Inca Trail In June

Things to Know 

• June Is Part of the Dry Season: June falls within the dry season in the Andes, making it one of the best months to hike all Inca Trail options. Rainfall is minimal, skies are often clear, and trail conditions are generally excellent.
• One of the Busiest Months on the Inca Trail: June is one of the most crowded months on the Inca Trail. The trail operates at full capacity every day, and permits are usually fully booked well in advance. Due to the high demand, availability becomes extremely limited, and last-minute reservations are impossible.
• Inti Raymi Festival Takes Place in June: One of the cultural highlights of June is Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, celebrated annually in Cusco. This important Inca festival offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience traditional ceremonies, music, and historical reenactments.
• Inca Trail Permits Sell Out Quickly: June is typically the third month in which Inca Trail permits sell out completely, following April and May. Due to its ideal weather conditions and international popularity, permits often sell out months in advance. Early planning is essential to secure your desired trekking dates.
• Possibility of Snow at Dead Woman’s Pass: Although June is part of the dry season, occasional weather changes can occur at high altitudes. In some cases, when it rains in June, it is possible to see snow on the second day of the Classic 4-Day Inca Trail, particularly at Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 meters / 13,828 feet). While not common, this adds an element of adventure to the hike.

Weather and Trail Conditions

• Rain: June is part of the dry season, so there is usually very little rain. However, it can still rain for 2 or 3 days in a row. There is no fixed pattern—rain can happen at the beginning, middle, or end of the month. If it rains and you are hiking on the second day at higher altitude, you may even see some snow, because June is winter in the Andes. The good news is that after a few rainy days, the weather normally returns to clear blue skies, creating excellent conditions for hiking.
• Temperature: During June on the Inca Trail, daytime temperatures are usually comfortable, ranging from 10°C to 22°C (50°F to 68°F). At night, it becomes much colder because mid-June marks the start of winter in the Andes. The cold is especially noticeable at the second campsite, which is located at over 3,600 meters (11,800 feet) above sea level. During the last two weeks of June, nighttime temperatures can drop to between -5°C and 5°C (23°F to 41°F), making the nights feel very cold.
•  Visibility: Visibility in June is excellent because it is the dry season. There are usually no low clouds covering the mountains, so the views are clear and bright. This makes it easy to enjoy and fully appreciate the amazing landscapes that the Inca Trail offers.

Pros Of Hiking Inca Trail In June

• Clear and Brilliant Skies: June offers consistently clear and vibrant blue skies, providing excellent visibility throughout the trail. These conditions allow hikers to fully appreciate panoramic mountain views, ancient ruins, and the dramatic Andean landscape without obstruction from clouds or fog.
• Comfortable Daytime Temperatures: During June, daytime temperatures are generally moderate and pleasant for trekking.
• Minimal Rainfall: As part of the dry season, June experiences very little rainfall. This results in drier trails, safer hiking conditions, and a reduced risk of delays or discomfort caused by mud or rain.
• Bright Moonlit Nights: June is known for its bright nighttime skies, with the moon often appearing particularly luminous. This natural illumination enhances the atmosphere of the campsites and creates memorable nighttime scenery along the trail.
• Increased Wildlife Sightings: With limited water sources during the dry season, wild animals such as deer frequently approach small lakes and streams. This increases the chances of observing native fauna in their natural habitat.
• Visibility of the Southern Milky Way: The clear skies of June provide ideal conditions for stargazing. Hikers may observe the Southern Milky Way in remarkable detail, offering a unique and unforgettable celestial experience.
• Higher Chances of Seeing Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate: Thanks to stable weather conditions and minimal cloud cover, June offers an excellent opportunity to witness a spectacular panoramic view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). This moment traditionally marks the culmination of the Inca Trail trek, providing a truly breathtaking and memorable first glimpse of the ancient citadel.

Cons Of Hiking Inca Trail In June 

• Cold Temperatures, Especially at Night: While daytime temperatures can be pleasant, nights and early mornings along the Inca Trail in June are notably cold. After sunset, temperatures drop significantly, and hikers may also feel the cold in the late afternoon. Proper cold-weather gear is essential to remain comfortable throughout the trek.
• Inca Trail Permits Sell Out Well in Advance: If you are a last-minute traveler, it is important to be aware that securing Inca Trail permits for June is extremely difficult. June is one of the most popular months to hike the Inca Trail, and permits often sell out months in advance due to limited daily availability. As a result, travelers who wait until the last minute are unlikely to obtain permits for this period. Planning ahead and booking early is essential to ensure your place on the Inca Trail during June.
• Dry and Brownish Landscapes: Due to the dry season and frost at higher elevations, the landscape in June tends to appear brownish rather than green. Grasses and vegetation lose their lush appearance, which may be disappointing for travelers expecting vibrant, green scenery.
• Long Queues and Crowded Transportation: High visitor numbers result in long lines at Machu Picchu’s entrance, at the bus station between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes, and at train stations. These delays can reduce comfort and require additional patience, particularly during peak hours.
• Overcrowding at Iconic Viewpoints: June attracts a large number of hikers and visitors, leading to crowding at key photo spots along the Inca Trail and at the classic Machu Picchu viewpoint. This can limit the sense of solitude and make it difficult to take photos without other people in the frame.
• Strong Sun Exposure: Although temperatures can be cool, the sun is intense, especially on open sections of the trail with little shade. Hikers are at a higher risk of sunburn if they are not adequately protected with sunscreen, hats, and appropriate clothing.

Recommendations

• Sun Protection Is Essential: June marks the beginning of the peak dry season, and sunlight can be particularly strong at high altitudes. It is highly recommended to bring high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed sun hat, and long-sleeved shirts to protect your skin from prolonged sun exposure during the hike.
• Stay Informed Through Official Updates: We highly recommend following us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/abexpeditions/. We regularly share monthly videos of the Inca Trail, updates on permit releases, changes in regulations, and important information such as strikes or any situations that may affect travel on the trail.
• Prepare for Temperature Variations: Temperatures on the Inca Trail can change significantly throughout the day. Early mornings and late afternoons can be quite cold, while daytime hiking conditions are usually warmer. We recommend packing a warm jacket or insulated coat for cold hours, along with lighter, breathable clothing suitable for hiking during the day.
• Book Your Inca Trail Permits Well in Advance: June is part of the high season, and Inca Trail permits sell out very quickly. To secure your preferred departure date and access to the best campsites, it is strongly recommended to book your 4-day Inca Trail trek at least eight months in advance.
• Bring Rain Gear Despite the Dry Season: Although June falls within the dry season, weather conditions in the Andes can change unexpectedly. Light rain or sudden mountain showers are still possible. For this reason, carrying waterproof rain gear, such as a rain jacket or poncho, is strongly advised.
• Consider the Inti Raymi Festival in Cusco: One of the most important cultural events in Peru, the Inti Raymi Festival, takes place on June 24th in the Cusco area. If you wish to attend this celebration, you may plan to start your Inca Trail trek after June 24th. Alternatively, you can schedule your trek to finish on June 23rd, allowing you to return to Cusco in time to experience the festival.
• Choose a Reputable Tour Company: Inca Trail permits for June are highly competitive, so booking with a reputable tour company is essential to secure your spot. A professional operator will carefully manage and verify your permit to avoid any issues. Check our reviews on TripAdvisor to see what previous travelers say about their experience with us.

Do You Have A Rough Idea Of When The Permits For June Sell Out By?

Basically, it depends on Peru’s political situation. In 2019, these Inca Trail permits were completely booked six months ahead of time for June. Nevertheless, because of the strike that happened in January of 2023, the Inca Trail permits were sold out 1 month in advance this year.

Inca Trail Permits – 2026

• On February 13th, 2026, permits for the first week of June were completely sold out.
• On February 23rd, 2026, permits for the second week of June were completely sold out.
• On February 20th, 2026, permits for the third week of June  were completely sold out.
• On March 01st, 2026, permits for the fourth week of June were completely sold out.
• On March 05th, 2026, permits for the fifth week of June were completely sold out.

Inca Trail Permits In 2025

• March 01st, 2025. The permits for the 4-day Inca Trail trek were completely sold out for the first week of June.
• March 17th, 2025. The permits for the 4-day Inca Trail trek were completely sold out for the Second week of June.
• March 16th, 2025. The permits for the 4-day Inca Trail trek were completely sold out for the third week of June.
• March 29th, 2025. The permits for the 4-day Inca Trail trek were completely sold out for the fourth week of June.

Inca Trail Permits In 2024

• On March 9th, 2024, the permits for the 4-day Inca Trail trek were completely sold out for the first week of June
• On March, 15th, 2024. the permits for the 4-day Inca Trail trek were completely sold out for the second week of June
• On April 01st, 2024. the permits for the 4-day Inca Trail trek were completely sold out for the third week of June
• On April 10th, 2024. the permits for the 4-day Inca Trail trek were completely sold out for the fourth week of June

Frequent Asked Questions About Inca Trail In June

Is June A Good Time To Do The Inca Trail?

June is generally considered a favorable time to embark on the Inca Trail due to its dry season, which typically runs from May to September. With fewer rainfall and clearer skies, trekkers can enjoy better visibility of the stunning Andean landscapes and archaeological sites along the trail, including the iconic Machu Picchu. However, June falls within the peak tourist season, meaning the trail can be more crowded, accommodations may fill up quickly, and permits might be in high demand. Nevertheless, with careful planning and preparation, June can offer an unforgettable experience for those seeking to hike the legendary Inca Trail.

Does It Rain In Inca Trail In June?

Yes, June marks the beginning of the dry season along the Inca Trail in Peru, with significantly lower rainfall compared to the wetter months of December to March. However, June typically experiences less rain.

What Is The Average Temperature For The Inca Trail In June?

The average temperature for the Inca Trail in June typically ranges from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius (50 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day, while at night, temperatures may drop to around -7 to 5 degrees Celsius (19 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit), especially at higher altitudes. However, it’s important to note that weather conditions can vary, and travelers should be prepared for changes in temperature and weather patterns, including the possibility of rain or fog along the trail.

Is the Inca Trail Open In June?

Yes, the Inca Trail in Peru is  open in June, offering adventurers the opportunity to trek through stunning landscapes and ancient ruins.

Is Inca Trail Crowded In June?

June typically marks the beginning of the peak tourist season for the Inca Trail, with favorable weather conditions drawing larger crowds. Consequently, the trail can be relatively crowded during this time, especially at popular sites like Machu Picchu.

What Is The Weather Like In Inca Trail In June?

The weather is generally pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities, making it an ideal time to explore the ancient ruins and breathtaking landscapes of this iconic destination. However, it’s advisable to pack layers and be prepared for sudden changes in weather, as mountainous regions like Machu Picchu can experience fluctuations in temperature throughout the day.

How Cold Is Inca Trail In June?

In June, temperatures along the Inca Trail can vary significantly, but generally, they tend to be cold, especially during the early mornings and evenings.