Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu
Wondering when is the best time to visit Machu Picchu? The Inca Citadel is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World and Peru’s most famous attraction, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Make the most of your Peru Itinerary, so visit Machu Picchu in the best month and get the famous postcard photo.
Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that Machu Picchu won’t be covered in fog due to bad weather conditions or not be crowded, but this attraction is worth the risk!
In this detailed post, you can find out when to go to Machu Picchu, which months are the busiest or cheapest to visit, when to hike, and the best time of day to visit.
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How is the Weather in Machu Picchu?
The Inca Citadel is located in the Andes Mountains, about 72 km from Cusco, in Peru, South America.
Machu Picchu has a subtropical climate due to its proximity to the Andes Mountains and the Amazon.
Machu Picchu and Peru have two seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. Therefore, the best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season.
The ancient Inca Ruins are located at 2,400 meters above sea level.
Therefore the weather is often unpredictable, and conditions can change rapidly (especially when hiking)!
TIP
We recommend bringing a raincoat and comfortable, warm clothes. You should wear hiking shoes, a hat, and use sunscreen!
The typical Machu Picchu weather is usually warm during the day with high humidity, unexpected rains, and cool temperatures in the early morning and at night.
The average temperature in Machu Picchu ranges between 8-10°C and 20-22°C all year round.
Read our → Ultimate Peru Itinerary
When is the Rainy Season in Machu Picchu?
The rainy season in Peru runs from November to April. February is the rainiest month!
You can visit Peru in the rainy season for the low prices and to avoid crowds, but we don’t recommend it!
Because Machu Picchu may be covered in fog, the hiking trails may be closed due to weather conditions!
Therefore, the worst time to visit Machu Picchu is during the rainy season!
Good to know
It doesn’t rain throughout the day, but it may ruin your experience of visiting Machu Picchu if you can’t enjoy the magnificent view, right?
When is the Dry Season in Machu Picchu?
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season between May and October.
But the dry season is also the peak season for visiting Machu Picchu, with the busiest months running from June to August.
During these months, Peru is crowded, prices are higher, and tickets sell out quickly.
Are you spending limited time in Peru but want to make the most of your visit? Book the best 6-day Peru Tour, including a visit to Machu Picchu.
Recommended post → How to Visit Machu Picchu
Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu by Months
Machu Picchu in January, February, and March (Wettest months)
During the rainy season, you can avoid crowds and high prices and enjoy the beautiful green and lush scenery at Machu Picchu.
The wettest month is February when the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance.
So if you are looking for the best time to visit Machu Picchu, avoid the rainy season!
We don’t recommend trekking in January and February! But if you visit Peru during these months, the Salkantaytrek is a good option.
In March, the rains become less frequent, and the Inca Trail reopens after a maintenance break.
Book your Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Unexpected rains can happen at any time (especially in the afternoons), and you may be unable to enjoy the view in the morning due to fog.
See also → How to Get to Machu Picchu
April, May, September, October (Machu Picchu during the dry and shoulder season)
The shoulder season in Machu Picchu begins in late March/April.
During the shoulder season, the weather is comfortable for discovering, with little rain and fewer crowds.
These months are ideal for hikes such as Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, the Inca Trail, or the Salkantay Trek.
We visited Machu Picchu in May, and it was pleasant for wandering and had a perfect view of the Inca Ruins.
For the perfect experience, book the best of Cusco in 3 days or choose an epic 4-day tour.
Machu Picchu in June, July, August (Busiest months)
Are you looking for the best time to visit Machu Picchu?
The best and driest months to visit Machu Picchu are from June to August, as the weather is perfect for exploring, but also the most crowded.
In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation and tours in advance!
Good to know
Every year on 24 June, the Festival of the Sun (Inti Raymi) makes Cusco crowded, and prices are higher.
Read our → Cusco Guide
Machu Picchu in November, December (During the rainy season)
Did you know that Machu Picchu is open every day of the year, including holidays? Therefore, you can spend Christmas or other celebrations exploring Machu Picchu.
However, from December and during the holidays, the Inca Ruins can become crowded.
The rainy season in Machu Picchu begins in November, so don’t forget to pack a raincoat.
November is ideal for visiting, as it doesn’t rain throughout the day, the mornings are typically sunny, and rain usually only happens in the afternoon.
Keep reading → Best Places to Visit in Peru
Visiting Machu Picchu in High Season
The peak tourist season runs from June to August, which is the best time to hike or visit Machu Picchu.
During this period, prices are higher, Machu Picchu tickets sell out quickly, and tours should be booked in advance.
Important note
Buy your ticket to Machu Picchu at least 1 month in advance and bring your passport when you visit!
The most popular ways to reach Machu Picchu are the picturesque train ride from Cusco or Ollantaytambo and hiking on the famous Inca Trail.
Inca Trail is one of the most popular and expensive ways to reach Machu Picchu, it should be booked at least 6 months in advance!
We have a detailed post on how to visit Machu Picchu with all the information you need.
Visiting Machu Picchu in Shoulder Season
The shoulder season is perfect for those who want to avoid crowds and go hiking or for those traveling on a budget.
The shoulder months in Machu Picchu are March, April, September, and October.
During this period, the landscape is beautifully green, and there is less rain than in the rainy season, making it the perfect choice for visiting Machu Picchu.
Good to know
You need at least 1-2 days to acclimatize in Cusco before taking a day trip to Machu Picchu.
When is the Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu?
Wondering what is the best time to visit Machu Picchu? Peru can be visited all year round because the weather is hot and humid.
But the best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season between May and October.
The best months to visit Machu Picchu are May or September to October, when the weather is pleasant for exploring, and there is little rain.
Good to know
It was foggy and rainy when we arrived in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) in May.
Fortunately, the weather was beautiful and cool the next day, and we had a magical view of the Inca Ruins at sunrise.
What is the Best Time of Day to Visit Machu Picchu?
In fact, there’s no bad time to visit Machu Picchu! Because the Inca Ruins offer a completely different experience every time of year and every hour of the day.
In our opinion, you can take the most beautiful photos of Machu Picchu at sunrise around 6 AM, and in the afternoon around 4-5 PM.
Make the most of your visit and book day trips from Cusco to Machu Picchu via Viator. This tour is one of the most reviewed, so you will not be disappointed.
Good to know
As Cusco citizens can visit Machu Picchu for free on Sundays, you should plan your visit for a weekday.
Where to Stay in Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes, is the closest town to the Inca Citadel.
Best hotels in Aguas Calientes
- Luxury: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
- Mid-Range: Hatun Inti Boutique
- Budget: Supertramp Hostel Machupicchu
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If you are only planning a day trip to Machu Picchu, you should choose accommodation in Ollantaytambo or Cusco.
More Travel Guides about Peru
- The Ultimate Peru Itinerary for 10 Days
- 13 Best Things to Do in Cusco, Peru
- How to Visit Machu Picchu
- 7 Best Things to Do in Sacred Valley, Peru
- How to Visit Huacachina Desert Oasis, Peru
- 9 Best Things to Do in Lima, Peru
- The Ultimate Guide to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain
- 5 Best Day Trips from Cusco
We hope our complete guide to the best time to visit Machu Picchu will help you plan the perfect day trip to the Inca Ruins. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comments below.
Travel Resources
Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway
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