Best time to visit Machu Picchu

April to May and September to October. Month by month below, with the weather, what's on and what it costs to fly there from your city.

April to May and September to October

Most sources favor the shoulder months of April, May, September and October for good weather with smaller crowds than June to August.

“But we actually prefer April through May, and September through November, for reliable weather without peak crowds.” cntraveler.com
“The best time to visit Machu Picchu is the months of May and October.” activeadventures.com
“the shoulder months like April, May, September, and October often offer a more comfortable experience” salkantaytrekking.com

8 of the 10 travel guides we read name these months.

Machu Picchu month by month

Average high and low in Machu Picchu

January69°F / 53°FChecking fares…One source calls late January the worst time, because intense rain brings landslides that block the train and roads.January and February are the wettest months, with muddy, slippery trails.
February69°F / 53°FChecking fares…The Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance, though Machu Picchu itself stays open daily.The closure makes the site even quieter, according to one travel specialist.February is among the least crowded times at the site.
March70°F / 53°FChecking fares…March is a transition month as the rains ease.Holy Week in late March is one of the busier surge periods.
Best timeApril71°F / 53°FChecking fares…April to early May is called a sweet spot, with green mountains and room between tour groups.The wet season rains have mostly passed and crowds have not yet peaked.April feels lively after the wet season rains.
Best timeMay71°F / 51°FChecking fares…By April and May the rainy season has mostly passed, with clear skies and quiet trails.May is another good month to hike the Inca Trail.May and June are the most popular months for hiking the Inca Trail.
June72°F / 50°FChecking fares…June marks the start of the high season.Cusco has festivals and parades in June, including its anniversary.The Festival of the Sun (Inti Raymi) is held at the end of June.
July72°F / 49°FChecking fares…July and August are the busiest months at the site.Days start near 10°C and reach above 20°C by afternoon, so layers help.
August74°F / 50°FChecking fares…August suits those who do not mind crowds and want all-day sun.Dry season weather brings clear skies, but also the heaviest crowds.
Best timeSeptember74°F / 52°FChecking fares…September and early October are clear and dry with far fewer crowds than mid-year.Nights are still chilly in September, though less cold than July and August.September starts to quieten down.
Best timeOctober73°F / 53°FChecking fares…By October the crowds have mostly dispersed.October temperatures are ideal for hiking the Inca Trail.
November73°F / 54°FChecking fares…November marks the start of the wet season, with occasional showers and low mists.Showers return and conditions grow wetter in November and December.
December70°F / 54°FChecking fares…December through March is the rainy season in Peru.December and January are the greenest months for those who accept rain.The site is open every day of the year, holidays included.

Weather: Machu Picchu averages (long-term averages), as listed in its climate table on Wikipedia.

Every date to Cusco from your city

Live fares from your airport. Watch them and we alert you when they drop.

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

June to AugustPeak of the dry season, with the clearest skies and school holidays.

Quietest

Roughly November to MarchRainy season, fewer visitors.

Watch for

January and FebruaryHeavy rain can cause train and road delays from landslides.
FebruaryThe Classic Inca Trail is closed.
June to AugustDry season nights can be very cold.
All yearDaily tickets are capped and can sell out well ahead.

Questions people ask

How many days are enough for Machu Picchu?: One day covers the highlights in a rush; two days leaves time to slow down and see the site in different light.

Best time to visit Machu Picchu

April to May and September to October

Machu Picchu month by month

Every date to Cusco from your city

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

Quietest

Watch for

Questions people ask

Best time to visit other places

Best time to visit Machu Picchu

April to May and September to October

Machu Picchu month by month

Every date to Cusco from your city

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

Quietest

Watch for

Questions people ask

Best time to visit other places