The Sacred Valley of the Incas, located in the Andean region of Peru, is one of the country’s most impressive and visited destinations. With imposing mountains, impresive scenery, ancient archaeological sites and a rich cultural history, every corner of the valley has something unique to offer. If you are planning your visit, it is important to know the climate to make the most of your experience. In this article, we offer you a detailed guide to the weather in the Sacred Valley of Peru, the best time to visit the Sacred Valley and the weather of key locations such as Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, Pisac, Maras and Chinchero. Read on for a complete information about the weather in the Sacred Valley of Peru.
The Weather in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
The Sacred Valley of Peru is located in the Andean region in the Peruvian Andes, at an average altitude of 2,600 meters above sea level (8,200 feet). Due to its geographical location, the climate in the Sacred Valley is temperate and dry, with two distinct seasons to consider: the rainy season and the dry season. These climatic factors can affect your travel experience, which is why it is important to be aware of them before organizing your visit to the Sacred Valley.
Rainy Season
The rainy season in the Sacred Valley of Peru begins in November and ends in March. During this time, the weather is more humid, with frequent rains, especially in the afternoons, so it is recommended to visit the tourist attractions of the Sacred Valley in the morning. Temperatures remain pleasant, with daytime highs ranging from 18°C to 22°C (64°F to 72°F), while nighttime lows can drop to 10°C (50°F). Although rainfall is not constant throughout the day, precipitation can be heavy at times. If you choose to visit the Sacred Valley during the rainy season, it is advisable to be prepared with rain gear.
Dry Season
The dry season in the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Peru is from April to October. During these months, rainfall is scarce, and the weather is warmer and warmer during the day, with temperatures that can exceed 20°C (68°F), while temperatures at night become cooler, with lows around 5°C (41°F) to 10°C (50°F). These months are ideal for outdoor activities such as the Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, as the weather is more predictable and conditions for exploring archaeological sites and natural landscapes are excellent.
The Best Time to Visit the Sacred Valley of Peru
The best time to visit the Sacred Valley depends on what you want to experience. If you prefer to avoid the rainy season and enjoy a more stable and sunny climate, the months of April to October are the best time to visit. However, if you want a more tranquil and less crowded atmosphere, the rainy season also has its charm, offering more verdant and less crowded atractions.
Best time to visit: April to October (dry season).
Best time to avoid the crowds: November to March (rainy season).
Exploring the Climate of Sacred Valley’s Most Iconic Destinations:
The Sacred Valley is a region composed of different towns that have their own weather characteristics depending on the altitude at which they are located, the climate in the Sacred Valley can vary. Here is a description of the weather in some of the most popular destinations in the Sacred Valley of the Incas:
Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is one of the most favorite towns in the Sacred Valley, famous for its impressive Inca ruins and for being located at a lower altitude than the rest. The climate in Ollantaytambo is temperate and moderately dry throughout the year, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20°C to 22°C (68°F to 72°F) during the dry season. Nights can be cold, with temperatures dropping to 5°C (41°F). During the rainy season, rains are more frequent, but are not as intense as in other parts of the Sacred Valley.
Urubamba
Urubamba, the capital of the Sacred Valley province, has a climate similar to Ollantaytambo, the climate in Urubamba is moderate and mild throughout the year. In the dry season months (April to October), daytime temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), but nights can be cool, with minimums of 7°C to 10°C (45°F to 50°F). During the rainy season, the temperature is pleasant, but rains can be more frequent. Urubamba is ideal for those looking for a quiet and accessible place to explore the Sacred Valley of Peru.
Pisac
Pisac is best known for its market and its ancient Inca ruins, which are located at a higher elevation than Urubamba or Ollantaytambo. The climate in Pisac is cool, with daytime temperatures reaching 18°C to 22°C (64°F to 72°F) in the dry season. Nights can be cold, with temperatures as low as 6°C (43°F). During the rainy season, Pisac has moderate rainfall, especially in the afternoons and evenings, but the weather is still pleasant. Pisac is an excellent place to enjoy the local culture, specialley for those looking for a deeper connection with the real peru.
Maras
The town of Maras is well known for its Salt Mines and the spectacular panoramic views of the Andes Mountains of Peru. The weather in Maras is cold, especially because of the altitude. Maras is at an altitude of 3,380 meters (11,090 feet) above sea level, higher than Urubabmba and Ollantaytambo. During the dry season, daytime temperatures usually hover around 18°C to 20°C (64°F to 68°F), while nights are cold, with temperatures that can drop to 3°C to 5°C (37°F to 41°F). During the rainy season, Maras experiences more precipitation, making some outdoor activities more difficult.
Chinchero
If you plan to stay in the town of Chinchero you should know that this town, known for its traditional textiles and ancient ruins, offers a different climate to that of the other towns in the Sacred Valley. Chinchero is at an altitude of 3,762 meters (12,343 feet) above sea level, it is at a higher altitude than the rest of the places. which contributes to its cold temperatures. During the dry season, daytime temperatures vary between 15°C to 18°C (59°F to 64°F), but nights are very cold, especially in June and July, when minimums can drop to -2°C to 3°C (28°F to 37°F). If you plan to stay in Chinchero, it is highly recommended to bring warm clothing due to the cold weather. Furthermore, it is not advisable to stay for long periods due to its high altitude, as it is possible to experience some symptoms of altitude sickness.
Tips for Enjoying the Weather in the Sacred Valley
- Appropriate clothing: Wear light and comfortable clothes for the day, and coats or sweaters for the cool nights. Remember to bring a poncho for the rainy season.
- Sun protection: Although the climate is temperate, the altitude of the Sacred Valley can make the sun more intense. Wear sunscreen during your visit, sunglasses and a hat.
- Altitude adaptation: The Sacred Valley is at a lower altitude than Cusco. If you are planning to stay in the Sacred Valley Urubamba or Ollantaytambo can be the ideal places.
- Check the forecast: Check the forecast: Check the weather forecast before traveling, although in the Andes this is not 100% reliable it can help you especially if you are going during the rainy season.
Check Similar Articles of the Sacred Valley:
- Where to Stay Urubamba or Ollantaytambo
- What to do in Ollantaytambo
- What to see in Urubamba
- How to get to Chinchero from Ollantaytambo
- How to get to Maras from Urubamba
- Ollantaytambo altitude sickness
Conclusion
The Sacred Valley of the Incas in Peru is a fascinating place to stay and explore, yet understanding its climate is essential to enjoying all it has to offer. Either the dry season or the rainy season, the Sacred Valley has something for everyone. Learn about the climate of the main destinations such as Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, Pisac, Maras and Chinchero, and plan your trip with the best weather experience possible
