Machu Picchu Weather: Month-by-Month Guide

What to expect from the subtropical climate at 2,430m - dry season clarity, wet season greenery, and why you should always pack a rain jacket.

Quick Answer

Machu Picchu has a subtropical climate at 2,430m. Dry season (May-October): 20°C days, 5°C nights, clear mornings with occasional afternoon clouds. Wet season (November-April): 18°C days, daily rain usually in the afternoon, lush green landscapes, fewer tourists. Rain is possible ANY month - always bring rain gear. Best months: May, June, September (dry with fewer crowds than July-August).

Climate Overview

Machu Picchu sits at 2,430m (7,972 ft) in a subtropical cloud forest on the eastern slopes of the Andes. This location creates a unique microclimate - warmer and more humid than Cusco, but cooler than the lowland jungle below.

The site experiences two distinct seasons: a dry season (May-October) and a wet season (November-April). However, because Machu Picchu sits in a cloud forest, moisture is always present. Even in the driest months, clouds can roll in and brief showers can occur.

Temperatures remain relatively stable year-round. The biggest difference between seasons is rainfall, not temperature. This means Machu Picchu is visitable any month - you just need to plan accordingly.

2,430m

Altitude (7,972 ft)

18-22°C

Daytime average

1,800mm

Annual rainfall

May-Sep

Driest months

Important Note

Weather conditions and seasonal patterns can shift from year to year. The information here reflects typical patterns, but conditions on any given day can vary. Check a short-range forecast before your visit for the most accurate picture.

Dry Season (May-October)

The dry season is the most popular time to visit Machu Picchu. Skies are generally clear in the morning, with clouds sometimes building in the afternoon. Rainfall is minimal but not zero - brief showers can still occur.

Mornings tend to be crisp and clear, making this the best season for photography and panoramic views. The trade-off is larger crowds (especially June-August) and higher prices for accommodation in Aguas Calientes.

Dry Season Conditions

Daytime temperature: 19-22°C (66-72°F)
Nighttime temperature: 5-8°C (41-46°F)
Rainfall: 5-40mm per month (very low)
Humidity: Lower than wet season but still moderate
Sunrise: Around 5:30-6:00am
Sunset: Around 5:30-6:00pm
Cloud cover: Clear mornings, possible afternoon clouds
UV index: High - sunscreen essential

Dry Season Tip

The driest months (June-August) coincide with the coldest nights. If you're taking the early morning bus (5:30am), bring warm layers - it can feel quite cold before the sun hits the ruins around 7-8am. Once the sun is up, it warms quickly.

Wet Season (November-April)

The wet season brings daily rainfall, but it rarely rains all day. The typical pattern is clear or partly cloudy mornings with rain arriving in the afternoon (usually after 1-2pm). This means early morning visits often enjoy decent weather.

The wet season has real advantages: fewer tourists, lower prices, and the landscape is dramatically green and lush. The terraces are vibrant, waterfalls appear on surrounding mountains, and the atmosphere is moody and photogenic in a different way.

Wet Season Conditions

Daytime temperature: 17-20°C (63-68°F)
Nighttime temperature: 10-12°C (50-54°F) - warmer than dry season
Rainfall: 150-350mm per month
Humidity: High (80-90%)
Rain pattern: Usually afternoon, sometimes heavy downpours
Fog/mist: Common in early morning, often clears by 9-10am
Trail conditions: Slippery stone paths - good grip shoes essential
Inca Trail: Closed in February for maintenance

January-February Warning

January and February are the wettest months with the heaviest rainfall. The Inca Trail closes entirely in February. Landslides occasionally disrupt train service. If visiting in these months, have flexible plans and travel insurance.

Month-by-Month Breakdown

Here's what to expect each month at Machu Picchu. Remember that weather varies year to year - these are typical patterns, not guarantees.

Month	Temp (Day)	Rain	Crowds	Notes
January	18°C	Heavy	Low	Wettest month. Lush green. Possible trail closures.
February	18°C	Heavy	Low	Inca Trail closed. Heaviest rain. Landslide risk.
March	19°C	Moderate-Heavy	Low-Medium	Rain easing. Still green. Good value month.
April	19°C	Moderate	Medium	Transition month. Rain decreasing. Vegetation lush.
May	20°C	Low	Medium	Dry season starts. Clear skies. Great month to visit.
June	20°C	Very Low	High	Driest month. Cold mornings. Inti Raymi festival in Cusco.
July	20°C	Very Low	Very High	Peak season. Book everything far ahead.
August	21°C	Low	Very High	Still dry. Very busy. Slightly warmer.
September	21°C	Low	Medium-High	Crowds thinning. Still dry. Excellent month.
October	21°C	Moderate	Medium	Transition month. Some rain returning. Good value.
November	20°C	Moderate	Medium	Wet season begins. Afternoon showers. Fewer tourists.
December	19°C	Heavy	Medium	Rain increasing. Holiday crowds late month.

Best Time to Visit

The "best" time depends on your priorities. Here's how to choose:

Best Weather: May, June, September

These months offer dry conditions with fewer crowds than July-August peak season. May and September are shoulder months - you get dry season weather without the worst of the crowds. June is the driest month overall.

Fewest Crowds: January-March

The wet season means fewer tourists. You'll deal with rain (bring gear), but you'll have more space at the ruins. January-February is wettest. March is a good compromise - rain easing, crowds still low.

Best Value: November, March-April

Shoulder months offer lower prices on accommodation and tours. Weather is mixed but manageable. You get some rain but also some clear days. Hotels in Aguas Calientes drop prices significantly.

Worst Time: January-February

Heaviest rainfall, highest landslide risk, Inca Trail closed in February. Train disruptions possible. If you must visit, go early morning and expect rain. Have backup plans and travel insurance.

What to Pack for the Weather

Regardless of season, Machu Picchu weather is unpredictable. Pack for all conditions.

Any Season (Always Bring)

Waterproof rain jacket (not just water-resistant)
Sunscreen SPF 50+ (UV is strong at altitude)
Sun hat or cap
Layers (morning cold, midday warm)
Walking shoes with good grip
Water bottle
Sunglasses

Wet Season Extras

Rain poncho (backup to jacket)
Waterproof bag cover or dry bag
Quick-dry clothing (avoid cotton)
Extra pair of socks
Waterproof phone case
Insect repellent (more bugs in wet season)

Weather Tips

Morning is best: Regardless of season, mornings tend to have the clearest weather. Book the earliest entry time you can manage.
Fog is normal: Early morning fog often burns off by 9-10am. If you arrive to fog, wait - it usually clears and the reveal is dramatic.
Afternoon clouds: Even in dry season, clouds often build after noon. Get your photos in the morning.
Microclimates: Weather can change rapidly. You might experience sun, clouds, and rain all within one visit.
Cusco weather ≠ Machu Picchu weather: It can be sunny in Cusco and raining at Machu Picchu (or vice versa). They have different climates.
Check forecasts: Short-range forecasts (2-3 days) are reasonably accurate. Longer forecasts are unreliable for this microclimate.
Stone paths get slippery: When wet, the ancient stone paths become very slick. Shoes with good tread are essential, not optional.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best month to visit Machu Picchu for weather?

May, June, and September offer the best combination of dry weather and manageable crowds. July and August are also dry but have peak tourist numbers. May and September are shoulder months with clear skies and fewer visitors than mid-winter.

Does it rain at Machu Picchu in the dry season?

Yes, rain is possible any month at Machu Picchu. Even in the driest months (June-August), brief showers can occur, especially in the afternoon. Always bring a rain jacket regardless of when you visit. The dry season simply means rain is less frequent and less intense.

How cold does it get at Machu Picchu?

Daytime temperatures range from 18-22°C (64-72°F) year-round. Nights drop to 5-8°C (41-46°F) in the dry season and 10-12°C (50-54°F) in the wet season. Early morning (6am entry) can feel cold, especially in June-August, so bring layers.

Is the wet season a bad time to visit Machu Picchu?

Not necessarily. The wet season (November-April) means afternoon rain showers, but mornings are often clear. You get lush green scenery, fewer tourists, and lower prices. January-February has the heaviest rain and the Inca Trail closes in February. March-April and November are good wet season options.

What should I wear to Machu Picchu weather-wise?

Dress in layers. Mornings are cool (especially at 6am), midday gets warm in the sun, and rain can arrive anytime. Bring a waterproof rain jacket, sun hat, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes with grip. Avoid cotton - it stays wet. Quick-dry fabrics are ideal.

Is there fog at Machu Picchu?

Yes, fog and low clouds are common, especially in the early morning and during the wet season. The mist often burns off by mid-morning (9-10am). The iconic misty photos of Machu Picchu are taken in these conditions. Some visitors prefer the atmospheric fog over clear skies.

When is the Inca Trail closed?

The Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance. This coincides with the heaviest rainfall month. If you plan to hike the Inca Trail, avoid February entirely. All other months are open, though March can still be very wet on the trail.

How does Machu Picchu weather compare to Cusco weather?

Machu Picchu is warmer and more humid than Cusco. It sits at 2,430m in a subtropical cloud forest, while Cusco is at 3,400m in a dry highland climate. Machu Picchu gets more rainfall, more fog, and has milder temperatures. Cusco is colder and drier.