The Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu For You
The urge to wander waits for nothing and no one. Sometimes, we’re struck by the urge to pack our bags and set out for a novel destination, and there’s nothing anyone can do to stop us. Still, if you want to plan ahead for your visit to Peru, it’s good to know the best time to visit Machu Picchu.
Typically, the best time to travel to Machu Picchu is anywhere from April to October. But what makes this the right time of year for an Incan-style getaway, and what are the exceptions to the rule? At Discover Inca Planet, we’re here to lay it all out on the table for you.
What Determines the Best Time for Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is a beautiful place, so it only makes sense that you’d want to visit. There are a few factors that determine the best time for Machu Picchu vacationing. By knowing what goes into a successful trip to Peru, you can adequately plan the journey of a lifetime. Here are the main factors:
- Peak Season – If you’re concerned about population, you’ll want to find out when Machu Picchu attracts the most visitors. Peak season at Machu Picchu is the most popular, and it’s typically consistent throughout the year. Once you find out when the busiest time of year for Machu Picchu is, you can avoid it by booking your trip for low season (or join the crowds if that’s your prerogative).
- Rainy Season – Peru has two main faces: rainy and dry. If you don’t mind the occasional rain storm, the rainy season shouldn’t bother you. However, many people choose to book around the rain rather than smack dab in the middle of it. People who plan to trek through Machu Picchu typically try to avoid the wettest times of the year.
- Weather Conditions – The Machu Picchu region is rather temperate, with extreme highs and lows a rarity. Still, the higher up you go in the mountains, the chillier you’ll find the mornings. Moreover, weather at high altitude can change drastically without much warning. Certain times of the year are more predictable than others.
More On Peak Season at Machu Picchu
Fortunately, Machu Picchu’s peak season isn’t terribly long. June to August is the most popular time for tourism. It’s during this period that crowds can get a little intense, particularly at the Sanctuary and the entrance to the ruins. Lines may be longer than you’d like, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth the wait.
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The Inca Trail has the same peak season (June to August) as Machu Picchu itself. The trail only allows a maximum of 500 people entering it per day, including tourists and guides alike. This means that, whether or not you go during peak season, you’ll want to obtain a permit in advance.
This trail books up almost every day of the year. It’s also closed during the entire month of February each year for maintenance, so keep that in mind when booking your travels.
The Details on Machu Picchu’s Rainy Season
Peru’s two main seasons are rainy and dry. The rainy season lasts from November to March while the dry season occurs the rest of the year. Both have their pros and cons, so the best time to visit Machu Picchu really depends on your preference.
During the rainy season, travelers can expect light rain as well as monsoon-esque downpours. From November to March, these spells happen pretty much every day. The rain hits the hardest in February, which just so happens to overlap with the annual month-long closing of the Inca trail. Don’t be surprised to see a flood or encounter the aftermath of a landslide during your rainy season stay.
While the rain can be troublesome for many a traveler, it also means plenty of flora for your viewing pleasure. The area surrounding Machu Picchu is lush with orchids, which bloom brightest during the rainy half of the year. It definitely makes for a beautiful, mystical photo.
As for the dry season, travelers are safest from the rain from April to October. This is when picturesque blue sky backgrounds adorn the Machu Picchu landscape.
Even in the dry season, morning mists and afternoon drizzles still arise on occasion. You’ll want to come prepared with a bit of rain gear just incase (especially if you’re planning on hiking to Machu Picchu).
Weather Conditions in the Cusco Region
Travelers typically don’t book their Machu Picchu trip around warm weather. The reason for this is simple: the warmest time of the year is from November to March, which also happens to be the wettest. However, even Machu Picchu’s cooler weather is not that much cooler, so it’s not a tremendous trade off.
The Cusco region tends to offer pretty temperate weather. Regardless of what month it is, the highs stay at about 70 degrees Fahrenheit while the lows waver around 40. From June to August—the area’s peak season—temperatures can sink to the low 30s, a difference of 5 or 10 degrees.
Of course, the Andes peaks are no strangers to snow, hail and rain. The higher altitude you reach during your treks, the more unpredictable the weather is going to be. Be sure to pack proper clothing and gear for your outdoor excursions, not only for comfort but also the safety of you and those you’re traveling with.
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April to October is the Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu
All things considered, April to October is the best time to travel to Machu Picchu. However, each month during this time has its own ups and downs. Here’s the rundown:
- March – This is the first month out of Machu Picchu’s rainy season. If you’re worried about rain, traveling to this Peruvian region during the month of March can be a bit risky as rainfall can still occur. But there’s one major plus: it’s low season! You’ll be able to soak up unobstructed vistas and skip through entrances to the ruins, and that may be worth chancing.
- April – Still a bit soon out of the rainy season, April can also be hit or miss. However, it’s before the crowds come in the summer, which is a major plus. Even if it does rain in the mornings or afternoons, you’re likely to get sun at some point in the day.
- May – Even when Machu Picchu’s rainy season ends, rain can still occur. This is the case during the month of May, when downpours will likely be out of the picture. Brightness tends to find its way during the afternoon, so you can enjoy ruins and trails with a blue sky above you. The crowds will be picking up by this point , but it’s not the same as what peak season brings.
- June to August – As we mentioned, June to August is the busiest time at Machu Picchu. The weather is bright and sunny, making it easier to capture crisp photos. It’s up to you whether or not busy crowds and full queues are a deal breaker for you.
September to October – September and October have similar pros and cons as the months of April and May. At this point in the year, the rainy season is beginning to sneak its way back into the Peruvian picture. However, the crowds of summer begin to wane, thus opening up your view of ruins, mountains and more.
Other Considerations for Your Machu Picchu Trip
- Whatever time of year you go, try to visit the ruins in the afternoon. This is when the skies are bound to be clearest.
- Permits for the Inca Trail are granted on a first come, first served basis. Don’t wait until the last minute or you may not make the roster.
- Don’t bring a single-use plastic water bottle to Machu Picchu. They’re not allowed, and they’re definitely not good for the environment.
- Machu Picchu opening hours are from 6 am to 5:30 pm daily. Be sure to schedule your visit during this time.
- You have to buy your Machu Picchu entrance ticket in advance. You can do so at the new Peru government website, which they just launched this year.
- If you’re not hiking to Machu Picchu, the only way to get there is by train. Tour companies typically do the transportation planning for you.
The Best Time For Machu Picchu is Now
Machu Picchu stands proud every day of the year. It dims its shine for no weather or crowds. While we believe the best time to visit Machu Picchu is from April to October, the important thing is to get to Machu Picchu in the first place.
This is one place you don’t want to leave lingering on your bucket list without having taken the plunge. If you can only go to Machu Picchu one time of the year, go you must.
