Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu – Machu Picchu Best Time to Visit
Wondering when is the best time to visit Machu Picchu? Check out this detailed post curated by our Machu Picchu tour guides to help you plan your Machu Picchu Travel.
Did you know? Machu Picchu is located at the beginning of the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest. According to biologists, the location of Machu Picchu is between the Andes and the jungle, considered as the eyebrow of the jungle.
Peru is a country with diverse geographies, including beaches, desert, mountains, and rainforest. Each with its own climate, flora, fauna, and weather conditions. This makes it difficult to determine the best time to travel to Peru.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MACHU PICCHU
We highly recommend visiting Machu Picchu during the dry season – between May and October. During the dry season you will have a better chance of seeing the Inca citadel with clear blue skies as a backdrop.
It is totally worth doing an early morning tour as you will get to see the sunrise from Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu is open 7 days a week, every day of the year, including holidays.
Best Season to visit Machu Picchu, Cusco
We highly recommend visiting Machu Picchuduring the dry season – between May and October. During the dry season you will have a better chance of seeing the Inca citadel with clear blue skies as a backdrop.
It is totally worth doing an early morning tour as you will get to see the sunrise in Machu Picchu.
Note: The weather here is unpredictable. It might be a sunny day and all of a sudden heavy mists can gather and obscure the views of Machu Picchu ruins.
Warmest weather in Cusco, Machu Picchu.
For tours to Machu Picchu, the warmest weather is from November to March. On the other hand, this also corresponds to the rainy season. In other words, higher temperatures do not correlate to great weather at Machu Picchu.
The weather of Machu Picchu is warmer than Cusco city because Machu Picchu is located in the eye brow of the Amazon between mountains and jungle.
1-day-inca-trail
The busiest time
The peak season for tourists from around the world and from across Peru flocking to Machu Picchu is from June to August. During this time; large crowds can make it a little hard to move around some parts of the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Make sure as well your Huayna Picchu tickets and book months in advance, the same with Machu Picchu mountain.
June to August is also a popular time for travellers who choose to trek to Machu Picchu through the famous Inca Trail hike.
Rainy Season is from November to March
Rain; anything from light drizzle to heavy downpours – occur almost daily from November until March. The heaviest rain is in February, which is also when the Inca Trail Peru is closed for maintenance.
Orchids are more seen during the rainy season; the blooming season begins in October/November and continues until the end of March.
Overall, we think the best time to visit Machu Picchu is from April to October.
Summarizing from Worst to Best
Machu Picchu in February
Machu Picchu ruins are open, but the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance during the whole month.
November, December, January and March Weather (MACHU PICCHU)
Worst of the rainy season along with February. Floods and landslides due to the rain are possible. Crowds are fewer during Christmas and New Year.
April, May, September and October Weather – Machu Picchu
Shoulder season months. The pleasant climate and warm-to-cool temperature. Most visitors choose this as the best time to visit Machu Picchu.
June, July, and August Weather (MACHU PICCHU)
In our opinion, the best months to visit with good weather. Days are warm, nights are cool. Very little rain. Also locals in Cusco celebrate Inti Raymi (Festival to worship sun) in June.
Important Note: Inca Trail season is open from March to January. In February, the trail was closed due to intense rains that month.
The best time to trek in the Andes is from April to October; however, rain is possible at any time of the year. June, July and August are the high seasons for trekking and Inca Trail permits sell out quickly, sometimes months in advance.
How is the Machu Picchu Weather Year Round?
The Machu Picchu weather averages from January to December is sunny and cloudy during the whole year. Highly recommended to be ready for multiple temperatures. (time as regards heat, dryness, sunshine, wind, rain, etc.).
On the other hand, there is no snow in Machu Picchu citadel. But when you hike the legendary Inca Trail, you could have snow along the trek.
Machu Picchu’s daily weather is unpredictable.
What is Machu Picchu Elevation?
Cuzco the capital of the Incas’s altitude reaches 3,350 meters/11,100 feet above sea level. Machu Picchu elevation is at 2400 meters/7,950 feet above sea level – basically almost a difference of 1,000 meters/3,281 feet.
Machu Picchu ruins are located at the beginning of the Amazon jungle and at the end of the Andes. It means the location of Machu Picchu citadel is between highlands and dense jungle.
Machu Picchu Weather Monthly
The best season to visit Machu Picchu depends on your personal preferences and trip schedule. There is a lot more to consider than just the weather forecast of Machu Picchu.
My name is Marko Andinauta, (I'm Machu Picchu & Inca Trail Guide), I have hiked more than 500 times the famous INCA TRAIL in more than ten years (2007 – 2019); and I have survived the highest point of the Inka Trail “dead woman’s pass at 4215 M - 13780 Ft”; also more than 500 times. Unfortunately, my knee cartilages could not support more to keep hiking The Legendary Inca trail to Machu Picchu. Therefore; I created Happy Gringo Tours Channel to keep working in the same industry; giving information on YOUTUBE about the Inca Trail hike and inviting you to travel to Machu Picchu with us. I got enough knowledge to give you concrete information for unforgettable tours in Peru. We are Official Inca Trail, Machu Picchu tours, and alternative treks Operator.
