The Inca city of Machu Picchu is located at 2,400 m.s. in a subtropical zone, between the Andes mountain range and the Amazon rainforest, having a warm and humid climate. Two seasons are presented: The rainy season that goes from October to March, the climate is very temperate with temperatures between 8 ° and 22 ° C, the rains are copious in this season and with more intensity during the months of January and February. The dry season goes from April to September, the days become clear with a radiant sun and a unique blue sky, temperatures rise to 25 ° C during the day, but fall to 0 ° C during the early hours, especially in In the months of June and July, the rains are sporadic, but always present, it is the best time to visit Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu is located in a sub-tropical zone, nestled between the Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountains, protected by the snowy Salkantay to the south and the Veronica to the north. This rugged geography gives Machu Picchu a very peculiar climate, fresh and warm, with sunny and rainy days, depending on the time you decide to travel; all this climatic variation makes the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu a wonderful place, with an enormous biodiversity, that inhabits one of the richest ecosystems of the planet.
It is one of the best questions before going to Machu Picchu, and in truth only you can choose when to go to Machu Picchu. The climate in Machu Picchu and Cusco is clearly marked by 2 seasons or seasons; the rainy season and the dry season. Below we detail each of them.
Regardless of which time you come, you must bring waterproof clothing, because regardless of the season, the rains may fall at any time of the year.
The rainy season in Machu Picchu goes from November to March, during this time the highest amount of rainfall of the year occurs; of this time, the month that receives the most rainfall is February, that is why the Inca Trail closes during this month. But in spite of the continuous rains, the days are warmer, with temperatures that oscillate between 19 and 21 ºC, and the nights are not as cold as in dry season. However, visiting Machu Picchu in the rainy season has its advantages and the worst that can happen during this time is that it gets wet.
It is possible that there is one of "those days" in which the rain falls without stopping; however, rains usually occur in intermittent bursts that can last from a few minutes to a couple of hours and are usually in the afternoon. This abundance of rain dresses the Inca city with its most intense green, this is something spectacular in Machu Picchu. Although the rains fall in the afternoon, there may be rainfall at any time of the day, do not trust.
If you are coming during this time do not forget to pack waterproof clothing, an umbrella and shoes that allow you to walk safely on wet and slippery surfaces.
In case you want to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain during this time, we recommend you choose the second group (entrance from 10:00 to 11:00). But why this group? During the rainy season, Machu Picchu is usually covered with clouds and with little visibility, and this is not very good if you pack your best camera to take the amazing views of Machu Picchu from this mountain; nevertheless the clouds dissipate in the course of the morning.
The dry season in Machu Picchu goes from May to October; The climate during this time is dry most of the time, especially in the months of June, July and August. The days are warm with an average temperature between 17 and 19 ° C. The nights are colder during the dry season, and it is not uncommon for temperatures to drop below zero in the months of June and July. Many consider this, the best time to go to Machu Picchu; However, it is also the time when Machu Picchu receives its greatest number of visitors.
In this season the days are sunny and the flora is presented in all its splendor, this thanks to the abundance of insects. It should be noted that this is also the coldest time, especially in the months of June and July, when temperatures drop to -2 ° C.
The month of September gives you the opportunity to visit Machu Picchu in spring, during this time especially, the weather is wonderful, the landscapes are greener, there are fewer people and everything is cheaper; In addition, the weather will allow you to take all the photos you want from Machu Picchu. This is one of the best times to ascend to some of the Machu Picchu mountains.
If you plan to come during this time, know that the season requires visitors to bring sunscreen (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), repellent and plenty of water. The nights are cold, so you should bring warm clothes.
The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is open all through the year, the climate changes from month to month.
So, here is is the Machupicchu weather by month:
JanuaryRainy season Up to 160 mm of precipitation |
FebruaryRainy season Up to 133 mm of precipitation |
March
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April
Best travel time to the Inca Trail
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May
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June
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July
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AugustBest travel time Optimal climate to the Inca trail |
SeptemberBest travel time Optimal climate to the Inca Trail |
October
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November
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December
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Machu Picchu Temperature by month |
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| Parameter |
Max. Temperature (°C) |
Max. Temperature (°C) |
Sunny days/ day |
Rainy days/ month |
| January | 19 | 9 | 5 | 18 |
| February | 20 | 10 | 4 | 13 |
| March | 21 | 8 | 6 | 11 |
| April | 21 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| May | 21 | 3 | 7 | 3 |
| June | 21 | 2 | 8 | 2 |
| July | 21 | 1 | 8 | 2 |
| August | 21 | 3 | 7 | 2 |
| September | 21 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| October | 21 | 6 | 6 | 8 |
| November | 21 | 7 | 6 | 12 |
| December | 21 | 8 | 5 | 16 |
If the Inca Trail is sold out, don´t worry, we recommend you take the alternative treks to Machu Picchu or you can take the Machu Picchu tours by train, in these services are included the Machu Picchu tickets early.
