When to Visit Machu Picchu, Peru & Weather & Other Travel Tips

Machu Picchu Weather in January: Machu Picchu gets a lot of rain in January, 154 mm (6 inches) to be exact, making it the wettest month of the year. The rain brings a fabulous mountain view to the city along with relatively cool temperatures. The average high and average low temperatures range between 68°F (20°C) and 46°F (8°C).

February sees the temperature averages remain exactly the same at 68°F (20°C) for the high temperature average and 46°F (8°C) for the low temperature average.

In March, the precipitation rate remains relatively high at 113 mm. Meanwhile, the average high and average low temperatures hold steady at 68°F (20°C) and 46°F (8°C) respectively.

Machu Picchu Weather in April: There are small shifts in average high and average low temperatures in April. The high temperature average increases by a single degree to 69°F (21°C) while the low temperature average decreases to 43°F (6°C).

In May, the precipitation average is 9mm (0.3 inches). The average high temperature and the average low temperature are 70°F (21°C) and 38°F (4°C) respectively.

June sees the average low temperatures continue its downward trend to 35°F (2°C). Meanwhile, the average high temperature goes back to 69°F (20°C).

In July, rainfall average decrease to 8 mm (0.3 inches), making this the driest month of the year in Machu Picchu. The average low temperature and average high temperature range between 34°F (1°C), 68°F (20°C).

Machu Picchu Weather in August: As one of the last few months of Machu Picchu’s lean season, August brings some of the coolest temperatures of the year to this Peruvian city. High temperature averages are at 69°F (21°C) while low temperature averages rise to 37°F (3°C).

September receives relatively low levels of rain with a 14 mm (1 inch) precipitation average. The high and low temperature averages are at 71°F (21°C) and 41°F (5°C) respectively.

In October, the average high temperature holds steady at 71°F (22°C). On the other hand, the average low temperature rises a few degrees to 44°F (7°C). The beautiful climate brings in the beginning of Machu Picchu’s peak season.

November sees the high temperatures remain the same at 71°F (22°C). The low temperature average increases by a single degree to 45°F (7°C). Meanwhile, the rain picks up again in Machu Picchu with a precipitation rate of 77 mm (3 inches).

Machu Picchu Weather in December: The climate remains temperate in December, making hiking an absolute dream with an average high temperature of 70°F (21°C). The average low temperature is 46°F (8°C).

As one of the most awe inspiring ancient sites in the world, Machu Picchu draws hundreds of thousands of curious travelers to its grounds every year. For the avid hikers and explorers keen to traverse all of the gorgeous trails that Machu Picchu has to offer, the best time to visit would be in between late October and April. These months are considered the summer months and is also the lean season, which means less people on the trails and in the forests. Be sure to avoid February, however, as this is the month where the Inca Trail is typically closed for yearly maintenance. For those who want to experience Carnival in Machu Picchu, make sure to come in March for the endless food, costumes, dancing and music. Travelers who would rather avoid the crowds should plan to visit in November or March and April, which also offers a unique view of the gorgeous mountains of Machu Picchu. Verified Resource: The Weather Channel

Travel Tips:

There are several ways to get to Machu Picchu. Most people arrive by air at the Aeropuerto Internacional Vaelasco Astete in the city of Cusco. This is a fascinating city and you should plan to spend some time exploring it. The most popular way to get from Cuzco to Machu Picchu is by train. The station called Estacion Poroy is on the outskirts of Cusco. The train ride from Cusco to Machu Picchu is very scenic. The train station closest to Machu Picchu is called Aguas Calientes. Then you hop on a bus up to Machu Picchu. You can also hike on the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

The Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport is Cusco’s only airport. It is located just ten minutes from the center of Cusco. There are several ways to make this short journey. Llama Taxis is the only official taxi company that travels between the airport and the hotels at the city center. There are also many unofficial taxis that wait outside of the airport. These taxis have no meters, so you must negotiate a fare before you start your journey. You can also walk out to the street and find a taxi. Local buses known as combis stop outside of the airport near the Pecsa petrol station. On reaching Agua Calientes you will need to take a bus up to Machu Picchu.

The bus that takes you up the mountain from Agua Calientes will stop near the entrance to Machu Picchu. There are no vehicles and no forms of transportations at the top of this tourist attraction. Plan on wearing comfortable shoes. Walking sticks are not allowed, but this rule is rarely enforced. Be respectful and don’t walk on any of the ancient walls: if you do, you’ll hear the whistles of the site’s guards. Some people choose to climb the nearby Huayna Picchu. There are two times this is possible: at 7:00 in the morning and at 10:00 in the morning. The climb takes about two hours on the way up.

There are two main streets in the small town of Aguas Calientes, which means “hot water” in Spanish and, indeed, there are hot water spas here. The two main streets are Avenida Imperio de los Incas and Avenida Pachucutec. There are no fine dining restaurants in this little town, but there are several places to eat during your time at Machu Picchu. There are little pizzerias along the railway tracks near the train station for snacks, and in the town there are several other pizza restaurants including Pachamama, Pizzeria Su Chosa, Inti Killa, Incawasi, and El Fogon de las Mestizas. Take a snack lunch with you up to Machu Picchu.

With its magical scenery, Machu Picchu and its surroundings offer a unique and special setting for a wedding. One of the places that accommodates weddings is the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. It is very close to Machu Picchu, and the wedding package includes a shaman ceremony with live music, flowers, and cake. A completely different wedding package is called Arac Masin: this is an outdoors wedding venue. Arac Masin is a private symbolic Andean ceremony in an open-air space that has been decorated with coca leaves and flowers. The ceremony is led by a shaman and includes flowers, Andean attire for the bride and groom, and champagne.

There are several options for accommodations when you visit Machu Picchu. For many people, staying in Cusco is their preferred option as there are many choices of hotels in this city, and there are many attractions to see. It is also a relaxing way to visit Machu Picchu, because you can enjoy the train ride from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Other people prefer to go straight to Agua Calientes, the town closest to Machu Picchu, and spend the night there. In Agua Calientes you will find a variety of inexpensive hostels and hotels. The Belmond Sanctuary Lodge is a five star property very close to Agua Calientes.