Home › Machu Picchu › Best time to visit
Best time to visit Machu Picchu: month by month
Short answer
May to September is the dry season, with only 5-12 rainy days a month in the data and highs of 16-18°C, giving the clearest views; June to August is the busiest. October to April is wetter, with 22-29 rainy days a month, greener terraces and fewer visitors. Mornings at the citadel are often misty, clearing by mid-morning.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 20°C | 14°C | 29 | medium |
| Feb | 20°C | 14°C | 27 | low |
| Mar | 20°C | 13°C | 28 | medium |
| Apr | 21°C | 13°C | 24 | high |
| May | 20°C | 12°C | 12 | high |
| Jun | 20°C | 11°C | 8 | very high |
| Jul | 22°C | 11°C | 10 | very high |
| Aug | 21°C | 12°C | 15 | very high |
| Sep | 22°C | 13°C | 21 | high |
| Oct | 22°C | 14°C | 25 | high |
| Nov | 21°C | 14°C | 26 | medium |
| Dec | 21°C | 14°C | 28 | medium |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar-May)
Rain eases from about 27 rainy days in March to 11 in May; highs of 16-17°C. April and May are a good balance.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Dry season, 16-18°C by day and 8-9°C at night, with 5-12 rainy days. Peak crowds; Inti Raymi in Cusco on 24 June.
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
About 17-18°C, with rain increasing from 18 days in September to 26 in November.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Rainy season, 16-17°C with 26-29 rainy days. Fewest visitors; the Inca Trail closes in February.
Events worth planning around
- Inti Raymi, the Inca Festival of the Sun, in Cusco on 24 June
- Corpus Christi in Cusco, May or June
- Qoyllur Rit'i pilgrimage, usually late May or June
- Holy Week (Semana Santa) in Cusco, March or April
When to avoid
February is the wettest month and the Inca Trail is closed. June to August is the most crowded, with tickets selling out weeks ahead.
Common questions
What is the best month to visit Machu Picchu?
May or September: dry, with clear views and fewer crowds than June to August.
When is the rainy season at Machu Picchu?
Roughly November to March, with afternoon storms and the Inca Trail closed in February.
How far ahead should I book?
For June to August, book the citadel ticket 1-3 months ahead and Huayna Picchu even earlier.