Best time to go to Machu Picchu Average weather of Machu Picchu, Peru
Tony Samson last update: 17/04/2024When is the best time to go to Machu Picchu?
The Machu Picchu site is one of the must-see places when traveling to Peru. The best time to immerse yourself in the mysterious world of Machu Picchu, weather-wise, is from January to April, and then from September to December. This recommendation is based on favorable weather conditions that make exploring this breathtaking archaeological site easier.
However, when deciding when to visit Machu Picchu, it's not just about the weather. It's also important to consider the tourist season. The high tourist season runs from April to May, and then from July to December. These months attract a large number of visitors, which can create a vibrant atmosphere but also lead to crowding at the site. This can be an advantage if you enjoy the company of other travelers and want to share your impressions.
Moreover, the period from January to March can be particularly appealing for those looking to avoid crowds and have a (slightly) more solitary and contemplative experience. Even though showers are more frequent at the beginning of the season, the beauty of the site in the rain offers a unique and poetic dimension.
Exploring Machu Picchu is not limited to visiting the ruins. Depending on the time of year, different activities can be considered. For example, hiking the Inca Trail or climbing Huayna Picchu are particularly enjoyable during the months of September to November, when the weather is mild and the landscapes lush.
Ultimately, the best time to visit Machu Picchu depends on your personal preferences: climate, tourist crowds, activities planned... Each season offers a unique perspective on this jewel of world heritage, making your trip unforgettable regardless of the chosen period.
So, when is the best time to go to Machu Picchu? Here's some more information to help you in your decision:
- The best months for good weather in Machu Picchu are January, February, March, April, September, October, November and December
- On average, the warmest months are March, April, May, August, September, October, November and December
- The coldest months are June and July
- The rainiest months are January and February
Annual weather in Machu Picchu
Weather details in Machu Picchu month by month
Weather and climate in Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu, this must-see archaeological site located north of the city of Cuzco in Peru, benefits from a short and cool oceanic climate, also known as Cfc climate according to the Köppen-Geiger classification. Its seasons, although distinct, offer a temperate temperature throughout the year. However, it is essential to know the specificities of each season to choose the best time to embark on an adventure. Note that the seasons, which are reversed compared to those in the northern hemisphere, are difficult to distinguish.
Machu Picchu in Summer - January to March
Summer at Machu Picchu is marked by favorable weather conditions with daytime minimum temperatures of 11°C (52°F) and maximum temperatures of 16°C (61°F) in January and February. Note that showers are more frequent at the beginning of the season, with an average of 11 rainy days per month, while in March, the number of rainy days decreases to 8.
Machu Picchu in Autumn - April to June
Autumn at Machu Picchu is pleasant with a stable daytime temperature ranging between 11°C (52°F) and 17°C (63°F) . The number of rainy days decreases significantly, especially in June where there is only one rainy day on average. However, nighttime temperatures start to drop, falling to 5°C (41°F) in June, which can make evenings and nights cool.
Machu Picchu in Winter - July to September
Winter at Machu Picchu is characterized by unfavorable weather conditions. The daytime minimum temperature drops to 7°C (45°F) in July and rises to 11°C (52°F) in September. Despite this, the number of rainy days remains low, with an average of 2 to 3 days, allowing for outdoor activities.
Machu Picchu in Spring - October to December
Spring at Machu Picchu is favorable with daytime temperatures ranging from 12°C (54°F) to 18°C (65°F) . The number of rainy days gradually increases, reaching 9 days in December. Despite this, the number of sunny days remains high, with a majority of clear days throughout the season.
In conclusion, the climate of Machu Picchu is pleasantly temperate throughout the year, despite a cooler winter season. Travelers should therefore prefer the summer and spring months to enjoy the most favorable weather conditions, while preparing for possible showers at the beginning of the year. In any case, each season offers unique aspects of this historical site, making each visit special. It is therefore recommended to check the weather forecast before planning your trip.
Charts: temperature and rainfall in Machu Picchu
In the charts below, you can see the following seasonal norms for the city of Machu Picchu: the minimum and maximum outdoor temperature, the risk and amount of monthly rainfall, daily average sunshine, and relative humidity for each month of the year.
Outside temperature
Precipitation (rainfall)
Daily sunshine hours
Humidity
Peak visitor numbers and tourist seasons in Machu Picchu
Find out when Machu Picchu has its high tourist season (the period when the influx of tourists is highest) and off-peak tourist season using our data and figures.
Tourist seasons in Machu Picchu
- Very low season in Machu Picchu
The months with the lowest number of tourists are: January, February and March. - Low season in Machu Picchu
The months with low numbers of tourists are: May, June, November and December. - High season in Machu Picchu
The number of visitors to Machu Picchu is high in: April, September and October. - Peak season in Machu Picchu
The largest number of tourists visiting Machu Picchu is during: July and August.
Figure: Visitor index for Machu Picchu month by month
Best time for low prices in Machu Picchu
Average prices of hotels in Machu Picchu month by month
Generally, February is the month with the lowest hotel prices in Machu Picchu. So this is a great time to save on your holiday! In contrast, July is statistically the most expensive month of the year for hotels.
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