Best time to Visit Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is located in the Vilcabamba range of the Andes and the jungle belt. The climate is temperate throughout the year, but it cools and becomes cloudy in the mornings in the wet season. The average minimum temperature is 12°C, and the average maximum temperature is 24 °C. As it is also located in the jungle brow, it can rain or cloud at any time of the year; however, from April to September is the dry season, and from October to March is the wet season.

Usually, all travelers ask about the “best time to go to Machu Picchu“, “when is the best time to visit Peru”, “best month to go to Machu Picchu”, “rainy season in Machu Picchu”, or “weather in Machu Picchu”. These questions arise according to your planned trip to Peru. For the best experience, we recommend choosing the optimal time for your journey, regardless of the weather. Machu Picchu boasts stunning landscapes throughout the year.

According to weather conditions and our experience, the best time to visit Machu Picchu is from late April / early May to late September / early October. Nowadays, weather conditions have changed due to global warming, so they are usually less rainy and more unpredictable. The number of tourists visiting Peru has been slightly for Machu Picchu and trekking; therefore, we provide the following information for you to plan your trip to Peru and the Inca sanctuary of Machu Picchu, one of the 7 wonders of the world:

When to Visit Machu Picchu Peru.

To know when to visit Machu Picchu, you should find out about the weather in Machu Picchu and the high season to avoid crowds and enjoy exploring the site.

The dry season in Machu Picchu occurs between April and October, and for many, though not all, it is the best time to visit. The sun shines all day, and rainfall is minimal, allowing for unobstructed views of the landscape and Inca constructions. Hiking in the Andean mountains on the way to Machu Picchu also offers scenic beauty and the best views of the surrounding landscape and Machu Picchu. However, you are likely to queue up to enter and visit the various temples, shrines, royal living quarters, and other attractions, and you must book your Machu Picchu tour, including the Machu Picchu and Waynapicchu mountain hike, as well as train tickets, hotel accommodations, etc., at least 3 months in advance.

Rainy season in Machu Picchu: Occurs between November and March, and unlike what many think, it does not rain all day long, it rains more in the afternoons and is usually covered in mist in the early mornings but clears by late morning, allowing you to see Machu Picchu as the fog dissipates like an artist unveiling his masterpiece. However, if you don’t mind getting a little wet, you can get lower prices and discounts at hotels and other places.

Due to better climatic conditions, it is still advisable to come to visit Machu Picchu from April to September. If you visit in June, we recommend booking the Inti Raymi (the sun worshiping festival), which takes place on June 24, and also the Rainbow Mountain tour, located high in the Andes.

Machu Picchu High Season

The high tourist season occurs between May and August, coinciding with the dry season and the vacation periods in Europe and the United States.

If you plan to travel to Machu Picchu during its high tourist season, you will need to book Machu Picchu tickets at least three months in advance. However, that’s not all; you will also have to book train tickets, guides, and additional tours in advance. On the other hand, you will have to compete with other visitors for the first bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, and for the best places on the Huayna Picchu mountain and in the Inca city.

One of the main disadvantages of this season is not precisely that you will not find places, but what you will have to pay for them. During the high season, the prices of most tourist services increase by 30-100%, depending on the time of reservation anticipation.

Weather in Machu Picchu month by month

Machu Picchu in January, February, and March.

These are the rainiest months in Machu Picchu and in general in the Cusco region. During most days, the sky is cloudy, but there are also short periods of clear days. The temperature is relatively pleasant, with an average of 14°C. Although the rains can be an inconvenience when visiting Machu Picchu, they make the site look spectacularly green, with colorful flora in all its surroundings. The clouds and rain also make Machu Picchu a fabled, almost surreal scenario.

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

Machu Picchu in April

April is one of the most favorable months to visit Machu Picchu, as the rains are minimal and the days become sunny and pleasant. Although the high tourist season begins this month, it is still possible to find offers on services.