The best time to visit Machu Picchu is from April to October, the dry season, with May, September and early October as the best balance of clear skies and fewer crowds. June to August is the busiest period. November to March is the rainy season: still open and greener, but with frequent afternoon showers. The Inca Trail closes every February.
| Best months | May, September, early October |
|---|---|
| Dry season | April to October |
| Busiest months | June, July, August (and the Christmas holidays) |
| Rainy season | November to March · wettest in January and February |
| Inca Trail | Closed every February for maintenance |
| Full day by train from Cusco | From US$335 per person |
Machu Picchu is open every day of the year, so the real question is what kind of visit you want: the clearest views, the fewest people or the lowest prices.
Our team organizes Machu Picchu trips all year round. This month-by-month guide is based on what we see on the ground, not just on climate tables.
Table of Contents
Dry Season Vs Rainy Season At Machu Picchu
The dry season runs from April to October. Skies are clearer, trails are dry and the views of Huayna Picchu and the surrounding mountains are at their best. Nights are cold in Cusco, but days at Machu Picchu are pleasant.
The rainy season runs from November to March. Showers are frequent, usually in the afternoon, and clouds can hide the views for a while, then lift dramatically. Everything is very green, there are fewer visitors and prices are lower outside the holidays.
Machu Picchu Month By Month
- January: rainy, green, few visitors except the first days of the year.
- February: the wettest month; the Inca Trail is closed, Machu Picchu is open by train. See our Peru in February guide.
- March: still rainy but improving; Easter week can be busy.
- April: end of the rains, very green, moderate crowds — a great month.
- May: dry, clear and still not too busy — one of the best months.
- June: dry and busy; Inti Raymi in Cusco on June 24 brings big crowds.
- July: peak season, the busiest month; book months ahead.
- August: dry and busy; windy in Cusco.
- September: dry, fewer people than in July and August — one of the best months.
- October: mostly dry, first showers at the end of the month, fewer crowds.
- November: start of the rains; shoulder season with lower prices. See our Peru in November guide.
- December: rainy; quiet until the Christmas and New Year peak. See our Peru in December guide.
When Should You Avoid Machu Picchu?
If you dislike crowds, avoid July, August, Easter week and the period between Christmas and New Year. If you want guaranteed views, avoid January and February, the wettest months. If you want to hike the classic Inca Trail, avoid February, when it is closed.
What Is The Best Time Of Day To Visit Machu Picchu?
Early morning is usually best, especially in the rainy season: the first entrance slots often have the clearest skies and the fewest people, although mist can cover the citadel at dawn and lift an hour later. In the dry season, the afternoon light is beautiful and the site is quieter after the morning groups leave.
Booking Tips For Machu Picchu
- Entrance tickets are sold by time slot and circuit, and the number of daily visitors is limited: book as soon as your dates are fixed.
- Trains from Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley, or from Cusco also sell out in high season.
- For the Inca Trail, permits for May to August often sell out months in advance.
- Leave a buffer day between Machu Picchu and your flight home, especially in the rainy season.
Local buddy tip
Our favorite months are May and September: dry weather, green mountains and far fewer people than in July. If you can only travel in the rainy season, sleep in Aguas Calientes the night before and take the first bus up: the early hour is your best chance of a clear view.
Full Day Tour to Machu Picchu by Train
About 15 hours, from Cusco · From US$335 per person
Train, bus, entrance ticket and guided visit in English, with pickup in Cusco.
Frequently Asked Questions
May and September are the best balance: dry weather, clear views and fewer visitors than in June, July and August.
Avoid January and February if you want the clearest views, July and August if you dislike crowds, and February if you want to hike the Inca Trail, which is closed that month.
Yes. Machu Picchu is open every day of the year. In the rainy season, bring a rain jacket and go early in the morning.
The classic Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance. Machu Picchu itself stays open and can be reached by train.
Overview
Visit Machu Picchu between April and October for the driest weather, with May and September as the sweet spot. July and August are the busiest months, and January and February the wettest; the Inca Trail closes in February. Whatever the month, go early, book entrance tickets and trains as soon as you can, and leave a buffer day before your flight.
