Machu Picchu in February

How is Machu Picchu in February? February is also the month with the least sunshine in Machu Picchu and the entire region. During February, with the Inca trail Closed for maintenance works, Machu Picchu still receives visitors, and it doesn’t mean Machu Picchu is going to be with a handful of visitors but compared to other months, the crowds have reduced. At this time, most people travel by train from Cusco through the Sacred Valley tour and Ollantaytambo. The weather is warm and wet, meaning that there will be the presence of rains, but it doesn´t rain all the time, though. So in that condition, weather can get better or worse, it can be in your favor with bright skies, clouds could start lifting away and the sun to peek out, or it can be all the opposite. In the end, it can be both.

When is the best time of the day to visit Machu Picchu in February?

The best time to visit Machu Picchu in February is from 09 am – 12 pm because most of the time early in the morning Machu Picchu stays misty so if you go for 6 am, you have to wait 3 hours to take a classical shot and in the afternoons it rains.

Things to know

Towards the end of February, the crowds are minimal.
Temperatures are warm and the hills are green.
February is the wettest month in Machu Picchu. It usually rains 5 days continously then there is always 2 days with sunny day called Veranillo.
Many tour companies stop offering treks to Machu Picchu during february.
Carnaval takes place across the country, generally in late February. People play with wáter balloon in Aguas Calientes. Watch out! You might get wet.
The government closes the Inca Trail during this time for repairs.
Rain: On average, rain falls 22 days of the month.
Temperature: It fluctuates between13°C and 25°C (55.4°F – 77°F).

Pros

Machu Picchu looks more interesting and mysterious with clouds swirling around you.
With the summer rain, flowers and orchids look beautiful and lush green valleys, cloud forests.
Not so many people at the train stations and the park entry lines.
More opportunities to hang out with park Llamas.
The raising clouds make it a photographer’s dream.
Travel agencies lower their package prices as well as hotels do too.
Chance to get Machu Picchu entry fees, a day before or sometimes even upon arrival to Cusco.

Cons

If you hike in the first schedule to the Huayna Picchu mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain or Sun gate, you may not get to see Manchu Picchu due to clouds.
It may not be easy to identify park personnel during rainy days to ask the right way to follow inside the park. Try to read well the signboards because tourists and park guards wear ponchos due to rain, so that is why.
If avoiding the bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes or vice versa, know that you will get wet because water drips from the tree branches.
You get off the train or bus as it should be but sometimes it is raining outside and you have to walk in the rain. Wear a raincoat and put on your rain poncho.
Train tracks can be blocked by mudslides.
The road to Machu Picchu may be affected by rock falls.
You need to check the weather before going because usually it rains and the rocks of stairs are very slippery.
Many biting mosquitos can cause red splotches of blood.
The sacred river might come out of its bed during the rainy season, making it impossible to get to Aguas Calientes.

Recommendations

If you are heading to Machu Picchu in a day trip or 2 day trip, dont book your flight or bus ticket for the same day that you are returning from Machu Picchu. Train delayed are very common because of the landslides.
During february, it is not good idea to be in Machu Picchu earlier than 10 am because there are clouds covering the site, especially early morning and you can’t see a thing. You need some luck because this is the rainy season.
Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, long lightweight pants, and shirts, even if it is hot.
The weather is constantly changing, so bring a packable lightweight jacket or oversize poncho to cover you and your backpack if it rains.
Bring a dry bag for smartphones and other devices.
Take pictures every time you have good visibility, you won´t want to wait for another hour standing in one place.
Avoid early morning tickets, try to Book at 10 am to get a clearer sight.
Plan an extra buffer day in Machu Picchu. In case it rains and the first day is not going to work, the second day will work for sure.

Do you have a rough idea of when the Machu Picchu tickets for February sell out by?

Tickets for Machu Picchu in February are typically readily available upon your arrival in Cusco. However, it’s essential to note that tickets for the 9 a.m., 10 a.m., and 11 a.m. time slots tend to sell out about two days in advance. This is because the early morning and afternoon periods often experience rainfall, and there are occasions when Machu Picchu remains misty until around 9 a.m.