The Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu or Hike the Inca Trail: A Month-by-Month Guide
LAST UPDATED: 3 December 2022
The most frequently asked question we get is about the best time to visit Machu Picchu and/or to hike the Inca Trail - keeping in mind the weather and the crowds (if you want to try to visit when there are fewer people).
In this blog article you can find all the details based on our founder and CEO Michael Lazo Gamarra’s extensive 20+ years’ experience.
Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu / Hike the Inca Trail
While there isn’t really a bad time to visit, you may want to try to avoid both rainy season (November - April) and tourist high season (June - August). In our opinion, the best time to visit Machu Picchu or hike the Inca Trail will be late April, May and early June, or September, October and early November. During these shoulder months, the weather will be comfortable and it will be less crowded so it gives you the best photo opportunities. Avoid Sundays as Peruvians typically might enjoy a long weekend in Cusco and include a visit to Machu Picchu which makes the lines longer and the crowds bigger.
How about the best time of the day to visit Machu Picchu? You should consider jumping on the very first shuttle bus at Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) that departs at 5:30am to see Machu Picchu at 6am (be aware that there can be a long line so we advise to get to the bus stop at least 2 hours earlier to be first in line) - or you could visit after 3pm when most of the crowds will have left. The rangers will also be a little bit more flexible around that time to allow you to stay a little longer in certain spots (there is a one way system in place). Please remember that you will book for a specific timeslot when you get your Machu Picchu tickets so book them well in advance to avoid disappointment.
That’s the short answer, but a little further below we’ll go through what you can expect for each month.
Is it safe to visit Machu Picchu considering the Covid-19 pandemic?
Source: PROMPERÚ (Comisión de Promoción del Perú para la Exportación y el Turismo)
Yes it is safe to travel in Peru! Peru was the third South American country to obtain the prestigious Safe Travels Stamp by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC - representing the Travel & Tourism sector globally), and the site of Machu Picchu obtained the same stamp as well. This is rewarded to destinations around the world which have adopted global standardized protocols. The Safe Travels stamp is the world’s first ever global safety and hygiene stamp for Travel & Tourism, designed specifically to address COVID-19 and similar outbreaks.
If you have proof of having had the vaccine or a negative test result, the Peruvian government has confirmed that you will not need to quarantine in Peru.
If you eventually decide to travel to Peru and Machu Picchu or hike the Inca Trail with Papi’s Treks, we can assure you that we are continuously making sure we are up to date and comply with the latest guidelines issued by the local and national health authorities, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), and the World Health Organization (WHO). The health and safety of our customers is of course our highest priority, and you will be in safe hands.
Not quite ready yet? Consider visiting Machu Picchu and other beautiful destinations in Peru on one of our guided live virtual tours from the comfort of your home!
Is Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail Open?
Yes! You can book right now.
2023 permits for the Inca Trail have gone on sale again from October as is the usual time every year! Book early to avoid disappointment! The earlier you book, the better the prices, and you’ll have more chances to secure your preferred date.
Papi’s Treks has started with in person tours again. Just get in touch with us if you’re interested in reserving for this year or 2023.
Machu Picchu Month by Month
Visiting Machu Picchu in January
Rainy season in the Andean region of Peru takes place between November and April so January is one of the wettest times of the year to visit, though it is also one of the warmest months with temperatures between 80°F / 27°C - 62°F / 17°C. You can visit Machu Picchu by train, it will be open, and there will far less people around, but the chances are very high that it will be raining and potentially very misty with low lying clouds impacting visibility. Bring waterproofs! However, if you catch it at the right time, the rain and clouds always clear at some point and Machu Picchu will appear incredibly spectacular and enigmatic.
As for the Inca Trail, it is open and there are permits available for January. It is also one of the warmest months in the Andean mountains (highs around 66°F / 19°C and lows around 45°F / 7°C). However, it’s not advisable to hike the Inca Trail during January as rainy weather means a lot of mud—and far-from-ideal trekking conditions. Landslides on the Inca Trail path in the mountains typically tend to happen around this time. For example on January 23 2020 the Inca Trail had to close earlier due to a landslide (unfortunately there were some injuries). For the same reasons, we wouldn’t recommend hiking Huayna Picchu Mountain just behind the Machu Picchu site during this month.
However, January is one of the best months to visit the coastal regions of Peru with actually nice and sunny weather and ideal conditions for surfing with nice big waves.
Visiting Machu Picchu in February
The worst option to be honest, as the Inca Trail is closed every February for the whole month. This is for two reasons: it’s the wet season at its peak with heavy rainfalls but also, it’s during this time that the National Sanctuary of Machu Picchu does its maintenance work to make sure the paths are still clear and safe. There are alternative treks available to Machu Picchu (during the whole year, but particularly so if you do mean to visit in February and want to hike to Machu Picchu) for example the Quarry Trek, Lares Trek and Salkantay Trek - all of these are gorgeous hiking options in their own right through the Andean mountains, though they do not take you directly to Machu Picchu, you would still have to take a train and bus to get to the famous site after you finish your hike.
Same as in January, Machu Picchu remains open - though be careful with any slippery paths due to the rain. It’s also possible that landslides or floods affect the train routes so please ensure a few extra days flexibility in case this happens. You won’t see huge crowds, but you might also not see the mountains due to low lying clouds and rain. Temperatures are between 80°F / 27°C - 62°F / 17°C.
Visiting Machu Picchu in March
The rain starts to ease in March in the Sacred Valley region, especially near the end of this month. You can still expect light to sometimes heavy rain at times so be prepared and pack layers/rain coat (you can usually get a cheap plastic poncho at Machu Picchu if you happen to forget). Crowds are still low as high season hasn’t started yet. This makes it a good option to visit Peru and Machu Picchu despite it still being the rainy season officially. Because of the rain, the fauna and flora will be thriving at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary so you’ll be able to spot many beautiful orchids for example.
The Inca Trail re-opens in March after closing for maintenance the whole month of February, and other beautiful, peaceful treks to Machu Picchu are available. The added advantage is that there is still dry, sunny weather along the Pacific coast if combining your visit in a bigger Peruvian itinerary.
Temperatures are between 42°F / 6°C - 80°F / 27°C, and especially when the sun disappears behind the clouds it can suddenly drop in temperature very noticeably.
Visiting Machu Picchu in April
A highly recommended time to visit Machu Picchu or hike the Inca Trail, especially near the end of this month of April. Mid April is considered the end of the wet season and the beginning of the dry season. There will no longer be any mud and the scenery will be very green and lush. There are still fewer crowds, though this will start to grow - especially near Easter - but the weather really makes it ideal for hiking the Inca Trail or one of the alternative treks. Machu Picchu will surely reward you with magnificent views and photo opportunities in April.
By this time there is a slight fall in temperatures but it is still warm, with temperatures between 42°F / 6°C - 71°F / 22°C. Also the coastal region starts to drop slightly in temperature so tourism there starts to slow down. In fact, it’s an ideal month to discover all of Peru, including Lima and the coastal region, Amazon Rainforest, Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca,… because of the combination of good weather and less crowds. It’s easy to combine all these activities in one itinerary with for example our Peru Package Tours (7 - 21 days).
Visiting Machu Picchu in May
In May you can expect blue skies, sunshine, green vegetation and breath-taking views at Machu Picchu. The crowds will start to grow, and lines will get longer at train and bus stations but this is not high tourist season just yet so overall this is still a fantastic and highly recommended month to visit. Many traditional Andean festivities take place in May (Labor Day, Fiesta De Las Cruces, Q’oyoriti,…) so taking the time to explore Cusco and the Sacred Valley during this month around your visit to Machu Picchu will be very rewarding. Temperatures are between 42°F / 6°C - 71°F / 22°C and we definitely still recommend packing layers.
Further away in the coastal region you will still be able to enjoy good weather, though often too chilly for swimming in the Pacific Ocean, but much fewer crowds than in the months before. In fact, it’s an ideal month to discover all of Peru, including Amazon Rainforest, Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca,… because of the combination of good weather and less crowds. It’s easy to combine all these activities in one itinerary with for example our Peru Package Tours (7 - 21 days).
Inca Trail permits will start to become more popular so it is recommended to book well in advance (approximately 4 months in advance), or to consider one of the alternative trek options.
Visiting Machu Picchu in June
Inti Raymi festival in Cusco city
Early June could still be ok in terms of crowds but generally this is when the high tourist season starts and thousands of people flood into Machu Picchu daily. Keep in mind that this is also the month of Winter Solstice and that makes it an incredible time to visit the ancient citadel where the Incas observed the universe and aligned constructions exactly to the sunrise at this special occasion. Festivals and parades will be plenty in Cusco and the surrounding areas during this month. There is also the special celebration of Inti Raimi (Festival of the Sun), an ancient Inca religious tradition that has been the highlight in Cusco for over 500 years - a very unique unforgettable experience.
Weather-wise, from now until the end of September in dry season any time is a good time to visit but you will feel the dip in temperature as this is the start of winter in Peru. Temperatures are between 23°F / -5°C - 68°F / 20°C.
The Inca Trail permits for this month generally sell out quite quick as well - they are released every year sometime in October for the following year so we do recommend booking at least 6 months in advance for this popular month. If you’d like to stay up to date with when Inca Trail permits are being released, we’ve got a dedicated mailing list that you can sign up for at the bottom of this page. Or you can also consider one of the beautiful alternative treks. It can get cold in the mountains especially at night, but the views are just magnificent - of the mountains, valleys, the scenery, as well as the stars and constellations in the open night sky. Another popular trek is the one to the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) - this is a one day hike from Cusco to see the now famous multi-colored mountains for a unique photo opportunity. It is better to do this during the dry season when the visibility is at its best.
Visiting Machu Picchu in July
July is in the peak holiday season for many parts of the world and in Peru it’s the dry season with little to no rain, so this can make it overcrowded with tourists at many of the popular destinations including Machu Picchu, despite its daily limits. Hotels and train tickets hike up considerably in prices and lines can get very long. Inca Trail permits sell out many months in advance. Temperatures are between 23°F / -5°C - 68°F / 20°C, so it is colder and especially evenings and nights very chilly. If you plan well ahead and don’t mind the crowds, this is still an excellent time to visit Machu Picchu and hike the Inca Trail. For hiking at high altitudes we recommend still wearing a lot of sunscreen though (and maybe a hat) as the sunlight can get very intense. If you’d like to stay up to date with when Inca Trail permits are being released, we’ve got a dedicated mailing list that you can sign up for at the bottom of this page.
For those interested in experiencing Peru's Amazon rainforest, this is the best time of year to visit, or to discover hidden gems in the mostly overlooked Northern Peru. It’s easy to combine all these activities in one itinerary with for example our Peru Package Tours (7 - 21 days). Peru's two National Independence Days are celebrated nationwide on July 28 & 29, but festivities can begin earlier in the week and include nationwide parades and ceremonies.
Visiting Machu Picchu in August
Simply put, this is the busiest month of the year in the Sacred Valley region, and peak international tourist season. In Peru it is winter time, and so it can be cold but dry and beautifully clear at night. Temperatures are between 23°F / -5°C - 68°F / 20°C. If you plan well ahead and don’t mind the crowds, this is an excellent time to visit Machu Picchu and hike the Inca Trail. The weather is still ideal to enjoy all that Peru has to offer so think about combining your visit to Machu Picchu with other Peruvian destinations - for example with our Peru Package Tours (7 - 21 days).
Inca Trail permits sell out incredibly fast for August so book early to avoid disappointment (permits go on sale around October for the following year) or consider one of the alternative hikes, even though they don’t lead directly to the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu, they are stunning in their own right and less crowded. If you’d like to stay up to date with when Inca Trail permits are being released, we’ve got a dedicated mailing list that you can sign up for at the bottom of this page. In August, the Peruvians celebrate the Day of the Pachamama with ancient worship ceremonies in honor of Mother Earth as a way to thank her for the crops.
Visiting Machu Picchu in September
Another recommended time to visit Machu Picchu or to hike the Inca Trail. Weather-wise, September is also a transition month. Much of the country will have dry weather, but there will be some surprise rains so it’s good to pack rain gear and layers to be prepared. Compared to the previous two months, the number of visitors to Machu Picchu drops dramatically so also rates and prices (accommodation, etc.) will start to drop - though it’s still a good idea to book well in advance.
Views in the mountains and valleys are spectacular and it will be a quieter and more peaceful Inca Trail trek or alternative trek with fewer crowds. It will actually start to warm up again too, with temperatures between 23°F / -5°C - 72°F / 22°C - evenings and nights can still be quite cold.
For those interested in experiencing Peru's Amazon rainforest, this is one of the best times of year to visit. In fact, it’s an ideal month to discover all of Peru, including Lima and the coastal region, Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca,… because of the combination of good weather and less crowds. It’s easy to combine all these activities in one itinerary with for example our Peru Package Tours (7 - 21 days).
Visiting Machu Picchu in October
A fantastic time to visit Machu Picchu or to hike the Inca Trail as October is another shoulder month and spring time in Peru. The weather is still very comfortable but there will be much fewer crowds. Rates and prices (accommodation, etc.) are in general lower than the peak tourist season - but it's still a good idea to book your tours and accommodations several months in advance. Temperatures will be between 42°F / 6°C - 72°F / 22°C so it will be warming up.
October is also one of the best months for visiting the Amazon Rainforest, where wildlife-watching will be at its best at that time of year. In fact, it’s an ideal month to discover all of Peru, including Lima and the coastal region, Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca,… because of the combination of good weather and less crowds. It’s easy to combine all these activities in one itinerary with for example our Peru Package Tours (7 - 21 days).
Visiting Machu Picchu in November
Dry season has ended and we’re back at the start of the rainy season, though weather conditions especially in the early part of the month can still be very favorable. Just expect some scattered showers. It is still a great time to visit Machu Picchu or to hike the Inca Trail. Temperatures will be between 53°F / 12°C - 75°F / 24°C. Views and photo opportunities will be exceptional. Consider hiking to the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain (the iconic mountain featured in all the Machu Picchu postcard photos) for some amazing views.
There is also still an abundance of wildlife and flora (orchids) in the Amazon Rainforest, and bigger waves returning in the coastal region (perfect for surfing). Around All Saints Day you will see some colorful celebrations wherever you go (the atmosphere will be more festive than somber) and this is also the month when in Puno they go through a week-long festival with impressive costumes and street dances to celebrate the legendary emergence of the first Inca, Manco Cápac. It’s easy to combine all these activities in one itinerary with for example our Peru Package Tours (7 - 21 days).
Visiting Machu Picchu in December
December is definitely part of rainy season (and summer) in the region of the Sacred Valley, Cusco and Machu Picchu, but you will also experience some sunny days so don’t completely write this month off to visit Machu Picchu. You will see some crowds, mainly Peruvian tourists, not generally to visit Machu Picchu or to do hiking, but to celebrate the holidays (Christmas and New Year) in Cusco. So it will be busier in the cities than for example in January or February, and the atmosphere will be lively and festive. Guinea pig (also called "cuy") is a dish that Peruvians eat on special occasions so you may want to consider trying this local delicacy. Temperatures will be between 60°F / 16°C - 79°F / 26°C.
In terms of the Inca Trail, it’s still an activity you can consider as long as you are prepared for rain - but there will always be breaks in the showers for spectacular views, and you will encounter abundant fauna and flora. It can be a very festive time of year to trek, and prices will generally be much lower.
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