Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu 2026 Month-by-Month
The short answer: April-May or September-October for the best balance of weather and crowds. June-August for the most reliable dry weather (and the biggest crowds). November-March for the lowest prices and greenest landscapes (but heavy rain).
Machu Picchu sits at 2,430 m on the eastern slopes of the Andes, where the dry highlands meet the cloud forest. The climate doesn't follow standard "Andean" rules — even in the dry months, morning mist is normal.
Two seasons
Dry season — April to October
- Less rain, more stable weather, clearer mornings
- Daytime temperatures: 18-22°C / 64-72°F
- Nighttime: 5-10°C / 41-50°F (chilly in Cusco; mild in Aguas Calientes)
- Inca Trail open and operational
- Most expensive trains, hotels, and overall pricing
- Largest crowds (peak: late June through August)
Wet season — November to March
- Frequent rain, especially January (the wettest month: 180+ mm average)
- Lush green landscapes
- Daytime: 20-25°C / 68-77°F (warm, humid)
- Inca Trail CLOSED for all of February (annual maintenance)
- Lower prices on accommodations and trains
- Smallest crowds (low point: February)
Month-by-month breakdown
January
Heavy rain. Citadel views often obscured by mist. Highest greenery. Inca Trail open. Risk of mudslides on trails. Cheap accommodation. New Year's holiday crowd in early January is mostly Peruvian domestic.
February
Wettest month. Inca Trail closed for maintenance all month. The site itself remains open but rain can disrupt train service. Lowest crowds of the year. Best for photographers who want misty/moody shots. Worst for clear panoramic views.
March
Rain decreasing toward end of month. Inca Trail reopens. Still humid. A few clear days each week. Good prices.
April
One of the best months. Rain mostly stopped. Vegetation still vibrantly green from the wet season. Crowds modest until Easter. Prices in shoulder range. Good Inca Trail conditions.
May
Excellent month. Reliably dry. Clear views. Crowds increasing toward end of month. Inca Trail in great shape. Prices rising into peak.
June
Driest month begins. Cold mornings (sub-5°C in Cusco). Crowds peak. Inti Raymi festival on June 24 fills Cusco. Book everything 3 months ahead.
July
Peak season. School holidays in Peru and northern hemisphere. Lines for buses, trains often full. Highest prices. Spectacular weather. Book 3-4 months ahead.
August
Still peak. Slightly less crowded than July. Driest of the year. Cool nights, warm sunny days. Mountain views at maximum visibility.
September
One of the best months. Crowds thinning. Weather still mostly dry. Excellent for photography (light angles soften). Shoulder pricing.
October
Excellent month. Transition to rainy season but most days still dry. First green flush returning. Crowds significantly lower than peak. Good prices. Note: Routes 1-B and 1-D close partway through (October 16-December 29).
November
Rainy season starts but rain still scattered. Nice green landscapes. Low crowds. Inca Trail still operational. Cheaper prices. Some afternoon thunderstorms.
December
Rainy. Cusco fills again around Christmas/New Year. Late December (30-31) is declared high season for capacity (5,600/day). Clear days exist but irregular.
Crowds versus weather — quick summary
| Month | Weather | Crowds | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Wet | Low | Low | Budget option |
| February | Wettest | Lowest | Lowest | Inca Trail closed |
| March | Wet | Low | Low | Improving |
| April | Mostly dry | Modest | Mid | ★ Excellent |
| May | Dry | Rising | Mid-high | ★ Excellent |
| June | Dry | High | High | Peak — book early |
| July | Driest | Highest | Highest | Peak — book early |
| August | Dry | High | High | Peak |
| September | Mostly dry | Falling | Mid-high | ★ Excellent |
| October | Mostly dry | Mid | Mid | ★ Excellent |
| November | Light rain | Low | Low-mid | Good value |
| December | Wet | Holiday spike | Mid | Variable |
Festivals to know about
- Inti Raymi — June 24. The recreated Inca Sun Festival in Cusco. Major event, fills the city.
- Corpus Christi — June (variable date). Procession through Cusco's Plaza de Armas with 15 saint statues. Very Cusqueño.
- Q'oyllur Rit'i — May/June. Andean pilgrimage to the glacier at Sinakara. UNESCO Intangible Heritage.
- Fiestas Patrias — July 28-29. Peru's independence days. Domestic tourism spikes; book all transport early.
- Christmas / New Year. Cusco celebrations, Santurantikuy artisan market on Dec 24.