Best Time To Hike The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Best Time To Hike The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Immersing in the Peruvian history when you hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a truly rewarding experience.

Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the best things you can do in Peru. Although it can be done all year round some months are better with panoramic views. You will also have clear skies and a favourable climate! Here is a guide to the best time to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

• January to March

The climate in the Peruvian Andes is very rainy from January to March. Hence, it is not suitable to hike the Inca trail to Machu Picchu. It is also the few months that landslides have been reported so it is best to avoid going to Machu Picchu during this season for your safety.

The hiking paths are also muddy and slippery so you are more likely to be injured from falls. Inca Trail is also closed during February for maintenance, such as cleaning the trails etc.

It is recommended to visit Peru during the last two weeks of March if you want to enjoy the surroundings a bit. The temperatures from January to March range between  27˚C during the day and 17˚C at night.

• April to June

April is considered to be the best month to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This is because of the warmer climate, and clear skies. It is also the beginning of the dry season. Many people will come to Peru during these months!

However, you need to be prepared well with warm comfortable clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen as well as sweaters, jackets etc because there is a drastic temperature change between day and night. For instance, the temperatures range between 24 ˚C during the day and 14˚C at night in May.

June is the festive season of Peru with many annual ceremonies and parades so you can get a glimpse of the culture and traditions of this former Incan empire. There will be lots of crowds too from April to June to do the hike to Machu Picchu.

• July to September

In July, the high-season vibe doubles. The Inca trail to Machu Picchu will be crowded with tourists from all over the world. Even the prices for accommodation, transportation and food tend to increase from July to September because of the high demand.

As much as it is pleasant and a good time to do the hike to Machu Picchu, you expect the temperatures to drop when it is nearing September. For instance, they might range between 20˚C during the day and 12˚C at night.

So make sure to be prepared with warm clothing like jackets, sweaters, scarves and other winter gear. The number of visitors to Machu Picchu declines in the last two weeks of September since it marks the beginning of the rainy season in Peru.

• October to December

If you are not a fan of large crowds and festive seasons, October is the best time to hike the Inca Trail or Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The prices for almost everything will drop, and you will be experiencing a calm atmosphere throughout your stay.

Although November is the month that the rainy season actually begins, there are little to no rains giving fairly good visibility and photographic opportunities like in the peak season. Temperatures range between  20˚C during the day to 7˚C/at night in December so you have to be well prepared.