If there’s one thing I learned at Machu Picchu, it’s this: Machu Picchu weather doesn’t care what kind of day you planned.
I’ve trekked the Inca Trail under a blazing sun and tiptoed down slippery stone steps in a poncho that looked like it came from a 90s rave.
Knowing what to expect, weather-wise, is half the battle. It’ll make your trip a whole lot smoother.
Whether you’re chasing those cloud-free postcard shots or embracing the misty, mystical mood, I’ve broken down exactly what the Machu Picchu weather’s like month by month so you don’t end up packing everything you own "just in case."
Ready? Let’s roll.
Machu Picchu Weather by Month
Dreaming of ancient ruins and misty mountains? Before you pack your hiking boots or sunhat, get the lowdown on what each month brings.
From blazing trails in July to lush green rainstorms in February, here’s what to expect when you’re planning your adventure to Machu Picchu.
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Now. Let’s get into the month-by-month Machu Picchu weather report.
January
Expect: Warm temps and frequent rain. Trails can be muddy, but the mountains glow green.
- Avg Rainfall: High
- Avg Temp: 19°C (day), 10°C (night)
- Crowd Level: Low
Waterproof everything. Seriously. Even your socks.
February
Expect: Heavy rains and possible trail closures. The Inca Trail is officially closed for maintenance.
- Avg Rainfall: Very High
- Avg Temp: 19°C (day), 9°C (night)
- Crowd Level: Very Low
Machu Picchu itself stays open. Take the train instead and embrace the moody views.
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March
Expect: The rain begins to ease, and flowers start blooming like mad.
- Avg Rainfall: Medium to High
- Avg Temp: 20°C (day), 9°C (night)
- Crowd Level: Low
March is ideal for photographers who love a good dramatic sky and fewer selfie sticks.
April
Expect: A perfect in-between month. Clearer skies, lush landscapes, fewer crowds.
- Avg Rainfall: Medium
- Avg Temp: 21°C (day), 8°C (night)
- Crowd Level: Medium
April is my personal favourite month to visit Machu Picchu. You get to enjoy golden light, green hills, and better odds of staying dry-ish.
May
Expect: Dry season kicks off! Prime time for trekking with loads of things to do at Machu Picchu.
- Avg Rainfall: Low
- Avg Temp: 21°C (day), 6°C (night)
- Crowd Level: Rising
During May the trails are fresh and not yet crowded. Remember to pack layers for chilly mornings.
June
Expect: Cool, crisp, and dry “classic” Andean winter. Welcome to the high season.
- Avg Rainfall: Very Low
- Avg Temp: 20°C (day), 5°C (night)
- Crowd Level: High
Bring thermals if you’re camping, and book everything way in advance. June is peak-travel time.
July
Expect: Dry, sunny days and postcard-perfect views.
- Avg Rainfall: Very Low
- Avg Temp: 19°C (day), 5°C (night)
- Crowd Level: Very High
Here’s a pro tip for July. Early starts = better light and fewer people. And yes, it’s worth it.
August
Expect: A continuation of July’s dry weather—plus gusty winds on exposed trails.
- Avg Rainfall: Very Low
- Avg Temp: 20°C (day), 6°C (night)
- Crowd Level: High
During August, sunglasses are a must. Trust me, even the llamas squint this time of year.
September
Expect: Dry season winds down, with warmer days and still-clear skies.
- Avg Rainfall: Low
- Avg Temp: 21°C (day), 7°C (night)
- Crowd Level: Medium
September is a sweet spot for visiting Machu Picchu. It’s less crowded than June-August but just as lovely.
October
Expect: A few more clouds and light rain, but trails are still manageable.
- Avg Rainfall: Medium
- Avg Temp: 22°C (day), 8°C (night)
- Crowd Level: Low to Medium
Great month for lush greenery without full-on rainy season chaos.
November
Expect: Rain becomes more common, but days are still warm.
- Avg Rainfall: Medium to High
- Avg Temp: 22°C (day), 9°C (night)
- Crowd Level: Low
It’s wise to carry a poncho in your daypack during December. The weather can turn mid-hike.
December
Expect: Warm, wet, and vibrant scenery. everything’s in bloom again.
- Avg Rainfall: High
- Avg Temp: 21°C (day), 9°C (night)
- Crowd Level: Low to Medium
December is a strange one. It’s rainy, yes, but the clouds make Machu Picchu look mythical. Read more about trekking to Machu Picchu during December in Mark’s handy guide.
Dry Season vs Wet Season at Machu Picchu: What You Really Need to Know
When planning a trip to Machu Picchu, the first decision isn't which trail to hike. It’s when to go. And trust me, the weather will shape your whole experience.
I’ve hiked under powder-blue skies where every stone glowed golden, and I’ve squelched my way down muddy paths, soaked through but grinning like a loon. Here’s how the two main seasons stack up:
Dry Season (May to September)
If you're dreaming of sunny skies, epic sunrise shots, and dust-free boots (well, mostly), this is your window. It’s technically winter in Peru, but don’t let that fool you.
The days are usually sunny and warm, with chilly nights that’ll make you grateful for a good pair of woolly socks. It’s also the peak season for trekking Machu Picchu.
What to Expect:
- Clear skies: Your chances of cloudless views over the ruins are highest now. Perfect for photography.
- Cool mornings, warm days: You’ll start in layers, strip down to a t-shirt by midday, then layer back up come sunset.
- Crowds: The secret's out. You’ll be sharing the trail with plenty of other adventurers, especially in June, July, and August.
- Trail conditions: Dry and generally easier to walk. Less mud, fewer slips, more grip!
What to Pack:
- Lightweight, layerable clothing
- Sunblock and sunglasses (seriously, the high-altitude sun is no joke)
- A decent headlamp if you’re starting early
- Thermals or fleece for night-time chills
- Comfy, broken-in hiking boots
Dry season mornings are freezing. I once wore gloves for the first hour of the Inca Trail and felt like a very lost Sherlock Holmes. Don’t underestimate the temperature swing between dawn and midday.
If you decide to go during the peak season, you will need to book early to grab one of the 500 permits issued on the Inca Trail each day.
Wet Season (October to April)
Now, this is where Machu Picchu transforms into a misty dreamland. Yes, you’ll get wet. Yes, there’s mud. But oh, the greenery.
The landscape bursts into life like something out of a Studio Ghibli film. And if you’re the kind who loves a dramatic sky or fewer tourists photobombing your perfect llama shot, this is your season.
What to Expect:
- Frequent rain showers: Especially in January and February. But they tend to come in bursts. You might still get sunshine on either side.
- Lush vegetation: Ferns, orchids, and moss turn the Sacred Valley into a fairytale.
- Cloud drama: Epic foggy views, sunbeams breaking through like divine interventions.
- Lower foot traffic: Fewer people on the trails means more space for your inner explorer.
The Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance, but Machu Picchu itself remains open. Trains and alternative treks like Salkantay are still available. Trails can be slippery, especially on the descent. Good grip is your best friend.
What to Pack:
- A proper rain jacket (go waterproof and breathable)
- Quick-dry clothing (cotton is your enemy here)
- Waterproof boots and a poncho or backpack cover
- Spare socks (and a dry bag for said socks)
- Hiking poles for balance
There’s something magical about arriving at the Sun Gate with mist swirling around you and then watching it clear like a curtain lifting. You feel like Indiana Jones. Damp Indiana Jones, but still.
Bonus: A Quick Look at Shoulder Months
April and October are those rare gems. These are transitional months where you get the best of both worlds.
Apri offers green landscapes, improving trail conditions and fewer crowds.
On the other hand, October brings warm days, vibrant scenery, and occasional dramatic skies without full-blown monsoon vibes.
So Which Season Is Better?
Honestly? It depends on what kind of adventurer you are. If you’re all about picture-perfect weather and don’t mind crowds, the dry season is your ticket.
If you love moody landscapes, spontaneous adventures, and can handle getting a little muddy, the wet season has its own unique charm.
Me? I’ve done both, and I’d do them again in a heartbeat. Just maybe not in the same year. My boots still haven’t forgiven me.
Machu Picchu Through the Seasons: What You’ll Feel, See, and Wear
Here’s the thing: Peru’s in the Southern Hemisphere, which means its seasons are flipped from what most travellers are used to. Summer is in December. Winter is in June.
And the weather? Well, it’s cheeky. It doesn’t always follow the rules. Because Machu Picchu sits at about 2,430 metres (that’s 7,970 feet if you still think in feet), the climate is mountain subtropical. Which is a fancy way of saying “expect surprises.”
So while the wet and dry seasons are more useful for planning, this breakdown gives you a feel for what to expect during the actual calendar seasons.
Spring (September to November)
Spring marks the end of the dry season and the slow return of rain. Think warmer days, the odd afternoon shower, and landscapes starting to green up again.
Flowers start to bloom, and Machu Picchu looks like it’s waking up from a dry-season nap.
Spring is best for shoulder-season lovers who want a balance of good weather and fewer crowds. It’s a bit of a secret sweet spot. But you’ll have to layer up!
You’ll want breathable gear for sunny hikes, plus a waterproof shell for surprise sprinkles. Don’t forget a hat. It’s still very bright out there.
I did a September hike once where it was sunny in the morning, cloudy by lunch, and I was in a rainstorm by the time I got to the hot springs. Wild ride. Totally worth it.
My Pro tip: Check out this handy guide on what to pack for Machu Picchu.
Summer (December to February)
Machu Picchu summer is Hot, humid, and wet. This is also the peak rainy season. Showers can be intense but short-lived.
I find they’re typically just long enough to soak you and make the trail feel like a Slip ’N Slide. Everything is outrageously green, and clouds create dramatic backdrops around the ruins.
Summer is best for adventurers who don’t mind a bit of mud and want vibrant scenery without the tourist mobs. The season is also perfect for train travellers and anyone avoiding high-altitude hikes.
So what do you wear for summer? Quick-dry everything, a rain jacket, waterproof boots, and a sense of humour. I once saw a rainbow inside the ruins. That’s how wet and sunny it was at the same time. You don’t get that kind of magic in spreadsheets.
Autumn (March to May)
During autumn the rain tapers off, skies clear, and you’re left with some of the most photogenic days of the year. The trails are greener than in peak dry season, but no longer soggy. Nights start cooling down.
Autumn is perfect for first-timers, photographers, and anyone who wants good weather without high-season hassle. April and May are especially dreamy.
I recommend taking light layers for daytime, warmer gear for nights and still bring the rain jacket, just in case.
Winter (June to August)
Winter is marked by dry, cold nights and clear, sunny days. This is when Machu Picchu is most “Instagram-ready.”
Sadly, winter is also when it’s the most crowded. Days are gloriously bright and crisp; nights will have you burrowing into your sleeping bag like a pisco-marinated burrito.
Winter is great for those who want optimal trekking conditions and don’t mind sharing the trail with every gap-year student and their cousin.
Ready to go out during winter? Grab some thermal base layers, sun protection, and warm evening wear (beanie, gloves, fleece, the works).
My Go-To Weather Apps for Machu Picchu Travel
Let’s be honest. When you're planning a trek through misty mountains and ancient ruins, your weather app becomes your new best friend.
I’ve tested a few in the wild (literally), and these are the ones I swear by when wandering around the Sacred Valley:
1. Windy
Windy offers detailed wind, rain, and cloud forecasts on an animated map. It’s oddly hypnotic and incredibly accurate for mountainous regions. You can check forecast models side-by-side. Perfect when the Inca gods are being unpredictable.
2. Yr.no
Yr.no offers Scandinavian precision for Andean adventures. This Norwegian app is weirdly good at forecasting mountain weather. I love Yr.no because it provides hour-by-hour forecasts and low data usage, which helps when you’re on a dodgy signal.
3. AccuWeather
AccuWeather is a solid all-rounder with reliable rain alerts and a good “RealFeel” temp reading (because 18°C can feel like 10°C at altitude). My favourite feature? Customisable alerts. I use them to know when to pack the poncho before I hear the thunder.
4. Weather Underground
The last Machu Picchu weather app on my list is Weather Underground. I love this app because of the crowd-sourced weather reports.
Crowd-sourced reports mean you’re getting updates from people nearby, sometimes even fellow trekkers. These hyperlocal forecasts are the closest thing to getting a weather update from your trail guide via crystal ball.
And on that note, here’s a vital tip: Signal can vanish faster than a llama dodging a selfie. Always ask your guide for the next day's forecast.
They often get localised updates from the tour operators or just know from decades of experience. Also, trust the clouds. If the locals start pulling out ponchos, you probably should too.
My Final Thoughts
At the end of the day (or the end of the trek) Machu Picchu is magic no matter what the skies are doing.
I’ve stood on those ancient stones drenched to the bone, and I’ve basked in sunlight with a smug SPF-slicked grin.
Every time, it felt like a gift. The kind of place that reminds you how small you are… and how wonderful that can be.
So yes, plan ahead. Pack smart. Use the apps. But don’t let the forecast decide your adventure. Whether you go in soggy February or crisp July, there’s something unforgettable waiting for you there. Just bring your sense of wonder. And maybe an extra pair of socks.