The best time to visit Machu Picchu depends on what you are looking for.
You are welcome to visit this historical destination at any time. However, there are several factors to consider before deciding on the best time of year to visit. Most people believe that the best time to visit is from December to April. This is due to the weather being stable, sunny, and tourist-friendly.
Hence, in this article, we will share with you the best times to visit based on the weather condition and memorable activities to attend. By the end of this article, you will know what month is best for you to visit and enjoy the stunning view and culture of Machu Picchu.
TABLE OF CONTENT
What is the best month to travel to Machu Picchu?
The driest months (May to September) are ideal for traveling to Machu Picchu, especially if you intend to visit Cusco. The summer season (December to March) can also be considered since it is warmer, but it is also the wettest season, with frequent heavy showers.
What is the best month to go to Peru?
May to October is considered the best month to travel to Peru. This is during the driest season when the days are sunny, the sky is bright blue and the nights are chilly. Peru is best enjoyed at this time but due to its high season, you want to book early enough.
How many days do you need to visit Machu Picchu?
It all depends on you. It only takes a day or two to explore its beautiful surroundings. However, you may want to spend two days or more to fully appreciate the breathtaking scenery.
Is September or October better for Machu Picchu?
If you want the same sunny weather as the high season without high-season crowds, September or October is the month to visit Machu Picchu. As this is officially shoulder season. The crowds are lesser and you get to enjoy better deals on hotels and tours during these months.
Machu Picchu In January
If you visit Cusco or Huaraz in January, be prepared for a rainy trip as it is the wet season in Machu Picchu. Keep in mind that the paths will be dangerously muddy and slippery, so ensure to pack proper rain gear. However, the good news is that you will have the place to yourself if you don't mind the rain. You also get to enjoy the peak beach season on Peru's coast during this time as well as the perfect surf conditions, pleasant weather, and sunny skies that attract tourists to Mancora and Lima.
Machu Picchu In February
The beginning of the rainy season is February, which is also, a closure period for the Inca Trail. You will have the area almost entirely to yourself if you are not put off by the intense rainstorms. Additionally, you get to enjoy Carnaval, a major holiday in Cusco which that takes place some days before Lent. This holiday is not unique to Cusco, however the celebrations there are particularly beautiful against the charming cityscape. This holiday is observed in practically every town and city in Latin America.
Machu Picchu In March
In March, you can still expect a lot of rain. However, you will be virtually alone at the Inca ruins, which is ideal for taking great photographs. After its annual month-long closure in February, the Inca Trail will reopen to visitors, but it is still going to be wet and muddy as the risk of landslides remains, with the earth destabilized by the wet season rains. However, if Semana Santa falls during March, it's worth making time to visit some of the towns and villages in the Sacred Valley to see the pageantry.
Machu Picchu In April
The rainy season is mostly over in April. The day is sunny with clearer skies, and slightly cold at night. The temperatures highs and lows range around 66° F (19° C) and 41° F (5° C) respectively. Hence, when packing for your trip to Machu Picchu this month, keep the heat and cold in mind. During this month, the crowds begin to increase, but the city isn't as loud yet as it gets during the main high season of June through August. Additionally, treks in and around Machu Picchu during this month are ideal. You can also make a stop in Cusco as well, where the Semana Santa celebrations are especially lively.
Machu Picchu In May
May is an excellent time to visit Machu Picchu. The rainy season is almost over, but not quite yet. So you should still be prepared for rainy days. During this month the rain is notorious for raining at night or early in the morning while the afternoon are usually sunny. Also, since it is not yet peak season, you can peacefully take a perfect photo with the stunning surrounding without many tourists in it and enjoy interesting events.
Machu Picchu In June
The rainy season has arrived, but not by much. The weather still remains pleasant, making this an excellent time to visit Machu Picchu! Cusco is also in peak season, with thousands of visitors from all over Peru arriving in June to celebrate the winter solstice. Inti Raymi is also celebrated this month in Cusco and Sacsayhuamán. At this time, many visitors from all over come to see the morning of Inti Raymi at Machu Picchu. Lastly, other Sacred Valley towns such as Pisac or Ollantaytambo provide welcome respite to the crowds at Machu Picchu and Cusco.
Machu Picchu In July
The whether during this time is cold, ranging from 19°C/66°F during the day to 10°C/50°F at night. It drops below freezing at night and early in the morning while during the day, it reaches as high as 70, making the sun intense. At this time you want to wear plenty of sunblock and a sunhat to prevent sunburn. Also, we advice that you take plenty of water to avoid dehydration caused by the sun. Additionally, this month is ideal for hiking, and there are numerous treks in and around Machu Picchu that will allow you to avoid the crowds at the main site. Lastly, there are numerous festivals and events to keep an eye out for during your visit.
Machu Picchu In August
In August, the average minimum temperature (usually measured at night) in Machu Picchu is 1.8°C (35.24°F). It is a dry month, with an average rainfall of 8mm (0.3in). It rains for two days on average and the average maximum daytime temperature is around 20.0°C (68°F), so you want to bring along with you a thick blanket because temperatures can fall below freezing at night. And with 231 hours of sunlight, this is a great time to visit Machu Picchu if you prefer clear sky and sunny days. In addition, August is calmer after the Andean mega-festivals that energized the region in June and July. However, there are still some activities and events to attend, so you don't have to worry about not having a fun time.
Machu Picchu In September
In this month, the rainy season return in September, and the dry season comes to an end; the cold winter is also replaced by cooler weather in the mountains. The temperatures in Machu Picchu at this time range from around 73°F (22°C) to 44°F (7°C). At this time there are fewer visitors in Peru which reduces the long lines issue at Machu Picchu, making it ideal for mountain hiking. Additionally, it is a quiet month for festivals in the Sacred Valley after an initial non stop three months of celebrations.
Machu Picchu In October
Machu Picchu is best visited in October because it is the transition month between the dry and wet seasons, there is little rain, and the cold weather of the winter is out. During this time the temperatures in Machu Picchu range from 72°F (22°C) to 41°F (5°C), making it the best month to visit because there are fewer visitors. This way, you have the opportunity to explore the less-visited places and less-busy treks in the Sacred Valley.
Machu Picchu In November
In November, the rainy season begins, as it rains on and off throughout the day. However, because it is only the beginning of the rainy season, there will still be some sunny days. In addition, the rain tend to be heavier in the afternoons, while mornings are usually pleasant and dry. Also, the number of visitors and hikers at this time will decrease, making it less crowded and a perfect time for you to enjoy some tranquility while visiting.
Machu Picchu In December
At this time of the year, the temperatures in Machu Picchu will range from around 71°F (21°C) to around 44°F (6°C). This is one of the last months of good weather before the heavy rainy season begins. Crowds are low at the start of the month due to all of the wet weather, but they spike again during the last ten days of December due to the Christmas holiday season. Lastly, Cusco has a lot going on in December, starting with the Fiesta de Concepción Inmaculada at the beginning of the month and ending with a handicrafts fair and spectacular New Year's celebrations.
CONCLUSION
And there you have it, the best times of the year to visit Machu Picchu to enjoy its stunning view and weather based on your preference and trip objective. Is there anything else we should know about visiting Machu Picchu? Let us know in the comments below!