Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu: Peru's most famous site is changing, don’t miss the scoop
Machu Picchu, an empire made around 1450. The whole setup hovers at 7,970 feet in the Peruvian Andes, which means weather calls the shots harder than any guidebook. Two seasons rule: dry from May to October, wet the other half. Nail the window and the place unfolds like a postcard; miss it and you’re wading through soup or elbowing selfie sticks.
What follows is the straight scoop on the best time to visit Machu Picchu, the nuts and bolts of the Machu Picchu dry season, and Machu Picchu weather by month stripped to averages and headaches. Crowd counts, permit caps, trail shutdowns, nothing fancy, just the numbers that matter. Outfits like Qoricancha Expeditions run the daily grind and know which paths turn to grease when the sky opens.
Peru’s Ministry of Culture regularly adjusts access policies to safeguard the site from overwhelming crowds, most recently introducing three distinct routes through the UNESCO World Heritage landmark. These trails span two to seven hours, complete with separate pricing and entry windows. Prime extras, such as the Huayna Picchu ascent, sell out months in advance, though the briefer options provide some last-minute flexibility. Still, the real game isn’t just snagging a slot before it’s gone.
The Two Seasons and the Fuzzy Middle
Dry season
It fires up in May. Rain dries to a trickle, usually under an inch total. Days hover 64 - 70°F, nights dip to the low 40s. Stone paths stay solid, ridgelines cut sharp against the sky, and the Inca Trail runs smooth. Cameras love it; knees thank it.
Wet season
It totally crashes in November. Afternoon storms dump five-plus inches in the heavy months. Jungle goes neon, waterfalls roar off every cliff, and clouds park on the peaks for days. Train still chugs to Aguas Calientes, buses still climb the switchbacks, but February locks the Inca Trail tight for fixes, no debate, no workaround.
April and November play the middle. Rain either fades or builds slow.
Machu Picchu Weather by Month: Raw Data
Stations in Cusco and Aguas Calientes log the repeats. Table lays out highs, lows, rainy days, inches, and the real-world snags.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy Days | Inches | Real Talk |
| April | 65 | 45 | 10 | 3.1 | Sweet shoulder, breathing room |
| May | 68 | 42 | 6 | 1.2 | Dry locks in, paths crisp |
| June | 65 | 40 | 3 | 0.7 | Inti Raymi spillover, book early |
| July | 64 | 39 | 2 | 0.6 | Bone dry, frost on the tent |
| August | 66 | 40 | 2 | 0.6 | Postcard skies, permits vanish |
| September | 68 | 42 | 4 | 1.0 | Heat creeps back, still solid |
| October | 70 | 45 | 7 | 2.0 | Sprinkles return, crowds lighten |
| November | 69 | 48 | 10 | 3.5 | Green surge, quiet stretches |
| December | 70 | 50 | 13 | 5.1 | Holiday rush, wet by lunch |
February shutdown to patch steps and clear slides. July is the humidity low point; sunrise from the Sun Gate looks unreal. June 24 Inti Raymi stuffs Cusco and bleeds into the citadel the next day.
Inca Trail Sweet Spot and Permit Crunch
Best time to visit Machu Picchu Inca Trail lands May through September. 500 slots daily, porters and guides included. June-August gone in hours when bookings open six months out. Dry dirt means an easier and more enjoyable time on the 4,000-foot climb.
Train never quits. First bus rolls at 5:30 AM and slips in before the pack. Tickets come in timed chunks; 2,500 bodies max per day since 2019. Huayna Picchu bolt-on sells fastest.
Most Budget-Friendly Season at Machu Picchu
You snag the best bargains between November and March, though a bit of advance work still pays off. For instance, grab those Huayna Picchu permits about three months early,way easier than the six months it takes in high season. The rainy stretch actually shines as a hidden gem: fewer people milling around, which helps fight the real enemy of overtourism. Showers mostly hit in the evenings, leaving mornings clear, and February stands out with the Inca Trail shut for fixes, turning the whole place into a peaceful pocket. Everything shifts in the wet months, the terraces burst with fresh green, waterfalls you never noticed pop up along the edges, and dawn fog peels back layer by layer to reveal the ruins. Plus, you line it up perfectly with summer vibes on Peru’s coast, so tack on Lima’s killer food scene or Mancora’s sunny beaches without missing a beat. More folks catch on to this two-for-one trick: hit the misty citadel first, then drop down to coastal heat while it’s prime time there. Temps stay comfy the whole way, and the rain keeps to its afternoon routine instead of soaking the entire day.
For Time-saver readers
- June-August equals sardine can. Summer break plus festivals, zero space after 9 AM. Grab the dawn bus and the Temple of the Sun is yours for a minute.
- November-March (skip the holidays) dips under a thousand on slow days. Fog might swallow the far view, but footsteps echo cleans between the walls.
- Altitude doesn’t care about seasons. Two nights in Cusco first, pound water, chew coca if offered. UV blasts past 11 on blue days, hat, sleeves, sunscreen, done.
- Line up the season with the mission. Dry for miles and clean shots. Wet for empty corners and lighter wallets. The rocks stay put; the sky decides the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Machu Picchu?
You really can’t go wrong with late May or September. The rains have stopped, the sun’s reliable, and you’re walking around in 18–22°C with half the usual crowd. I’ve talked to guides who live in Cusco, they all say shoulder season gives you the postcard views without the elbowing.
What is the coldest month in Machu Picchu?
July is when it gets pretty chilly. You’ll wake to 0–5°C, but once the sun’s up, it climbs to 20°C and stays dry. Bring a decent jacket for the 6 a.m. bus; the wind off the ridge bites early.
What are the rainy months in Machu Picchu?
November to April, that’s your wet stretch. January and February are the real soakers; trails turn into streams, clouds sit low, and some paths close for safety. Still open, just not ideal unless you love green and quiet.
Is Machu Picchu open on Christmas?
Yes, open every single day, Christmas too. First entry 6:00 a.m., trains running, buses climbing. But it’s busy, local families make the trip.
Is the hike to Machu Picchu difficult?
Look, the Inca Trail (four days) is no joke; there is high passes, thousands of steps, altitude that’ll make you gasp. The short hike from town? Two hours, mostly stairs. If you can climb a few flights without dying, you’re fine. Just don’t rush.
What is the best month to travel to Peru?
May or September. Mountains dry, coast warm (even with fog), jungle less humid.
What is the best time to photograph Machu Picchu?
Roll in from 7 to 8 a.m., May–October. The sun hits the walls at a good angle, fog clears from the air, and you avoid flat midday light to avoid the sunburns. September usually gives the clearest skies and the fewest people in view.
What is the most crowded time at Machu Picchu?
Mid-June to mid-August turns into a zoo. Summer vacation slams into Inti Raymi (June 24)
What is the best time of day to visit Machu Picchu?
Grab a 6 a.m. ticket for quiet ruins glowing in soft morning light. Or show up after 2 p.m. when the tour buses roll out, clouds part, crowds fade, and Machu Picchu feels like you’ve got it all to yourself. Either way, you’re golden.
