Planning a trip to Machu Picchu? Make sure you choose the best time of the year to visit! This guide will help you decide when to go.
When is The Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year. But when is the best time to visit this ancient Incan city? Factors such as weather, crowds, and cost can all play a role in determining the ideal time to plan your trip. Read on to discover the best time of year to visit Machu Picchu and make the most of your experience.
Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu
The best time to visit Machu Picchu depends on several factors, including weather conditions, crowds, and budget.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best time to visit Machu Picchu, including the peak season, shoulder season, and low season. We will also discuss the weather conditions and other important factors to consider when planning your trip to Machu Picchu.
Peak Season (May to October)
The peak season in Machu Picchu runs from May to October, and coincides with the dry season in the region. During this time, you can expect clear skies and mild temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing. The peak season is also the best time to hike the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. However this is also the busiest time of the year, with tourists from all over the world flocking to Machu Picchu to experience its magic.
One of the biggest advantages of visiting Machu Picchu during the peak season is that you will have a better chance of experiencing the site in its full glory. The chance of rainfall is low. The clear skies and mild temperatures provide ideal conditions for taking stunning photos of the site, its ruins, and its landscape. Additionally, this is the best time to explore the nearby towns of Cusco and Sacred Valley, which offer a range of cultural experiences and day tours.
However, there are some downsides to visiting Machu Picchu during the peak season. The crowds can be overwhelming, and you may have to wait in long lines to catch the bus to Machu Picchu. Pople usually get in line since 4am. Additionally, the high demand for accommodation, transportation, and other services can lead to higher prices and reduced availability. It is important to plan ahead and book your tickets and accommodations well in advance if you plan to visit during this time.
Shoulder Season (April to May and October to November)
The shoulder season in Machu Picchu runs from April to May and October to November. During these months, you can still enjoy the dry weather and comfortable temperatures while avoiding the large crowds of tourists that come during peak season. This is an excellent time to visit if you are looking for a more authentic experience of the site and want to explore the surrounding areas at a more leisurely pace.
One of the advantages of visiting Machu Picchu during the shoulder season is that you will have a better chance of securing accommodations and tickets at lower prices. Also you will be able to buy the best circuits to visit Machu Picchu. Additionally, you will have more opportunities to interact with the local communities and learn about their customs and traditions.
However, it is important to note that the weather during the shoulder season can be unpredictable, with occasional rainfall and fluctuations in temperature. You should be prepared for cooler temperatures and bring appropriate clothing and gear for outdoor activities, specially if you are planning to visitng the amazing Rainbow Mountain from Cusco. Additionally, some of the trails and activities may be closed during this time, like the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, so be sure to check with your tour operator before making plans.
Low Season (November to March)
The low tourist season in Machu Picchu runs from November to March, which coincides with the wet season in the region. While the rain can be heavy at times, it also adds a unique beauty to the landscape, with lush greenery and misty mountains. Additionally, the wet season offers lower prices and fewer crowds, making it a more affordable and intimate experience. If you are coming to Perú during the low season, we recommend visiting Machu Picchu in November or March but not in February due to the higher possibility of rain.
One of the biggest advantages of visiting Machu Picchu during the low season is that you will have more flexibility in your plans. With fewer tourists around, you can take your time exploring the site and nearby areas without feeling rushed. Additionally, you will have a better chance of securing accommodations and tickets at lower prices, and you may even be able to negotiate discounts with local tour operators. As you can see, traveling to Machu Picchu in the low season also has its advantages if you are well informed.
Machu Picchu Weather by Month
Planning a trip to Machu Picchu? Check out our guide to the weather month by month, so you can pack accordingly and make the most of your visit.
What to Expect: Machu Picchu Weather Month by Month
Machu Picchu is a popular destination for travelers seeking adventure and history. However, the weather can vary greatly depending on the time of year you visit. To help you plan your trip, we’ve put together a guide to the weather at Machu Picchu month by month, so you can pack appropriately and make the most of your visit.
Machu Picchu In January
January could be a great month to visit Machu Picchu because it is the peak of the rainy season, with an average of 150 mm of rainfall. While this may seem like a downside, it actually means that the landscape is lush and green, and the waterfalls are at their most impressive. The crowds are also much smaller in January, which means that you can enjoy the site without having to jostle for space. Pices also are super cheap, specially for hotels and train tickets.
Machu Picchu in February
February is another good month to visit Machu Picchu, as it is the tail end of the rainy season. The landscape is still lush and green, and the waterfalls are still flowing strongly. Temperatures in Machu Picchu will vary between highs of around 72°F (22°C) and lows of around 46°F (8°C). However, the crowds are starting to pick up, so you will need to book your tickets well in advance. The prices are still cheap.
Machu Picchu in March
March is the beginning of the dry season in the Andes, and it is one of the most recommended times to visit Machu Picchu. The weather is warm and sunny, and the skies are clear, which makes for excellent photo opportunities. Temperatures will vary between highs of around 71°F (21°C) and lows of around 42°F (6°C) in Machu Picchu. The crowds are still manageable in March, but they will start to pick up towards the end of the month. Book in advance!
Machu Picchu in April
April is another popular month to visit Machu Picchu, as it is still early in the dry season. The weather is warm and sunny, and the skies are clear, this is also a good month for outdoor activities. However, the crowds are starting to pick up, so you will need to book your tickets well in advance.
Machu Picchu in May
May is one of the best months to visit Machu Picchu, since the weather in Machu Picchu is still warm and sunny. The average temperature ranges from 25°C (77°F) to 11°C (51.8°F). But the crowds are much smaller than in the peak season.
Machu Picchu in June
June is the start of the peak season in Machu Picchu, as the weather is warm and sunny, and the skies are clear, with an average temperature ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 9°C (48.2°F). However, the crowds can be quite overwhelming in June, so it is important to book your tickets well in advance.
Machu Picchu in July
July is the height of the peak season in Machu Picchu, as it is the middle of the dry season. The weather is warm and sunny, and the skies are clear, which makes for excellent hiking conditions. The average temperature ranges from a maximum of 25°C (77°F) to a minimum of 9°C (48.2°F). In July, the average temperature remains the same as in June: 25°C (77°F). However, the crowds can be overwhelming in July.
Machu Picchu in August
August is also a peak month for Machu Picchu, as it is still in the middle of the dry season. The weather is warm and sunny with an average temperature ranging from a minimum of 10 °C to a maximum of 25 °C. However, the crowds can be quite overwhelming in August.
Machu Picchu in September
September is the end of the peak season in Machu Picchu, as the weather starts to cool down and the crowds start to thin out, with an average temperature ranging from 26°C (78.8°F) to 11°C (51.8°F). The skies can start to get cloudy towards the end of the month. September is still a great month to experience the traditional Inca.
Machu Picchu in October
October is also one of the best months to visit Machu Picchu, October is the transition month between the dry and wet seasons, some rain may be expected. The average temperature ranges from 12°C minimum to 25°C maximum.
Machu Picchu in November
November is also considered a good month to visit Machu Picchu, it is not too cold yet but it is the beginning of the rainy season which starts gradually. with an average temperature running between min 13°C (55.4°F) and max 26°C (78.8°F).
Machu Picchu in December
This month the amount of tourists could increase due to the end of the year holidays, the weather is still pleasant but there is a high possibility of unexpected rain. We recommend traveling with rain gear.
What is the best time of the day to visit Machu Picchu?
The best time of day to visit Machu Picchu is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Both of them offer the best lighting for photographs, as the sun is lower in the sky and casts a warm, golden light over the ruins. Additionally, Another advantage of visiting either in the morning or in the afternoon is also the small number of people which will make your experience even better.
If you choose to visit Machu Picchu in the morning, it is recommended to arrive at the site when it opens, which is usually around 6 a.m. This will give you plenty of time to explore the ruins before the crowds start to arrive later in the day. This means that you will have to get up super early in order to catch one of the first buses to Machu Picchu.
If you choose to visit Machu Picchu in the afternoon, it is recommended to arrive a few hours before the site closes, which is usually around 4 p.m. You will have enough time to explore the ruins and watch the sunset over the mountains.
It is important to note that Machu Picchu is a popular tourist destination and can get quite crowded, regardless of the time of day. However, visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon can help you make the most of your visit.
Worst time to visit Machu Picchu
Planning a trip to Machu Picchu? Don’t make the mistake of visiting during the worst time of year. Let us help you avoid the crowds and make the most of your visit.
Machu Picchu is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, but visiting during the wrong time of year can ruin your experience. From overcrowding to unfavorable weather conditions, there are several factors to consider when planning your trip to this ancient Incan city.
The peak tourist season at Machu Picchu is from June to August, when the weather is dry and sunny. However, this is also the busiest time of year, with crowds of tourists and long lines to enter the site. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder season from April to May or September to October. The weather is still pleasant, but there are fewer tourists. If you don’t mind the rain, the low season from November to March is the least crowded time to visit.
Best time to hike the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable hiking experience, there’s nothing quite like the Inca Trail. By the way, there are different versions of the Inca Trail, the classic 4-day Inca Trail and the short Inca Trail of 1 or 2 days of trekking.
This ancient route, which winds its way through the Andes Mountains, takes hikers on a journey through breathtaking landscapes and ancient ruins, culminating in a breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. However, if you’re planning to hike the Inca Trail, one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make is when to go. Read on for more information.
Peak Season: May to September
The peak season for hiking the Inca Trail is from May to September, which coincides with the dry season. During these months, you can expect clear skies, warm temperatures during the day, and cool temperatures at night. The trail is easier to walk, which can be especially important on steep sections and downhill sections.
However, there are some downsides to hiking during the peak season. Firstly, the trail gets quite crowded during dry season, and permits sell out months in advance.
Shoulder Season: March to April and October to November
The shoulder season for hiking the Inca Trail is from March to April and from October to November. During these months, the weather is generally good, with sunny days and mild temperatures. However, there is a chance of rain, especially towards the beginning and end of the shoulder season.
One of the main advantages of hiking during the shoulder season is that the crowds are smaller than during this season. This means that you’ll have a more peaceful hiking experience, with fewer people on the trail.
Low Season: December to February
The low season for hiking the Inca Trail is from December to February, which is also the rainy season. During these months, you can expect daily rain showers, cloudy skies, and cooler temperatures.
One of the main advantages of hiking during the low season is that the crowds are much smaller than during the peak season. Additionally, permits are easier to get. However, it’s important to note that the rain can make the trail quite muddy and slippery.
