors. Besides, spending the holidays at Machu Picchu is a great experience.

Best Time to trek into Machu Picchu

The best months to go on the Inca Trail are from April to October. The rains are scarce and you can enjoy dawn in the ruins without any problem. The landscapes of the subtropical zones and the humid forests in the route of the Inca Trail do not change during the dry season.

Tours to Machu Picchu with Direct Local Tour Operators

Reserve our guided trips to Machu Picchu by contacting our travel experts and you will be closer to completing your adventure and making memories that will last a lifetime.

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Trekkings to Machu Picchu

There are many routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none are like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous hiking trail in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, all the time enjoying majestic and unforgettable views.