Best time to visit Machu Picchu: weather month by month
Machu Picchu is open all year. The real question is what you prefer: clearer skies with bigger crowds, or green scenery with fewer visitors and some rain.
- Dry season
- May – September
- Rainy season
- November – March
- Sweet spot
- April and October
Dry season (May to September)
These months bring the most clear days and cold mornings. June to August is high season: more visitors, pricier trains and tickets that sell out sooner.
Inti Raymi is celebrated in Cusco on June 24, and demand rises even more around those weeks.
Rainy season (November to March)
Rain is more frequent, especially in January and February, though it rarely lasts all day. Crowds are smaller, the landscape is lush and tickets are easier to get.
Heavy rain can affect roads and train schedules. The Inca Trail closes in February.
Key tips
- Pack a rain poncho: it is more practical than an umbrella on the trails.
- Keep a spare day in your itinerary in case schedules change.
Weather at the citadel
Machu Picchu sits at about 2,430 m, on the edge of the cloud forest: warmer and more humid than Cusco. Days are usually mild and mornings cool, with fog that often lifts by mid-morning.
The sun is strong at this altitude even under clouds, so wear sunscreen and a hat.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to go?
April, May and October usually offer the best balance of good weather and fewer people. If July is your only option, book everything further ahead.
Will fog block the view?
Early fog is common, especially in the rainy season, but it usually lifts during the morning. Sometimes the mist makes the view even more dramatic.
Is it cold at Machu Picchu?
Mornings can be chilly, especially from June to August, but walking during the day is comfortable. Dress in layers.
