Machu Picchu and its surrounds offer a variety of seasonal outdoor activities and phenomenal festivals throughout the year. For ideal weather (bright, dry and cool), you’ll want to join the many travelers that flock to the area from June to August, but almost-as-great conditions can still be had in September and October, with considerably fewer crowds. Learn more about Machu Picchu’s weather, crowds, and annual events below.
## Planning Your Seasonal Adventure to Machu Picchu: A Comprehensive Guide
Machu Picchu, a jewel nestled high within the Peruvian Andes, experiences a climate defined by two distinct seasons, each offering a unique perspective on this iconic destination. Understanding these seasonal variations is crucial for planning your trip and ensuring an unforgettable experience. There’s a dry season, characterized by crystalline skies, the warmth of bright sunshine, and a noticeable coolness in shaded areas and during the evening hours, which typically spans from April to October. Conversely, the wet season, from approximately October to April, brings frequent rainfall and milder temperatures, a period when landslides are a more common occurrence in the region.
The peak of the dry season, offering the most predictable clear weather, aligns perfectly with the months of June, July, and August. This period understandably coincides with the high tourist season at Machu Picchu. Travelers should expect larger crowds and increased demand for accommodations and tours during these months. As the year progresses, October and November usher in the warmest, although relatively wet, weather conditions. Expect daytime highs hovering around 70° F (21° C) during this transitional period. The most intense rainfall arrives shortly thereafter, typically concentrated in the months of January, February, and March.
It’s important to remember that nature at Machu Picchu is often unpredictable, and weather patterns can deviate significantly from these general trends. Even during June, typically a dry month, unexpected cloud cover can suddenly obscure the site, potentially impacting those picture-perfect moments you’ve been anticipating. Conversely, the sun can unexpectedly illuminate the site even during February, one of the wettest months. Preparing for all possibilities is key; be ready for rain, potentially chilly weather, and the intensity of the sun’s rays, regardless of the time of year. This iconic site is situated in an exposed location, making it susceptible to dramatic and rapid shifts in weather conditions.
Machu Picchu itself welcomes visitors throughout the year, offering a year-round opportunity to experience its awe-inspiring beauty. However, the Inca Trail, a legendary hiking route, undergoes annual maintenance and is closed for the entire month of February. This closure is intended to allow the ecosystem to recover and ensure the trail’s long-term sustainability. Another important consideration involves the train services to Machu Picchu. During the months of January through March, train service directly from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, the town serving as the gateway to Machu Picchu, is significantly limited. During this period, train services operate primarily from Ollantaytambo. Careful planning is essential when arranging transportation during these months.
Regardless of whether you choose to visit during the high or low season, expect considerable crowds and relatively higher costs in and around Machu Picchu when compared to most other travel destinations within South America. Planning ahead and booking accommodations, tours, and transportation in advance is always advised.
**(Table Data Paraphrased and Expanded)**
**Seasonal Breakdown for Planning Your Machu Picchu Visit:**
Understanding the nuances of each season can help you tailor your trip to Machu Picchu for the best possible experience. Here’s a more detailed look at what each season offers:
**Winter (High Season): June, July, and August**
* **Pros:** The dry season is in full swing, providing the best weather for outdoor activities. Days are typically bright and clear, making for spectacular views and excellent hiking conditions. This is also a period of vibrant festivals, offering a glimpse into local culture.
* **Cons:** This is the most popular time to visit, meaning larger crowds and higher prices. Advance reservations for accommodations, tours, and permits (especially for the Inca Trail) are essential.
* **Best For:** Hiking enthusiasts and those interested in experiencing local festivals and cultural events.
* **Where to Go:** Any of the numerous hikes in and around Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and Cusco are prime destinations during this season.
**Spring (Shoulder Season): September and October**
* **Pros:** You’ll generally find mostly dry and bright weather, similar to the high season but with fewer crowds. This is an ideal time to enjoy the scenery and explore without the overwhelming number of tourists.
* **Cons:** There are fewer major festivals compared to the winter months.
* **Best For:** Those who prioritize hiking and enjoying the scenery with more space and fewer people.
* **Where to Go:** Explore the numerous hikes in and around Machu Picchu, venture into the Sacred Valley, or discover the historical wonders of Cusco.
**Summer (Low Season): November, December, January, February, and March**
* **Pros:** The primary advantage is fewer visitors, offering a chance to escape the crowds. This is also an excellent time for white-water rafting, as the rivers are fuller due to the increased rainfall.
* **Cons:** This period is characterized by frequent overcast skies and wet weather.
* **Best For:** Travelers seeking to avoid crowds and those interested in water-based activities like rafting.
* **Where to Go:** Focus on exploring the Sacred Valley towns, such as Ollantaytambo and Pisac, or immersing yourself in the rich culture of Cusco.
**Fall (Shoulder Season): April and May**
* **Pros:** A mix of wet and dry weather allows for a wide range of activities, making both high and low season pursuits possible.
* **Cons:** Weather can be unpredictable and potentially poor, despite the increase in crowds and prices compared to the low season.
* **Best For:** Travelers seeking a balance of hiking, cultural experiences, and potentially rafting.
* **Where to Go:** Explore the diverse hikes in and around Machu Picchu, immerse yourself in the beauty of the Sacred Valley, or delve into the historical wonders of Cusco.
## Exploring Machu Picchu by Season: A Deeper Dive
### Embracing the Winter Months (June through August)
Machu Picchu is one of South America’s most popular travel destinations. Compared to other places, it is consistently crowded, but during winter, the numbers swell significantly. Due to the elevated demand, costs for hotels and tours are often increased. It’s advisable to book your travel plans far in advance. However, the benefits of visiting Machu Picchu during this time of year often outweigh the drawbacks.
The weather is typically dry and brilliant, providing a firm hiking surface and minimal chance of rain. This is ideal for the area’s most popular activity: trekking. One famous option is the Inca Trail; keep in mind that this hike requires the booking of a guide and must be arranged many months in advance. Don’t worry if you miss out on a permit, though. There are many other incredible hikes in the region.
The temperature can drop as low as 34° F (1° C). Because of these lower temperatures, a trip to the thermal springs can be an especially welcome experience. Check out spots like Santa Teresa, which is also used as the starting point for the ‘Backdoor to Machu Picchu’ hike.
Beyond hiking, taking in the lively culture of the Sacred Valley and the many magnificent festivals taking place at this time of year is one of the most rewarding things to do. The biggest event is Inti Raymi in June, during the winter solstice. This significant celebration takes place at Sacsayhuaman near Cusco.
**Winter Events:**
* **Cusqueña Beer Festival (June):** Cusco, the city where Peru’s well-known beer, Cusqueña, is produced, hosts a festival. The first week of June is dedicated to the beer, with live performances from rock and salsa groups.
* **Corpus Christi (June):** This deeply felt festival of religious devotion happens on June 11 in town and city squares throughout the Sacred Valley and Peru.
* **Inti Raymi (June):** The Incan and Andean calendar’s most significant celebration is the festival of the sun. It traditionally celebrates the shortest day of the year in the Andes and the time when the sun is furthest from the Earth, June 24. The Incan God of the Sun and the Goddess of Mother Earth, Pachamama, are celebrated in this vibrant celebration held primarily on the grounds of Sacsayhuamán, an Incan site just outside Cusco.
* **Fiestas Patrias (July):** The term “Fiestas Patrias” refers to all celebrations commemorating Peruvian Independence Day on July 28 and the founding of the Republic of Peru on July 29. Because they are observed as a joint holiday, there is a lot of partying in towns and villages around these dates.
* **Pachamama Raymi (August):** On August 1, Earth Mother Day is held in honor of the Incan Mother Earth, Pachamama. Throughout the Sacred Valley, including, notably, at the Moray ruins, celebrations of this traditional Andean festival take place.
### Experiencing the Spring Months (September through October)
Spring follows the peak season, offering a delightful opportunity to experience Machu Picchu. Expect more of the dry, bright weather that characterizes the high season, along with warmer temperatures and fewer crowds. The chance of rain only increases slightly during this season.
Outdoor activities are once again the main attraction, with hiking remaining the most popular choice. This is the perfect time to escape the masses and try a longer hike to Machu Picchu, like the trek via Choquequirao. There are also a few amazing hikes within Machu Picchu that offer breathtaking views of the ruins and surrounding mountains.
**Spring Events:**
* **Señor de Huanca (September):** On September 14, religious travelers come to Cusco from all over Peru, Bolivia, and other South American countries for a six-hour walking journey to Santuario Señor de Huanca, a beautiful chapel close to San Salvador.
* **Semana Turistica de Cusco (October):** While it may appear to be a tourist trap on paper, the events that take place throughout Cusco Tourist Week, which is held at various times during October, provide a lot of fascinating insights into what the region has to offer.
### Summer Adventures (November through March)
Machu Picchu experiences a warm, humid summer season characterized by frequent cloud cover, intense rain, and a higher possibility of mudslides. February is the wettest month of the year. This deters many visitors, resulting in smaller crowds.
Because of this decrease in the number of tourists, the crowds will be smaller compared to any other time of year. Hiking may be restricted, but white-water rafting is available on the rivers around Machu Picchu. Spend some time taking in regional cultural activities. A number of festivals offer a welcome change from the inclement weather, including some of Peru’s most significant festivals, which take place during Christmas/New Year and Carnaval/Semana Santa.
Cusco, the entrance to Machu Picchu, is a thriving metropolis with many cultural attractions. This historical Inca city has a variety of museums, Inca ruins, and magnificent churches and cathedrals, as well as the best and most varied food scene in Peru.
During this time of year, travelers to Machu Picchu should be aware of two important facts: the Inca Trail is closed in February, and there are very few trains running between Cusco and Aguas Calientes between January and March; trains only run from Ollantaytambo.
**Summer Events:**
* **Día de Todos Santos & Día de los Muertos (November):** On November 1 and 2, Peru celebrates the memories of loved ones who have passed away. In the highlands, gifts of food are often brought to the deceased’s cemetery tombs. On November 2, candlelit vigils are also conducted at cemeteries until sunrise, and a special bread called tanta wawa is prepared.
* **Handicrafts Fair (December):** Peru is home to many handicrafts fairs and markets. The Santuranticuy Fair, which takes place on December 24, is among Peru’s biggest artisan fairs. The celebration, which takes place in Cusco Plaza de Armas, is dedicated to the religious figurines and decorations that Peruvians use to adorn their homes.
* **Navidad/Año Nuevo (Christmas/New Year) (December/January):** Christmas is a modest and religious occasion by Peruvian standards, but New Year’s celebrations in Cusco are well-known across the country. With numerous fireworks illuminating the gorgeous city backdrop, revelers come from far and wide.
* **Carnaval (February/March):** This occurs in the days leading up to Lent. Although this event is observed to some extent in practically every Latin American town or city, Cusco is the place to be for the biggest party in this region. The Cusco festivities, set against the gorgeous backdrop of the city and surrounded by mountains, are very photogenic.
* **Semana Santa (Holy Week) (March/April):** This celebration, which takes place throughout Latin America during the week leading up to Easter, is not exclusive to the Machu Picchu region. If Easter falls at the beginning of April or earlier, this celebration takes place in March. On Holy Week Monday, Cusco hosts the festival of Señor de Los Temblores. These unique festivities honor the earthquake of 1650 that damaged Cusco.
### Finding Fall Adventures (April through May)
As the wet season comes to an end in March and high season begins in June, autumn brings Machu Picchu through a period of progressively drier and sunnier weather, as well as the return of important tourist services like the trains that run between Cusco and Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu.
The improving weather results in the return in popularity of hiking as well as white water rafting on certain regional rivers. Rainy weather may force travelers to spend some time indoors. Consider exploring Cusco’s fascinating history and culture.
**Autumn Events:**
* **Semana Santa (Holy Week) (March/April):** This celebration, which takes place throughout Latin America during the week leading up to Easter, is not exclusive to the Machu Picchu region. If Easter falls after the beginning of April, this celebration takes place in April. On Holy Week Monday, Cusco hosts the festival of Señor de Los Temblores. These unique festivities honor the earthquake of 1650 that damaged Cusco.
* **Señor de Choquechilca (May):** From where many travelers take the train to Aguas Calientes to get to Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo hosts its most significant event in late May. The festival commemorates the appearance of a wooden cross close to the town’s Inca Bridge. The event was seen as a miracle in the area and is celebrated with processions, music, and dancing.
## Further Information
Machu Picchu’s month-by-month guides will help you gain even more particular knowledge about what to expect each month of the year at the iconic landmark.
For a summary of all the essentials for visiting the Machu Picchu ruins, check out our Ultimate Guide to Machu Picchu.
B-2037