The Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu

When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu when is the best time to visit? This is the popular question of everyone who is wondering about visiting this iconic Inca site.
Machu Picchu It is definitely one of these places in the world that should be on the bucket list of every traveler. Nestled in the Andes, close to the high Peruvian jungle, it exudes magic that transcends time and history. It hides a great energy surrounded by incredible mountains, beautiful views, and a variety of biodiversity. However, choosing the ideal time to visit Machu Picchu can make a big difference in your experience on any of the adventures to this mystical Inca site.

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Overview

I am Vidal Gamboa, a tour guide and owner of Vidal Expeditions, and during my 12 years of guiding experience, I’ve heard many people wondering: What is really Machu Picchu weather? When is the best time of the year to visit Machu Picchu? When is the best season to see a totally clear Machu Picchu? Or, simply put, when is the best time to go to Machu Picchu? In the following article, join me as I answer all those questions, give you the best advice on when to visit this incredible Seven World Wonder, and help you choose the perfect moment for your lifetime experience in Machu Picchu, Peru.

When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?

When planning to visit Machu Picchu, many factors must be taken into consideration. The good news is that Machu Picchu is open year-round; however, many people visit it from May to October, which is considered the best time to visit it. This is the dry season in this area, and you are more likely to see a clear landscape with a blue sky, although in those months Machu Picchu can have more people and be very crowded.

 

Dry Season in Machu Picchu, Peru

Many people prefer to visit Machu Picchu in the dry season, which spans from May to October, with the peak tourist season being June, July, and August, when the weather is at its best with temperatures ranging from 19 to 26° C (66 to 78°F), which is ideal for walking around this iconic Machu Picchu. Furthermore, as we mentioned before, these months will have more people than the other months. As a tour guide who has been leading tours to this mystical site, I highly recommend visiting it early in the morning to avoid all the crowds and enjoy the fantastic views.

 

Rainy season in Machu Picchu

The rainy season in Machu Picchu begins in November and ends in April. Although many people say that April is already the dry season, in the last few years it has changed, and even April has had some rains due to global warming. That is why we considered this month part of the rainy season in Machu Picchu. During this period, rainfall is more frequent, a coincidence with the low season, therefore fewer people.
If you are planning to visit Machu Picchu in March or February, these months the rain can be more persistent, and sometimes you could get any clear view at Machu Picchu. However, if you are the type who likes the rain and see clouds around, this is the perfect season to enjoy the charm landscape surrounding Machu Picchu and definitely less people.

 

Weather in Machu Picchu

On average, Machu Picchu’s weather is pleasantly warm during the day and then cools off at night. Temperatures in the region range between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (12 and 24 degrees Celsius). More so than temperature, the weather at Machu Picchu is distinguished more by its dry season and wet season.
The tropical mountain forest surrounding Machu Picchu receives close to 77 inches (1,955 mm) of rainfall per year on average. While the greatest amount of rainfall occurs between November and March during the rainy season, rain can also be expected on some days in the dry season from April to October.

Quick Facts About the Best Time to Go to Machu Picchu

 

What is the best month to go to Machu Picchu?

If you are planning a trip to Machu Picchu, you definitely need to know when the best month is to visit this incredible Inca site and make your adventure once in a lifetime.
In our opinion, the best month to visit Machu Picchu is May. This is when the dry season starts and the fields are still green with a few clouds around. This makes this a mystical place. You have a chance to see how fast the clouds move away, and you can capture incredible photos. This month is also not very crowded due to the peak months of June, July, and August.

What is the busiest month to visit Machu Picchu?

The busiest time to visit Machu Picchu is definitely in the high season for tourism in Cusco, and this covers two months of the year, June and July. During these months, tourism reaches its highest peak, covering all the tourism services around Cusco. Prices get increased during this time due to high demand, which is why we recommend booking your adventure in advance.

When is Machu Picchu open?

Machu Picchu never gets close; it is open for tourism year-round, and the only tours that get close are the Classic Inca Trail and some other alternative treks to Machu Picchu.
The archaeological site opens at 6:00 a.m. and closes at 5:30 p.m. every day.

How cold is Machu Picchu?

The location of Machu Picchu close to the high jungle (cloud forest) makes this place humid. During the morning, the temperature overage is between 6° C and 42° F; however, the daytime average is 69 to 80° F (21-27°C). We suggest dressing properly for the cold if you are visiting Machu Picchu in the morning.

When is the best time to hike Machu Picchu?

Hiking to Machu Picchu is the best way to explore this magical place, and the best time is from May to October. During these months, you will have more opportunity to see beautiful landscapes, snow-capped peaks, lakes, water falls, a varied biodiversity, Inca ruins, and more.
Nowadays, we have many adventure hiking tours to Machu Picchu, from the Classic Inca Trail to the most fascinating Inca Jungle Trail. Read the following article to learn more about the different Trek Tours to Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu Treks and Tours

Exploring Machu Picchu is one of the dreams of many travelers around the world, and you decide which is the best way to reach it. Here we will give you some options for exhilarating experiences that can fit into your adventure towards this Seven World Wonder.

 

The Inca Trail.

The most famous and well-preserved hiking route to Machu Picchu, compared to other trekking routes, is the Classic Inca Trail, which takes 4 days to reach Machu Picchu. Its 42 km (26 miles) offer incredible landscapes, combining history, culture, traditions, and a lot of biodiversity. Arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, also known as Inti Punku in the local language, and be amazed by the first breathtaking vistas of this iconic ancient Inca site, Machu Picchu.

 

Short Inca Trail.

If you don’t have plenty of time to hike on the Classic Inca Trail, the Short Inca Trail 2 Days is a great option for you. It takes only one day to hike to Machu Picchu (9 km, or 5.5 miles), and you have the chance to visit Machu Picchu twice. You will also visit some Inca ruins and learn about the history of the Incas while enjoying the beautiful landscapes of the mountains and valleys before reaching the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu.

 

Lares Trek .

This is a great alternative trek to Machu Picchu, perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in the local culture and traditions. The Lares Trek takes 4 days to explore local Andean communities in the Urubamba Valley, learn their local traditions, share experiences with the Andean children, and be amazed by the stunning mountain landscape.

 

Salkantay Trek.

Another exciting trek to Machu Picchu that combines hiking through the mountains and high tropical jungle The Classic Salkatay Trek is usually 5 days long and leads you to Machu Picchu. Explore beautiful snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, rainforests, and picturesque Andean villages. If you are looking for adventure that connects you with the mountains, then the Salkantay Trek is for you.

 

Inca Jungle Trail.

This is the most adventurous trip to Machu Picchu, with various fun activities such as biking, hiking, rafting, and ziplining in the tropical Peruvian jungle. The Inca Jungle Trail is perfect for those who want to enjoy different sports activities and visit some local farms, banana, coffee, coca, and orange plantations. with the option to hike on a section of the Inca Trail.

 

Ausangate Trek.

The most challenging trek that you can find in Cusco, the Ausangate Trek, is a high-altitude trek considered one of the most beautiful hikes in the Andes. It offers breathtaking views unique to Cusco, including herds of alpacas, turquoise lakes, colored mountains, glaciers, and now peaks. Well recommended for those who love remote areas away from the crowds and reconnect with nature.

Now you are prepared for the Machu Picchu weather

After you have read this article, you will have an idea and be prepared for potentially inconsistent weather, the so-called «Machu Picchu weather». Depending on when you visit, there can be substantial differences considering the number of people, the difficulty of getting tickets, and, of course, the weather.
Whatever your choice to visit this enigmatic site, Machu Picchu and its history await you in every corner and season. You will be amazed by the incredible experience that Peru and Machu Picchu have to offer you.