Inca Trail Weather (Everything You Need To Know For 2024)
The weather is a crucial aspect to take into consideration before heading anywhere new, let alone the Inca Trail.
However it’s just as important to know how the climate can vary on this sacred path, given it can either make your experience better or more challenging. You’ll also find that different months of the year will offer different advantages too!
In this guide we’ll explore what the weather is like on the Inca Trail. This includes a breakdown of the climate and rainfall, as well as the best and worst months to visit.
Table of Contents
What Is The Weather Like On The Inca Trail?
Quick Answer: Overall the weather here is just like anywhere else in the Andes (be that in Peru or a different South American country).
This means that it can get quite chilly at night, and also really warm during the day. This is because we are located up at a high altitude (between 2430m and 4215m above sea level), where the sun is close and therefore more intense. It’s important to remember that temperatures will vary in different months, which we’ll explore later in this guide.
Rainfall is another important factor to know in advance. In this area of Peru there is an annual dry and wet season. The dry season begins in May and lasts until October, which has little rain (between 0.1-1.3 inches falling throughout each of these months). The contrasting wet season starts in November and lasts until April, bringing heavier rains and stormier weather (between 1-4 inches each month).
The Best Months To Visit The Inca Trail
Firstly it’s important to mention that the best months to visit the Inca Trail is purely subjective and depends on you. Some hikers prefer different conditions and experiences so it’s really up to you. However, in general, the dry season is the most popular time to visit.
Minimal Rainfall On The Inca Trail
Ideally you’ll want less rainfall, so heading during the dry season is an advantage. This will mean clear blue skies when hiking as well as cloud-free view of Machu Picchu on your final day. We personally suggest heading in June or July for the best weather.
Least Crowds On The Inca Trail
The other key consideration is how popular the trail will be. Given there is a daily permit limit of 500, the Inca Trail will never get as overrun as other destinations in Peru. However, certain months can feel more packed, so if you want a more quiet and authentic experience then you’ll want to head during the months of April, May, November and December (which are the shoulder season months).
The Worst Months To Visit The Inca Trail
Again it’s important for us to first mention that the worst months should be thought of as the most challenging – rather than the purely worst. This doesn’t mean they are bad, however they are probably better for those who already have plenty of hiking experience. Those who prefer more rainfall (which results in more lush green landscapes) will actually prefer this period, especially between December and March.
Wildest And Wettest Weather On The Inca Trail
The heavy rains arrive in late November, and last until March. This wet period can make hiking more difficult, given surfaces can be slippery and more dangerous. This is why it’s important to have some hiking experience and bring quality gear with you if choosing these months. The extra rains can make you feel cooler too – however the overall temperatures on the Inca Trail during these months are warmer so this will just be a temporary effect. The wild weather peaks during this month, which is why the Inca Trail is closed in February as it’s a good time for necessary repairs and maintenance to take place along the path.
Coldest Weather On The Inca Trail
Another factor that puts off many hikers are cold temperatures. However it’s first important to note that the nighttime temperatures on the Inca Trail are quite cold but not freezing, like they are on other treks in the Sacred Valley (usually higher altitude ones such as the Salkantay Trek). The coldest months of the year to hike the Inca Trail are from June until August, although you’ll still have high-quality sleeping bags and tents to keep you warm.
Summary Of The Inca Trail Weather
And that’s all for our guide on everything you need to know about the Inca Trail Weather.
This incredible hiking path is memorable regardless of when you come, however certain months will of course offer different experiences. This is why we recommend re-reading this guide so you can choose the best months for you.
Looking to find out more about the Inca Trail? Then read our Ultimate Inca Trail Guide where we cover everything from choosing the right tour for you to how you can prepare for the higher altitudes.