How To Choose The Best Time To See Machu Picchu

When Is The Best Time To See Machu Picchu?

Quick Answer: Overall the shoulder months (March, April, September and October) are some of the best months you can see Machu Picchu.

However there are many factors we need to take into account before deciding on an overall best time to visit and book in your Machu Picchu tour. For example the extra rain in the wet season may put off some travelers, whilst the cooler temperatures of the dry season may also not be ideal.

It’s also important to take into account what kind of experience you personally want. For example, if you dislike crowds then you may want to head in the wet season. Likewise if you’re looking to spend less, then it may be wise to visit during an off-peak month.

The Main Considerations For Choosing The Best Time To See Machu Picchu

Here we’ll outline all of the major factors worth considering before deciding on which month you’ll head to Machu Picchu.

Visiting Machu Picchu During The Dry Season

The dry season in the Peruvian Andes (where Machu Picchu is located) runs from May until October. These months are characterized for their endless blue skies and more predictable weather, with just 2-3.5 inches of rain falling throughout each of these months. 

Temperatures will also be cooler, hovering between 47-50°F. However it’s important to remember that the sun is more intense here and will warm you up – and also that the climate around Machu Picchu is warmer than Cusco anyhow.

As you can imagine these are the most popular months to see Machu Picchu because of both the weather and also as they fall within the summer holidays (for international travelers from the northern hemisphere). This means Machu Picchu will be at its busiest in the dry season, which can be slightly frustrating with long queues in front of you.

Visiting Machu Picchu During The Wet Season

The wet season tends to put many travelers off since it implies a lot of rain – and that’s usually without even looking at the data! 

This period begins in November and lasts until April, and has between 3.5-5 inches of rainfall in each of these months which actually isn’t too much more than the dry season in Machu Picchu. Temperatures will also be slightly warmer in this season, varying between 50-52°F.

The main benefits of a visit during this period include less crowds, given most travelers are put off by the word “wet season”. Whilst you may need a poncho, you will be seeing the exact same site – just without the larger crowds. Of course there is more chance of gray skies and mist peaking around the ruins – however this in our experience actually adds to the mysterious nature of the site!

The Cheapest Time To Visit Machu Picchu

The wet season tends to be the cheapest time to visit Machu Picchu, however it’s not as straightforward as you may think.

It’s important to know that the actual entrance cost to this ancient citadel is the same throughout the whole year – and this tends to be the same case too for tours and different transport options from Cusco to Machu Picchu (such as the PeruRail train as well as the buses that transport you to the hidroeléctrica track).

Where you can save during the wet season is mostly on accommodation costs in Cusco and Aguas Calientes, as well as your international flight costs (mostly into Peru from your original country, since domestic flight or bus prices from Lima to Cusco are quite stable throughout the year).

Preparing For A Machu Picchu Trip

Are you ready to explore Machu Picchu? Then check out our best preparation tips below to help you plan the most memorable trip possible.

How Many Days Do You Need In Machu Picchu?

There’s a few different options you have here, which is great depending on your circumstances and how much time you have available.

Travelers who only have one day can easily visit Machu Picchu with a day tour from Cusco. Waking up early, you’ll first board the train in the city where you’ll depart in the Aguas Calientes station and get to explore the ancient citadel. You’ll then get back to Cusco in the evening, although we would recommend not doing this trip on the same day as your flights (even if it is a night flight).

The most preferred option is to visit Machu Picchu over two days. This offers you much more flexibility, and usually people spend the first day making their way to Aguas Calientes and enjoying the best sights of the town. From here you can wake up early and visit Machu Picchu without the crowds, before heading back to Cusco at a more reasonable time compared with the one day option.

Choosing What To Wear To Machu Picchu

Generally speaking, Machu Picchu is quite warm during the daytime so bringing a hat and sunscreen is a good idea (given the sun is more intense in these areas). Wearing light layers is ideal too as you’ll be walking around a lot, and especially so if heading during the dry season.

If heading during the wet season of Machu Picchu then it’s a good idea to bring waterproofs and a poncho. Even though temperatures should be warmer this time of the year (during the summer), the rainfall can quickly make you feel colder on the exposed mountain.

Other things you’ll need include comfortable shoes or hiking boots, as well as warmer clothes like a jumper or coat if staying for the evening (either in Aguas Calientes or wherever you’ll be staying in the Sacred Valley). Don’t forget a colorful Poncho or Alpaca garment for that once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity too!

How To Book Your Machu Picchu Tour

Once you’ve decided which time you’ll visit Machu Picchu, it’s now time to book your tour in. It’s important to know that although capacity is large, tickets can still sell-out (so you’ll want to buy them in advance if possible).

This is the same case for booking your tour, where you’ll ideally book in advance. Here at AB Expeditions we operate an unforgettable overnight Machu Picchu tour where you’ll board the train from Cusco, have a night stay included in Aguas Calientes as well as having an expert guide show you around the sacred site.

Best Time To See Machu Picchu FAQ

Below we’ll now answer some of the frequent questions we get about the best time to see Machu Picchu, as well as anything else important that you need to know.

What Month Is Best To Visit Machu Picchu?

This really depends on what kind of experience you are looking for, however in general the months of May and October are the very best. Shoulder season months, they will still bring clear blue skies and comfortable temperatures without the tourist crowds. If you want to see Machu Picchu with picturesque mists, then November or April are great without having too much rain.

What Is The Best Entrance Time For Machu Picchu?

Entry times can vary and start from 6:00am, and we believe this is the best time to see Machu Picchu. Not only will you beat all the crowds and tourists buses which arrive in the late morning, you’ll also be able to witness the ancient citadel with a beautiful early morning sun too. If you must go in the afternoon for whatever reason, then try to plan between 2:00-5:00pm as tourists buses will begin to leave just before these times.

What Is The Hottest Month In Machu Picchu?

Although the wet season usually brings warmer temperatures in most parts of Peru, we’ll actually find that the winter/spring months of August and September are the hottest for Machu Picchu. This is because the sup-tropical valley here has its own microclimate, and also as the rains haven’t yet arrived (which can of course drop temperatures). Make sure to wear sunscreen during your visit since it can be very easy to burn when walking around Machu Picchu!

When Is The Best Time To See Machu Picchu?

And that’s all for this guide on when the best time to see Machu Picchu is.

As we can see, it really depends on you and what you want most from your own trip here. For example if postcard-perfect weather is a must, then the months of June until September will be the most ideal. Looking for less crowds? Go during the peak of the wet season which is just as beautiful (between January and March).

Regardless of when you’ll visit you will still have a really memorable time, and find that the ambience of Machu Picchu will be epic regardless of the weather.

Looking to book your Machu Picchu tour in advance? Take a look at our Overnight Machu Picchu Experience Tour which is memorable during any season of the year!