Machu Picchu Weather Guide: Ideal Months for Your Visit

The Inca city of Machu Picchu is open to travelers all year round, so you can make your trip any time of the year. However, weather and service prices may determine the month you want to visit Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu has an exceptional location; it is at the edge of the jungle, but very close by are snow-capped mountains of the Andean mountain range, such as Salcantay or Veronica; these factors make the weather in Machu Picchu changeable. In Machu Picchu, there are two distinct seasons: the dry season (from April to September), which coincides with the high tourist season, and the rainy season (from October to March). Everything depends on the season, so if you want good services at reduced prices, you should come during the rainy season.

Below, we detail the climatic conditions and services offered in Machu Picchu for each month.

January, February, and March

These are the rainiest months in Machu Picchu and all of Cusco. Most days are cloudy, but there are also short periods of clear days, and the temperature is relatively pleasant, averaging 14°C. Although the rains can be inconvenient when visiting Machu Picchu, they make the area a spectacular, green, and colorful place. Also, the clouds and rain make Machu Picchu a fairytale scenery, almost surreal.

One of the main advantages of visiting Machu Picchu during these months is finding reasonable prices and many offers in luxury services. So, with a moderate budget, you can enjoy your stay in Machu Picchu significantly, and if you are one of those travelers who want to save as much as possible, this is the time to visit the Incas.

April and May

These are the best months to visit Machu Picchu; the rains are minimal, and the days become sunny and pleasant. Although this month is the beginning of the high tourist season, it is still possible to find service offers.

In May, the days are apparent, except for the occasional rain. Many of the activities of Cusco’s jubilee celebrations can already be seen and enjoyed in May.

June

This month has the most tourist activity, and Machu Picchu is full of tourists worldwide. The weather is sunny and freezing at night, especially in the early morning. The services are saturated, so booking them before arriving in Machu Picchu is advisable. All this is reinforced by the activities in Cusco since, in June, they celebrate their festivals, and multiple shows are performed at the ceremony of Inti Raymi.

July and August

During these months, the winter in the highlands intensifies; the days are similar to those of June, when Machu Picchu receives heavy traffic of visitors and tourist services are required. The clear days on these dates allow us to see Machu Picchu at its best.

Between May and August, the demand for Machu Picchu tickets is very high, so if you want to visit Machu Picchu on these dates, you should book your ticket in advance. Book your ticket more than two months in advance if you’re climbing Machu Picchu mountain.

September and October

During these months, the season changes. The cold of winter lessens, and the temperature rises, bringing a delightful climate. The high tourism season is beginning to wane, and the costs of various services are increasing. Many visitors, like travelers, find these the best months to visit Machu Picchu.

November and December

In these months, the rains are heavier in Machu Picchu. However, it is still possible to enjoy sunny and pleasant days. Tourist services have begun to offer more, so there are months when you can visit Machu Picchu and tour it without being overwhelmed by many travelers. In addition, you can enjoy the Christmas and New Year holidays in Machu Picchu; although the prices are higher, it is an experience worth having.

No matter the month you visit Machu Picchu, you should book your ticket first. Depending on the season, you should also book your train ticket in advance.