Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu: Month-by-Month Guide 2026

Visiting Machu Picchu requires planning, especially when choosing the right travel dates. Weather conditions in the Andes vary significantly throughout the year, directly impacting your experience — from mountain visibility to the number of visitors sharing the site with you.

What is the best time to visit Machu Picchu? It depends on your priorities. If you’re looking for clear skies and minimal rain, the dry season (May to September) is your best option. If you prefer fewer crowds and don’t mind occasional rain, the rainy season (November to March) also has its advantages. There are also transitional months that combine the best of both worlds.

In this guide, you’ll find practical information about temperatures, rainfall levels, tourist flow, prices, and special events for each month of the year — helping you choose the period that best fits your expectations and budget.

Machu Picchu weather: two defined seasons

Unlike destinations with four distinct seasons, Machu Picchu is divided into two main periods: dry season and rainy season. Each has specific characteristics that will influence your visit.

Dry season (May – September): clear skies and high demand

Main months: May, June, July, August, September
Extended months: April and October (transition)

During these months, rainfall is minimal. Mornings usually begin with clear skies, although clouds may form in the afternoon. Daytime temperatures range between 66°F and 70°F (19°C–21°C), while nighttime temperatures can drop to 32°F–45°F (0°C–7°C), especially in June and July.

• Pros: panoramic views without fog, dry and safe trails, ideal conditions for photography
• Cons: higher number of visitors (up to 5,600 per day in July–August), higher hotel and tour prices, advance reservations required
• Rainfall: fewer than 5 rainy days per month on average
• Occupancy: 90–100% daily capacity

This season coincides with winter vacations in the Southern Hemisphere and summer holidays in the Northern Hemisphere, explaining the high demand. If you plan to travel in July or August, book at least 2–3 months in advance.

Rainy season (November – March): green landscapes and fewer tourists

Main months: December, January, February, March
Extended month: November (transition)

The rainy season brings frequent showers, especially in the afternoons. January and February are the wettest months, with rainfall reaching up to 160 mm per month. However, this also means lush vegetation and intensely green mountains.

• Pros: fewer visitors (50–60% occupancy), lower prices (up to 30% discounts), greener and more photogenic landscapes
• Cons: frequent rain (15–20 days per month in Jan–Feb), possible fog blocking views, slippery trails
• Rainfall: 12–20 rainy days per month
• Occupancy: 50–70% daily capacity

Important: The Classic 4-day Inca Trail closes entirely in February for maintenance. Avoid this month if you plan to hike it.

Best time to visit based on your priorities

If you’re looking for the best weather: May and September

These transitional months offer an ideal balance. The weather is dry (fewer than 5 rainy days per month), but peak season has not yet reached its highest levels. September is especially recommended: it offers weather similar to July–August but with 30–40% fewer tourists.

• Daytime temperature: 18–20°C (64–68°F)
• Nighttime temperature: 5–8°C (41–46°F)
• Occupancy: 70–80%
• Rain level: very low

If you want to avoid crowds: December to February

Although these are the rainiest months, they are also the quietest in terms of tourist flow (except for the last two weeks of December due to holidays). You’ll find the main viewpoints nearly empty, especially in January.

• Daytime temperature: 19–21°C (66–70°F)
• Nighttime temperature: 8–10°C (46–50°F)
• Occupancy: 50–60%
• Rain level: high (bring a quality rain jacket)

Tip: Rain usually falls in the afternoon (after 2:00 pm). Schedule your visit for the morning to increase your chances of dry weather.

If you’re looking to save money: November and March

These transitional months offer low-season prices without the heavy rainfall of midsummer. November has less rain than March, but both are significantly more affordable than peak-season months.

• Hotel discounts: 20–30%
• Ticket availability: high (you can book 1–2 weeks in advance)
• Occupancy: 60–70%

If you want to experience Inti Raymi: June 24

Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) is the most important Inca celebration of the year. Although the main ceremony takes place in Cusco, visiting Machu Picchu during this week allows you to experience the region at its most cultural and festive moment.

• When: June 24
• Weather: peak dry season (ideal conditions)
• Important: one of the busiest periods of the year – book 4–5 months in advance
• Prices: increase by 40–50% during this week

What to pack based on the season

Dry season (May – September)

• Layered clothing: thermal shirt, light fleece, windproof jacket
• Sun protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, wide-brim hat, UV sunglasses
• Footwear: trekking boots (trails can be dusty)
• Hydration: reusable water bottle (water stations available)
• For evenings: wool hat and gloves if staying in Aguas Calientes

Rainy season (November – March)

• High-quality rain gear: rain poncho or Gore-Tex jacket (disposable ponchos don’t resist wind)
• Water-resistant pants: preferably quick-drying
• Waterproof footwear: trekking boots with waterproof membrane
• Backpack with rain cover: to protect cameras and electronics
• Extra clothes: socks and shirt in a waterproof bag
• Insect repellent: humidity attracts more mosquitoes

In both seasons, bring: identification document (required for entry), energy snacks (no food sold inside), and a basic first-aid kit including altitude sickness medication.

Recommended visiting times by season

Dry season: early entry (6:00 am)

During peak months, the first entry slot is essential to enjoy the site with fewer people. Between 6:00 and 8:00 am, the main viewpoints are relatively clear. After 9:00 am, crowds increase significantly.

• Best time for photos: 6:30–7:30 am (golden light)
• Fewest visitors: 6:00–8:30 am
• Most crowded: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Rainy season: mid-morning entry (8:00–10:00 am)

Since there are fewer visitors, waking up early is less critical. Mornings between 8:00 am and 12:00 pm usually have less rain than afternoons. Avoid staying after 2:00 pm when rainfall risk increases.

• Lower rain risk: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
• Higher risk: after 2:00 pm
• Advantage: more flexibility to change schedules if the forecast worsens

Price comparison by season

The cost of visiting Machu Picchu varies significantly depending on the season. Here is an estimated percentage comparison:

High season (June–August):

• Hotels in Aguas Calientes: base prices +40–60%
• Hotels in Cusco: base prices +30–40%
• Train to Machu Picchu: standard prices, no discounts
• Group tours: regular prices

Mid season (April, May, September, October):

• Hotels: base prices +10–20%
• Train: occasional discounts of 10–15%
• Tours: regular pricing

Low season (November–March, excluding holidays):

• Hotels: base prices –25–35%
• Train: promotions up to –20%
• Tours: greater availability for group price negotiation

Note: Machu Picchu entrance tickets have a fixed price year-round. Variations apply only to complementary services.

Month-by-month: quick guide

• January: heavy rain, 50% occupancy, low prices, very green landscapes
• February: heavy rain, Inca Trail closed, 40% occupancy, best month for savings
• March: moderate rain, 60% occupancy, affordable prices, end of green season
• April: transitional, occasional rain, 70% occupancy, good price/weather balance
• May: start of dry season, 75% occupancy, excellent weather, moderate prices
• June: dry season, 90% occupancy, Inti Raymi (24th), ideal weather, high prices
• July: peak season, 100% occupancy, excellent weather, highest prices, book months ahead
• August: high season, 95% occupancy, dry weather, high prices
• September: best overall month, 75% occupancy, dry weather, fewer crowds
• October: transitional, occasional rain, 70% occupancy, good prices
• November: start of rainy season, 60% occupancy, moderate rain, low prices
• December: rainy season, 70% occupancy (higher during last two weeks), frequent rain, low prices until Dec 15

Final recommendations

There is no single “perfect time” to visit Machu Picchu. Each season has its advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice depends on your priorities.

• If your priority is perfect weather: May, June, or September
• If you want to avoid crowds: January, February, or November
• If you want the best balance of weather, price, and crowds: September or October
• If your budget is limited: February or March
• If you want a cultural experience: the week of June 24 (Inti Raymi)

Regardless of the month you choose, these tips always apply:

• Buy tickets in advance (at least 2–3 weeks in low season, 2–3 months in high season)
• Consider staying at least one night in Aguas Calientes to catch the first bus at 5:30 am
• Check the weather forecast a few days before your trip
• Bring cash (many places in Aguas Calientes do not accept credit cards)
• Acclimatize in Cusco for at least 1–2 days before visiting Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu Viajes Peru organizes travel packages for all seasons of the year, with itineraries designed according to each period’s conditions. Our guides know the best strategies for every month—from alternative routes during peak season to taking advantage of clear weather windows during the rainy season. Contact our team to plan your visit based on your travel dates and preferences.