Any South American tour usually crowns its end in Machu Picchu, “The icing on the cake”. Consequently, it receives more than 3 million visitors every year. Thus, to enjoy the magic and mysteries of Machu Picchu, choose the right time to visit. This will help you avoid crowds and bad weather.
For that, the best time to visit Machu Picchu is from late March to May and from September to mid-December. But, if you want to know more, the Machu Travel Peru team prepared this small article specially for you!
All about the best time to visit the Inca citadel
- The best time to visit Machu Picchu
- Weather
- Seasons
- Best Hours to Visit
- Duration of Visit
- Most crowded dates
- Don’t Visit Machu Picchu on Sundays
- Can I Stay Overnight at Machu Picchu?
- Machu Picchu weather month by month
- Frequently questions
The best time to visit Machu Picchu
The best months to visit Machu Picchu is during the shoulder season. It is the perfect combination of a pleasant climate, perfect views, and a few people. We refer to April, May, September, October, and November. During them, you will have the chance to see clear blue skies, a few people, and perfect photos!
But remember, Machu Picchu is in a cloud forest eyebrow, which means sudden squalls and cloud skies at any time. For this reason, dressing adequately will be the best form to face the Machu Picchu weather.
Weather
Machu Picchu is over 8,000 feet (high altitude) northwest of Cusco. Because it is in the jungle eyebrow, a cloudy rainforest surrounds it. It has warm and humid days, fresh nights, spontaneous cloudiness, and rain at any time of the day and year.
Also, it has an average annual temperature of around 52 – 80ºF (12 – 27ºC). Machu Picchu has three special seasons during the year: the rainy, the middle, and the dry seasons.
Seasons
While the Peruvian coasts receive cloudy and cold days, the Sierra and Jungle present sunny and warm days with clear skies (dry season). In contrast, while the Sierras and jungles have heavy rains and cloudy days (rainy season), the coastlands enjoy sunny days, fresh breezes, and clear skies.
Since Machu Picchu is between the Sierra and the jungle, this article will refer to the seasons of these two regions.
1. The rainy season – Less crowded time
It coincides with the Summer in the rest of the world, from late November until late March. It presents rain (mostly in the early mornings and late afternoons), cloudy skies with humidity, muddy roads, and warm nights. Furthermore, the months of more rain are February and March, with an average temperature of 47º – 72ºF (7-22ºC). Thus, it receives another name: “the wet season.”
Therefore, the Inca Trail is closed in February to avoid dangerous mudslides and to improve the tourist facilities. However, you can be sure to find fewer visitors this time and more flight and hotel offers!
2. Shoulder season – The best time
It goes through April, May, September, October, and November. You will find occasional light showers but not more than a rainy season. Because it is a transition period between the dry and rainy seasons. The advantage is fewer visitors than in the peak season and a temperate climate, not so cold or hot but with clearer days and blue skies.
In other words, it’s a perfect combination of weather and crowds. If you are a person who lets himself be surprised by nature, you can consider the Shoulder Season as the best time to visit Machu Picchu.
3. Dry Season – The busiest time
The Machu Picchu dry season coincides with the peak tourist season, with more visitors than any part of the year. The middle of April, May, June, July, August, and September, and the finals of October are the months of this season. Its characteristics include clear and blue skies, sunny days, and warm temperatures with an average temperature between 32ºF (at night) to 77ºF (at noon) or from 0º – 25ºC.
Therefore, Machu Picchu tickets are less available during this period. Thus, remember, as soon as you buy tickets, it will be much better.
Best Hours to Visit
Regardless of the season to visit, there are perfect hours in the day to get to Machu Picchu and enjoy all its beauty. Early mornings can be harnessed to capture beautiful sunrises with few people in the citadel. Specificaly, in the dry and shoulder seasons, from 06:00 am to 10:00 am.
In addition, Aguas Calientes, a town located on the Machu Picchu mountain slope, is a port for buses. The vehicles depart every 5 minutes to Machu Picchu. The first one starts at 05:30 am, and the last one returns at 5:30 pm.
Another great moment to visit Machu Picchu is in the afternoon. Most people visit the Inca Citadel until 2:00 pm. After this hour they begin to go down to Aguas Calientes to have lunch. This means fewer people in the Inca Citadel from 2:00 pm until the Citadel closes at 5:30 pm.
Duration of Visit
The recommended range of time to visit the citadel of Machu Picchu is 02:30 hrs. In the same way, this is the range of time allowed and indicated in a Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
Of course, each entrance ticket comes with a determined circuit to follow. There are 4 circuits to visit, so 4 different entrances as well. Each of them passes through different places of Machu Picchu and some of them include hiking to a nearby mountain. For those that include the hiking activity, the range of visits will be greater than 02:30 hrs.
In addition, you can visit the citadel and hike to a nearby mountain in just two days. This is enough time to enjoy Machu Picchu.
Most crowded dates
There is no specific day to travel to Machu Picchu. However, taking into consideration the dry season, from April to October (the high peak of tourism). During it, some days bring crowds and long lines to the Inca citadel.
- Holy Week: Usually the last week of March or the first days of April. Most of the Peruvian population is Roman Catholic, so they take advantage of Holy Week to visit Machu Picchu.
- Spring break: End of March and beginning of April. Season of vacation for many United States students. They take advantage of this to come to Peru and visit its archaeological sites like the Inca World Heritage Site.
- Summer break: It runs from May to September, specifically from the first half of May to the beginning of September. Most jobs in the United States and Europe offer summer vacations for their workers. By the way, August is the best month to visit Peru and its other attractions.
- Peruvian Independence Day: July 28 is Peru’s independence day. But the government usually decrees holidays two days before and two days after that date. So, you can find a crowd of local visitors in the citadel.
- New Year’s Eve parties: We can include Christmas. From December 24 to January 2 of next year. There are plenty of reasons to visit Machu Picchu on these dates.
Don’t Visit Machu Picchu on Sundays
In a typical week, many trains arrive in Aguas Calientes. These come at different times, starting at 6:00 am and ending at 7:00 pm. However, on Sundays, the inflow of visitors increases drastically because of the national visitant. The Peruvian government decreed a law that allows free entrance to Machu Picchu for all Peru people.
Please take note of this information if you want to enjoy the experience of Machu Picchu with a crowd of people. Trust us, a Machu Picchu virtual tour cannot match the full experience of a real tour.
Pay attention to the months, the hours of the day, and the day when planning your trip to the Inca citadel. This will help you avoid crowds and other problems.
Can I stay overnight at Machu Picchu?
You cannot spend the night in the Machu Picchu citadel because of rules from the Peruvian Culture Ministry. Otherwise, there is a luxurious five-star hotel at the same Machu Picchu mountain peak. It is the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, and it is in front of the citadel entrance. If you desire to spend the night as close to the citadel as conceivable, this hotel is the perfect place to stay.
In addition, the Machu Picchu town, located at the foot of the mountain namesake, is 9 km from the same citadel. The rest of the hotels where one can spend a night are there.
Machu Picchu weather month by month
1. January
This is the rainiest month of the year, with warm days but cloudy skies and humid winds. The temperature average is between 45 to 71ºF. Regarding Inca Trail (Camino Inca) and alternative treks (Salkantay, Ausangate, Choquequirao) usually present landslides, mud, and blockages. Therefore, we don’t recommend hiking or trekking in this month.
2. February
Although February has less rain than January, its days have heavy downpours. The month has cloudy skies and thick clouds. The humidity is high, and temperatures range from 46 to 72ºF. These conditions make February the worst month to visit Machu Picchu.
Generally, the influx of tourists in the Inca citadel reaches its lowest point. Even the risk of being trapped and isolated in Aguas Calientes is high since the Vilcanota River surrounds the town. If it increases in flow, it isolates the town. And the rails can be ripped off the ground for the river’s strength.
Also, the Inca Trail (The hiking path additional to the train option to get to Machu Picchu) is closed and needs refurbished. We don’t recommend traveling to Machu Picchu this time, and less hiking trails through landslides and mud.
3. March
March presents more sunny days with less rain during the day. Usually, the mornings are cloudy but can clear up as time goes on. The temperature average is between 42 – 71ºF. Also, Machu Picchu and its surrounding areas present their maximum greenness!
The Inca Trail has been reopened. Therefore, many trekkers have been doing it since the second fortnight of the month. However, landslides and mud can still be present on the trails around Machu Picchu and Cusco.
4. April
April is the beginning of the shoulder season, with comfortable weather and fewer rainy days. The sun warms without burning. Also, the weather is warmer, with fewer people and awesome views of the Inca citadel. Moreover, the advantage of this month is that visitors can begin to see a clear sunrise more frequently and for longer.
The temperature average is between 39 -37ºF. Additional information, the Machu Picchu tours begin to sell out this month. The greenery around Machu Picchu begins to increase this month.
5. May
This month is known for the great number of U.S. and European visitors that have begun to come to Machu Picchu. In general, these days are warmer, with the sky blue and clear, giving a great view of the citadel. The temperature average is between 42 – 86ºF.
The advantage of this month is the Sun luminosity in the early hours of the day. In this sense, the Machu Picchu sunrise photos that you’ll get will be unique! On the other hand, trails like the Inca Trail, Huayna Picchu, and Machu Picchu Mountains trail will be crowded. In other words, May is a good time to go hiking in Machu Picchu.
6. June
June is the beginning of the high season of tourism in Peru. Therefore, the long lines to board the CONSETTUR buses and to enter Machu Picchu are visible. Besides train tickets, booking your entrances to the citadel in advance will be crucial. Machu Picchu experiences fresh weather with warm days, occasional light rains, clear skies, and perfect views of the mountains.
Without mentioning the Inti Raymi festivity that you’ll be able to see in Cusco. The temperature in June tends to drop and stays between 44 to 83ºF. However, it can drop up to 32ºF before the sunrises and after the sunsets, causing the coldest nights of the year. Trails like the Inca Trail, or Salkantay among others, are even more crowded with tourists.
7. July
July is the heart of the high season of tourism in Peru. In general, the temperature of the Peruvian highlands often drops below the freezing point. It is due to where is Machu Picchu located.
In July, Machu Picchu presents the coldest weather, with a temperature average of 44º – 82ºF. The temperature at night can drop below freezing and reach 70ºF at noon.
Therefore, the visitor has to be prepared with warm and waterproof clothes. The queues to board the CONSETTUR buses and enter Machu Picchu reach their maximum length. Also, the cost of any tourist services increases their value. In other words, you will see a great influx of tourists in almost all Peruvian attractions this month.
8. August
August can be considered a similar month to July. The high affluence of tourists and the cold weather remain. An average temperature of 42 to 78ºF. In the same way, the temperature can drop below the freezing point.
In the middle of the day, temperatures reach 70º F. August also sees long lines and tourists at nearly every attraction in Cusco, aside from Machu Picchu.
9. September
In September, the rains are back, and these can occur suddenly during the day. However, the fresh weather replaces the cold, and Machu Picchu presents a temperature of around 44 to 73ºF. That means the weather is pleasant, not too cold, not too hot. It is perfect if you are planning to go on a tour of Machu Picchu with the kids.
Also, the lines to take the CONSETTUR buses to the citadel and to enter Machu Picchu are shortened. The paths in nearby areas, like the Inca Trail and the Choquequirao Trail, are seeing fewer tourists. If you don’t like crowds, this season is perfect for you!
10. October
October is the last month of the dry season. Therefore, it is considered a transition month between the dry and rainy seasons. It has fewer showers of rain and more sunny days because it is closer to the summer. The temperature is around 41 – 72ºF, which means cooler and nicer days.
Also, October has more availability and fewer visits to the Inca citadel. Therefore, you’ll perceive silence and solitude as perfect to have a honeymoon in Machu Picchu. Moreover, it is an ideal month to hike the Inca trail or other paths surrounding Cusco.
11. November
Technically, November begins the rainy season. But don’t worry; there are scattered showers throughout the week, which means that there are days without rain. Also, the sun continues to prevail in the month. The weather continues to be pleasant, with temperatures around 45 – 78ºF.
The flow of tourists continues to decrease, and you will find fewer crowds in Machu Picchu and on the surrounding trails, such as Huayna Picchu and Huchuy Picchu, among others. Therefore, November is still a good month to visit Machu Picchu. Because it’s the last month, tourists can enjoy perfect weather and fewer crowds in the world’s wonder.
12. December
The frequency of rain increases in December. The month presents sunny mornings and rainy afternoons. However, the weather is unpredictable, and factors can be interchanged. The temperature is around 44 – 71ºF.
But, despite the rains, the flow of visitors increases from the second fortnight for the year-end holidays (Christmas and New Year).
However, the Inca Trail and other paths, such as the Choquequirao trek, Huayna Picchu path, and Huchuy Picchu, scare away visitors due to the rains and the risk of landslides and mud along the way.
Frequently questions
1. What time does the archaeological park of Machu Picchu open and close?
The Archaeological Park of Machu Picchu is open from 06:00 am until 5:30 pm.
2. Is Machu Picchu closed during the year?
Among the Machu Picchu facts, it is open all days of the year! Except in exceptional cases such as protests, social mobilizations, or natural disasters.
3. When is it cheaper to travel to Machu Picchu?
Definitely, during the rainy season. The rains are present from late November until late March. During them, you’ll get offers on hotels, trains, flights, and tours to travel during these months.
4. When is the coldest month to travel to Machu Picchu?
In the same way, during June, July, and August, the nights are coldest. At noon, you’ll feel the fresh weather. In this sense, we can consider these months the coldest of the year.
5. When are there holidays in Machu Picchu?
The main festivity in Aguas Calientes town is July 7, when the citadel was declared one of the world’s seven wonders. On this day, you’ll be sure to find dances, festivals, and live music on the streets.
“BETTER TO SEE SOMETHING ONCE THAN TO HEAR ABOUT IT A THOUSAND TIMES”
We hope this complete article about the best time to visit Machu Picchu has been helpful. Take your time touring the different sacred constructions and enjoy this rich ancestral culture. Machu Travel Peru wishes you an incredible time experiencing the Wonder of the World, and the team is ready to help if you are planning a trip to Machu Picchu, Cusco, or the Andean country of Peru.
