If you are thinking of visiting Machu Picchu, it is crucial to plan your trip well. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to September, when the weather is more stable with clear skies and minimal chances of rain. This allows for spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and Incan ruins without interruptions.
Advantages of the Dry Season
This is the time of year when you’ll find the most favorable weather for exploring Machu Picchu. Days are mostly sunny, with daytime temperatures ranging from 59°F to 77°F, creating perfect conditions for hiking and enjoying panoramic views. Additionally, as the high season, many tours and excursions are fully operational, giving you more options for tourist services.
Disadvantages of the Dry Season
Not everything is perfect. As the most popular time for tourism in Machu Picchu, this is also when the site receives the highest number of visitors. This means you may encounter crowds, especially in June and July, coinciding with school vacations in many countries. To avoid overcrowding, it’s recommended to book your tickets and tours several months in advance.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a quieter and less crowded experience, you might consider visiting Machu Picchu during the rainy season, from November to March. While this period sees frequent and sometimes heavy rains, it also offers some advantages.
Advantages of the Rainy Season
The main advantage of visiting during this time is fewer tourists. This allows you to enjoy the ruins in a more intimate and personal way, without the hustle and bustle typical of the high season. Additionally, the landscapes during this time are lush and green due to the rain, creating an impressive visual spectacle.
Disadvantages of the Rainy Season
The biggest downside, of course, is the rain. Trails can become slippery, making hikes more challenging. Low clouds may limit visibility of the scenery, and some routes, like the Inca Trail, may be temporarily closed in February for maintenance. If you choose to travel during this season, be sure to bring waterproof clothing and proper footwear for the terrain.
An intermediate option is to consider the transition season, which corresponds to April and October. During these months, rainfall starts to decrease, but the vegetation remains fresh and green thanks to previous precipitation.
Advantages of the Transition Season
These months combine the best of both worlds: relatively dry weather and fewer tourists. This means you can enjoy clear views and a quieter atmosphere typical of the rainy season but with a lower risk of heavy rains.
Disadvantages of the Transition Season
However, keep in mind that the weather can be somewhat unpredictable. While rains are less frequent than in the wet season, there’s still a chance of encountering rainy days. Nonetheless, this shouldn’t deter you if you’re prepared for varied weather conditions.
To help you better plan your trip, here’s a month-by-month breakdown of Machu Picchu’s weather:
January is one of the rainiest months in Machu Picchu, with downpours that can last for hours. If traveling during this time, make sure to bring waterproof clothing and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
February marks the peak of the rainy season, and many hiking routes, like the Inca Trail, are closed for maintenance. However, you may find lower hotel rates and fewer tourists at the site.
March marks the end of the rainy season. While precipitation continues, it is less intense compared to January and February. The landscapes remain lush and green.
April is one of the best months to visit. The weather is drier, and temperatures are pleasant, making it an ideal month for hikers who want to avoid the crowds.
These are the driest months and the peak tourist season. Nighttime temperatures can be cold, especially in June and July, so bring warm clothing if you plan to camp.
During these months, rains begin to reappear, but the weather remains generally dry and sunny. It is an excellent time to avoid the crowds and enjoy pleasant weather.
November marks the beginning of the rainy season, and December can be quite wet. However, you can still enjoy some sunny days between the rains.
The Inca Trail is one of the most famous hiking routes in the world and one of the best ways to reach Machu Picchu. If you’re considering this experience, it’s essential to know that the best time to hike the Inca Trail is during the dry season, from May to September. During these months, the trail is safer, and the panoramic views are unbeatable.
Inca Trail During the Rainy Season
While it is possible to hike the Inca Trail during the rainy season, you must be prepared for more challenging conditions, such as muddy trails and a higher risk of landslides. Additionally, as mentioned earlier, the trail is closed in February for maintenance.
It’s normal to have many questions when planning your trip, such as:
The best time to avoid crowds is during the rainy season, especially in January and February. Additionally, October and November typically have fewer visitors.
During the dry season, the most popular way to reach Machu Picchu is by train from Cusco or by hiking the Inca Trail. In the rainy season, the train remains the most recommended option.
The best time to visit is early in the morning, around 6 a.m., to witness the sunrise and explore the ruins before large tour groups arrive. Alternatively, visiting in the afternoon, when many tourists have left, is also a good option.
The peak tourist season runs from June to August when the weather is driest and coincides with school vacations in many countries.
Both months are excellent for visiting, as they combine good weather with fewer tourists compared to June to August. However, in October, rainfall begins to slightly increase.
Don't wait any longer to plan your trip! Our team is ready to help you. Contact us at +51 944 714 563 or email us at info@illapa.com. Machu Picchu is waiting to welcome you!
