We know that many of the people who travel to Machu Picchu do it for once time only; We also know that everyone expects the best of this trip. We can secure your Machu Picchu Tickets, or if you wish, we will take care of your entire itinerary. Why is this so important? The Inca city is 2,400 meters above sea level, between the Andes Mountains and the Amazon Rainforest, which makes the climate of Machu Picchu very special.

Statistical indicators of Machu Picchu’s climate during the year

What is the weather like in Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is located in a sub-tropical area , nestled between the mountains Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu , protected by the snowy Salkantay to the south and Veronica to the north. This rugged geography gives Machu Picchu a very peculiar climate, cool and warm, with sunny and rainy days, depending on the time in which 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.

When to go?

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 one. Regardless of the season in which you come, you must bring waterproof clothing, as rainfall can fall at any time of the year.

Important

Regardless of the season in which you come, you must bring waterproof clothing, as rainfall can fall at any time of the year.

Rainy season (November to March)

The rainy season in Machu Picchu goes from November to March, during this time the greatest amount of rainfall of the year is presented; Of this time, the month that receives the most rainfall is February, that is why the Inca Trail closes during this month. But despite the continuous rains, the days are warmer, with temperatures ranging between 19 and 21 ºC, and the nights are not as cold as in the dry season. However, visiting Machu Picchu in rainy season has its advantages and the worst thing that can happen during this time is that it gets wet.

There may be one “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 of its most intense green, this is something spectacular in Machu Picchu. Although rains fall in the afternoon, there may be precipitation at any time of the day, do not rely.

View of Machu Picchu during rainy season

What to bring?

If you are coming during this season 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 ascend the Huayna Picchu Mountain during this time, we recommend choosing the second group (entrance from 10:00 to 11:00 hours). But why this group? During the rainy season Machu Picchu is usually cloud-covered and with low visibility, and this is not very good if you pack your best camera to take the astonishing views of Machu Picchu from this mountain; Nevertheless the clouds dissipate in the course of the morning.

Dry season (April to October)

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 cooler during the dry season, and it is not uncommon for temperatures to drop below freezing 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 season, especially the months of June and July, where temperatures drop to -2 ° C.

The month of September gives you the opportunity to visit Machu Picchu in spring, during this special time, the weather is wonderful, the landscapes are greener, there are less people and everything is cheaper; In addition, the weather will allow you to take all the photos you want to Machu Picchu. This is one of the best times to climb some of the mountains of Machu Picchu.

View of Machu Picchu in dry season

If you plan to reach Machu Picchu by the Inca Trail or another long trek, know that temperatures in the mountains can drop to -5ºC or more.

What to bring?

If you are planning to come during this season, know that the season requires visitors to bring sunscreen (cap, sun block, lenses), repellent and plenty of water. The nights are cold, so bring warm clothes.

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 15, 2024