Inca Trail Weather (The Best Time To Go Hiking)
Although it’s one of the most formidable hiking trails on the planet, it’s important to know what the Inca Trail weather is like before booking your trip.
This is because different seasons can see big differences in both rainfall and temperatures, and even with the local scenery changing too. This will affect not only what you will need to pack and the kind of experience you have given certain seasons vary, but also as certain months will be more crowded than others.
In this guide we’ll explore the Inca Trail weather in each of the different seasons, and which is best for different advantages and scenarios. We’ll also answer your most burning questions in our FAQ section later in this guide.
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What Is The Inca Trail Weather Like?
Quick Answer: The Inca Trail is known for its varied seasons, each of which bring much different weather to these remote Andes regions.
The dry season is perhaps the most famous and popular, which runs from May until October and has clear blue skies, no rainfall and cooler temperatures. The wet season on the other hand (November until April) is much wetter, although it’s warmer and has more lush vibrant vegetation along the trek.
It’s important to note that regardless of which season or month you choose to hike along the Inca Trail, the temperatures in the evening will get quite chilly. For this reason it’s important to bring several layers ready to keep you warm, such as a coat, gloves and a hat.
Breakdown Of The Inca Trail Weather By Each Season
Winter Inca Trail Weather
Beginning with the most popular hiking season, the winter for the Inca Trail begins in June and lasts until August. Here we can expect clear blue skies and no rainfall at all, although temperatures will reach their coldest at night (with the peak lows in July). It’s the most popular time for a visit, so you’ll need to book several months in advance to guarantee your Inca Trail spot and preferred camping sites.
Spring Inca Trail Weather
Moving into September until early November, the Spring season welcomes different changes along the Inca Trail. Light and infrequent showers tend to start in the middle of October on the Inca Trail, which allows green pastures to flourish more along the path. Temperatures will begin getting warmer too, although you’ll still need a coat at night. Crowds drop sharply into this season, so it’s a great overall time to hike the Inca Trail.
Summer Inca Trail Weather
The summer season begins in late November for the Inca Trail and lasts until February, which up here in the Peruvian Andes also coincides with the rainy season. Here we can expect more showers than what we had in the spring season, and more beautiful vegetation on hiking paths. Temperatures will also be at their warmest these months. It’s important to note that the Inca Trail is closed in February given that torrential rains and landslides are possible during this month.
Autumn Inca Trail Weather
The autumn season (March until May) marks the re-opening of the Inca Trail after its closure in February. Rainfall will begin to reduce by the end of March on the Inca Trail, and temperatures will still be relatively comfortable until May when they begin to drop as we head into the winter season. April in particular is a great month to hike the Inca Trail, both for its ideal weather conditions as well as for less crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Inca Trail Weather
Below we’ll now answer some of the frequent questions we get about the Inca Trail weather, as well as anything else important that you need to know.
What Do You Wear To The Inca Trail?
Regardless of when you hike, you’ll need high quality hiking boots, thin layers for the daytime, as well as a thick coat, hat and gloves for the evenings. You’ll also need a poncho or waterproof if heading during the wet season. When booking the Four Day Inca Trail with us, we’ll provide you with the exact packing list that you’ll need for the season that you choose to hike the Inca Trail.
What Is The Best Month To Walk The Inca Trail?
Overall if we had to pick an outright best month, then it would be either April or September, which both fall within the shoulder seasons. Both have perfect weather and slightly less crowds which makes for the ideal hiking experience, although April has even less tourists when compared with September.
What Is The Weather Like At Night On The Inca Trail?
Regardless of the month or season that you head on the Inca Trail, the weather is going to be cold when night hits. Of course the dry winter seasons will be even colder than the warmer wet season in the summer, although here at AB Expeditions we’ll provide high quality tents and sleeping bags to keep you warm regardless of the month.
Overview Of The Inca Trail Weather
And that’s all for this guide on the Inca Trail weather, and what to expect during the hike.
This legendary route passes through both picturesque Andean landscapes, as well as past many remote ancient Inca ruins. Whilst ideal most months of the year, different seasons do offer varying experiences for the Inca Trail, so it’s important to re-read this guide so you can choose the very best season for your hike.
Are you ready for the most unforgettable Inca Trail experience possible? Here at AB Expeditions we operate our classic 4 Day Inca Trail Hike To Machu Picchu, which includes all meals, camping equipment, hiking gear, all necessary permits and more!