When is the best time to go to Machu Picchu?
The best time to travel to Machu Picchu is undoubtedly during the dry season from April to November, however this is also the most popular time of year to visit. Like most sub-tropical areas, the yearly weather cycle can be separated simply into two seasons - the wet and the dry season. Typically, the rains arrive in force in December and last throughout January and February. Saying that, visitors at any time of year should expect the occasional shower at this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site although these are less common during the peak season from July to August.
Machu Picchu is one of the most exciting places to visit in Peru and one of the most iconic historical sites in the world. It is by far the most popular visitor attraction in Peru due to its indescribably beautiful location, fascinating buildings and ease of access.
The best time of year to travel to Machu Picchu is pretty subjective and whilst most people prefer to visit during the dry months, many adventurers prefer to go outside of peak seasons, opting for the fringe months when the trails will be noticeably quieter, taking their chances with the higher risks of inclement weather.
Below we take a closer look at Machu Picchu weather, what to expect during the various months of the year and how to get to Machu Picchu. By the end of this guide, you should have a much better understanding of when to visit Machu Picchu to get the most out of your trip. You’ll also hopefully decide the best way to reach this wonder of the world is by trekking through the stunning Andean Mountains of Peru with an awesome trekking company like Kandoo Adventures!
Machu Picchu Weather
The ancient Incan settlement of Machu Picchu sits nestled within the Andes Mountains in Peru, equidistant between the border with Bolivia to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The site is northwest of Cusco, the nearest city, and the altitude of Machu Picchu is 2,430m above sea level.
Whilst the tropical temperatures of the rest of the country are fairly balmy and vary little all year round, the average temperatures in the mountains are much cooler due to the altitude. As mentioned before, Peru experiences two distinct seasons, the wet season and the dry season. As you’d expect, the average rainfall at Machu Picchu is more than that of lower elevations, which coupled with the mild temperatures means the rains often bring fog and cloud, obscuring the scenery and putting a dampener on visits to this fascinating city.
As with many higher altitude destinations, wearing layers is a good idea, especially if you’re trekking to Machu Picchu, which we’d highly recommend (obviously). You can read more about what to wear to Machu Picchu in our blog post and also about how difficult the Machu Picchu hike can be.
Below is a snapshot of the average rainfall and temperatures of Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu Month by Month
January and February
These are the wettest months of the year. We strongly advise people not to visit Machu Picchu during these months and we certainly don’t offer Machu Picchu treks during these times. A bit of rain isn’t really issue for most intrepid travellers, but these are tropical rains and are more deluge than shower. The scenery is obscured, the terrain is wet and slippery, it is impossible to dry clothing and kit and overall, it is just not an enjoyable experience to either hike in this weather or visit a bucket list destination.
In addition to the unpleasant conditions, the Inca Trail is closed annually in February for routine maintenance and repairs, so no Machu Picchu tickets are issued.
March and April
The rains begin to ease off in March and by April, the weather at Machu Picchu is much more pleasant. The temperatures are mild, and the visitor numbers remain lower than during peak months. This is a good time to visit Machu Picchu for those on a budget and or those wanting to try and avoid the crowds, without getting soaked. Trekking through the mountains and exploring Machu Picchu when there are less people around is a much more enjoyable adventure for purists who don’t mind the occasional shower.
May and June
In May and June, as the dry season approaches, the rains are pretty much gone. The flora and fauna are in full bloom and the autumnal days of this tropical southern hemisphere area are slightly cooler and drier. There will be more people about than the preceding months, but it is still a good time to visit Machu Picchu. The mild weather makes for stunning scenery, excellent photos and an overall enjoyable trek to this amazing site.
July and August
July and August are the driest months of the year to visit
Machu Picchu. You may experience the occasional light rain shower, but these
will not last for long. As this is the main holiday season for the northern
hemisphere, it is an extremely popular time of year to climb to Machu Picchu.
The trails in the city will be busy, permits will sell out for these peak dates
much more quickly and you are likely to need to queue to get in and out of
Machu Picchu.
From a weather perspective, these months offer some of the
best times to travel to Machu Picchu if you don’t mind sharing your experience
with lots of others.
For those stuck with travelling during this time, consider
adding on a hike to climb Huayna Picchu where you can get a bird’s eye view of
the whole site and escape the mayhem for a while. This will require a separate
permit, but this can be arranged by your travel company.
September and October
This is springtime in the southern hemisphere. The rains are still at bay, but visitor numbers begin to drop as the main holiday season finishes. This is another good time to travel to Machu Picchu. The temperatures are mild, the landscapes are lush, and the trekking is fantastic.
November and December
From the end of November into December the rains begin to pick up pace and weight. For the best time to travel to Machu Picchu on a budget, consider these months if you don’t mind getting wet occasionally. You’ll find fewer people on the city trails and far less people outside of Machu Picchu, but the weather might obscure the scenery.
How to get to Machu Picchu
You can get to Machu Picchu on foot, by train, by bus or with a group tour.
The easiest way to get to Machu Picchu is to get the train from Cuzco. There are several trains a day and you can then get a shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. For those wanting the minimum amount of effort, this is one of the most direct options. You can also join a tour group and arrive by bus or coach.
In our humble opinion, the absolute best way to get to Machu Picchu is by trekking there!
You may have heard of the Inca Trail? This is an ancient pathway through the mountains into the ancient Lost City of the Incas along a route used in pilgrimage by the Incas. In our opinion, this is the only way to arrive at Machu Picchu that you should consider (but we are biased!). Our itineraries arrive at the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu at sunrise which is truly unforgettable.
Alternatively, you can trek to Machu Picchu along the Salkantay route which is a slightly longer but much less travelled hike to Machu Picchu through the mountains. For those who really want to escape the crowds, check out the Lares trek which explores the nearby mountains and communities of the Andes before hopping a train to Machu Picchu.
You can find out more about the different treks to Machu Picchu in our article.
Machu Picchu FAQs
Where is Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu can be found in the Andes Mountains of Peru, northwest of Cuzco.
Best time to visit Peru Machu Picchu?
We reckon March, April, May, September and October are the best months to visit Machu Picchu to avoid the crowds and get the best of the weather, although you may experience the odd shower.
How high is Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan settlement, nestled high in the mountains of Peru. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most interesting historical sites in the world.
When was Machu Picchu built?
It is thought that Machu Picchu was built between the mid 15th century and the mid 16th century.
Who built Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu was built by the Incan people of Peru for the ruler of the time, Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui.
How do I get to Machu Picchu?
On foot, by train, by bus or with a tour group.
Visit Machu Picchu with Kandoo Adventures
Machu Picchu is open every day of the year for visitors and Machu Picchu tickets are best booked well in advance. For the most memorable experience, trek to Machu Picchu with Kandoo and journey through remote passes, visit local communities and see incredible landscapes on your way to this iconic heritage site. The best time to visit Machu Picchu will always be the time that you have available, but for those with flexibility across dates, look for the fringe months of the dry season for a truly unforgettable pilgrimage. Our trips are typically booked months in advance to ensure we secure Machu Picchu tickets for our travellers so what are you waiting for?! Get in touch with our friendly team at Kandoo HQ and book your Machu Picchu tour with us.