Machu Picchu in January

Wet and warm, that is how Machu Picchu in January is. January is definitely not the best month to visit Machu Picchu from the weather perspective because it is the month with the least sunshine and an average of rainy days up to 18 days. Besides that, some days, the weather can change in a matter of a few minutes, so even when it is rainy and cloudy, the clouds could lift and move away. After the new year´s first week, Machu Picchu is quieter and much more enjoyable if this is combined with good weather on particular days. In January, you can still visit Machu Picchu by train, but hiking is not advisable

Note: The paths that lead to the Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountains are slippery and the chances of enjoying the fabulous views in the early Schedules (6 – 9 am) are minimal.

Things to know

The secondary peak season is associated with Christmas and New Year, so early January can be relatively busy. The second half of January is less busy.
If you are visiting Machu Picchu this month, you should be prepared for itinerary changes, trail closures due to landslides.
Historically the last 2 weeks of january happened most of the landslides
In January the Inka Trail 4 days to Machu Picchu is Opened. However it is not good time to hike. So if you really want to hike, you have to bring good rain gear.
January is one of the rainiest month of year to visit Machu Picchu ruins.
During january the heavy rain generally comes in the afternoons.
Machu Picchu is less crowded than the high season from May through August.
The views are limited because of the thick clouds that cover the mountains around.
This is a great time to book a tour with travel companies, and accommodation at a bargain Price.
January is one of the warmest, and wettest month.
Rainfall along January, creates dangerous, slippery conditions while visting Machu Picchu.
Rain: On average, rain falls 18 days of the month.
Temperature: It fluctuates between 13°C and 24°C (55.4°F – 75.2°F).

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

The best time visit to Machu Picchu in January is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. At this time of the day, the mist moves away and reveals Machu Picchu in its glory. If you go for 06:00 am, there is an 80 % chance of seeing Machu Picchu cloudy, and in the afternoon it usually rains a lot.

Pros

The changing light and weather conditions make it seem a constantly varying experience in January.
The rising clouds make it a photographer’s dream.
Machu Picchu is less crowded at this time of the year.
Temperatures are warm and the hills are green.
Expect short lines for boarding buses, and trains.
More opportunities to hang out with park Llamas.
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

Sometimes you get off the train or bus as it should be, but 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 on the stairs are very slippery.
If you go to the mountain or sun gate in the morning hour, you may not get to see Manchu Picchu due to clouds.
During rainy days it may not be easy to identify park personnel to ask the right way to follow inside the park. Try to read the signboards well because tourists and park guards wear ponchos due to rain, so that is why.
If you avoid the bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes or vice versa, know that you will get wet because water drips from the tree branches.

Recommendations

Wear appropriate clothing; good walking shoes, a raincoat, and sunglasses.
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.
Try to be in Machu Picchu not earlier than 10 am because early in the morning there are clouds covering the Citadel and you can’t see a thing. You need some luck because this is the rainy season.
Try not to visit to Machu Picchu on Sundays: Most Peruvians take the weekend to visit Machu Picchu and it is free entrance for people who live in Cusco so they flood the Inca Llacta of Machu Picchu, turning it more crowded than the other days of the week.

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

The Machu Picchu tickets with Circuit 1 and 2 run out usually 2 months in advance for the first 2 weeks of January because many Peruvians come to Cusco for their vacations to Visit Machu Picchu. The tickets with circuits 3 and 4 usually run out 1 month in advance. However, for the last 2 weeks of January, you are able to find the tickets even 1 day before because the rain gets worse and there are few people.