Machu Picchu “The lost city of the Incas”, draws some 1.3 million visitors yearly to its amazing stone vestiges left behind on a remote mountains. After the pandemic Machu Picchu continues to be one of the most visited places worldwide. However, weather concerns can affect your experience, which is why this article aims to help you identify the best time to visit Machu Picchu.
Good thing is that you can visit Machu Picchu the year-around. The popular time to visit is during the dry season from April to October. The high season start from may to August and the weather is at its best because is the dry season. During the dry season, you can expect no rain and warm daytime temperatures of 17 to 20°C which is ideal for Day Tours & Trekking Tours, and cold nights with low cloud cover – nights can be quite chilly between May and August, so make sure to bring some thermals for a good night’s sleep. If you don’t like crowded season, you might want to consider planning your trip outside of the High season.
The Rain Season
The rainy season begins from December to March, however, the rainiest season is from January to March. During this time it’s difficult to predict the weather because no one knows what can happen tomorrow and especially in the Andes mountains where the weather is very changeable and is not predictable.
During the rainy season it is considered the low season of tourism in Machu Picchu, however, there are a large number of visitors.
If you want to visit Machu Picchu via our best alternative Treks the Quarry Trail, you don’t need to worry about it being overcrowded or getting a permit. It’s accessible all year round and is much less trafficked than the Inca Trail and you will most likely have it all to yourself, even during the high season. The Quarry Trail is still low on the tourist radar, but it’s starting to gain traction for its lesser-known archaeological sites and rich cultural interactions.
If you plan on hiking to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail, it’s important to note that there are limits to how many people can trek and all hikers will need to have a valid permit. Permits often get sold out months in advance, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get organised.
Visiting Machu Picchu in the wet season
The rainy season, from November to March, coincides with the low tourist season. The average daytime temperature hovers between a slightly warmer 19 to 21°C, and the nights aren’t as chilly. It might not bucket down every day – some days it could be a light drizzle – but waterproofs are essential nonetheless. The wettest month is February, which is also when the Inca Trail closes for maintenance. Despite the rain, one of the perks of visiting Machu Picchu in the wet season is that it’s considerably quieter and you won’t need to wait in long lines. The rain also does wonders for the valley, adding glorious shades of green to the already stunning landscapes.
