Machu Picchu In March

When Is The Best Time Of The Day To Visit Machu Picchu In March?

The best time to visit Machu Picchu in March is from 8 am to 1 pm. At this time of the day, the fogs move away and reveal Machu Picchu in its glory. If you go for 06:00 am, there is an 80% of chance to see Machu Picchu cloudy, and in the afternoon heavy rain comes.

 Things to know

• March is actually the end of the rainy season.
• The temperature at this time of the year is warm.
• Most of the days the sky is cloudy, but there are also short periods of clear days.
• If the sun comes out, it will get quite warm and sometimes even hot.
• Machu Picchu in March should expect an average of 14 to 21 days of rain.
• The temperature in Machu Picchu fluctuates between 25°C and 13°C (77°F – 55.4°F).
• The famous Inka Trail trek to Mach Picchu is open in March.

Pros Of Visiting Machu Picchu In March

• Machu Picchu is less crowded at this time of the year.
• Easy to get on the trains and buses without waiting a long time.
• Travel agencies lower their package prices as well as hotels do too.
• Witness the incredible rainbow phenomenon.
• See the various species of butterflies better than in other months.
• Chance to get Machu Picchu entry fees, a day before or sometimes even upon arrival to Cusco.

Cons Of Visiting Machu Picchu In March

• The path that lead to the Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are slippery and the chances of enjoying the fabulous views in the early Schedules (6 – 9 a.m.) are minimal.
• In March there are aggressive mosquitoes that attack visitors.
• Early morning hours tend to be foggy and misty, enabling Machu Picchu to be seen. The same if you go to the sun gate.
• There is a remote possibility of bridge or road washouts if heavy rains extend all through March.

Recommendations

• If you’re thinking about going to Machu Picchu in March, it’s best to aim for later in the month since there’s a lower chance of encountering heavy rain.
• Keep an eye on the weather. Stay informed about the condition of the trails and the weather forecast. Knowing this information will help you plan your visit to Machu Picchu more safely and enjoyably. Also, make sure to follow us on Instagram! We’re sharing updates on strikes, weather, and ticket availability for Machu Picchu in our stories
• Take the guided tour. If the train is late, a travel company will help you with transportation because some local services might charge too much when there are delays. Check out our trips to Machu Picchu.
• Try to arrive at Machu Picchu after 10 am because in the morning, clouds often obscure the Citadel, making it difficult to see anything. You might need some luck since it’s the rainy season.
• Make sure to pack different layers of clothes that keep you dry and let your skin breathe, and don’t forget a waterproof jacket. Even though the mist and occasional rain create an enchanting atmosphere, wearing the right clothes will make sure you stay comfortable.
• Stay flexible with your plans. Get ready for possible train delays because of the weather. Keep your schedule open so you can change things if needed and really have a great time at Machu Picchu.
• Capture photos whenever you can see Machu Picchu clearly; you won’t want to stand around for another hour waiting for better visibility.
• During the rainy season in Machu Picchu, it’s best not to arrive before 10 am because there are often clouds, especially in the early morning, which can obstruct visibility. It’s important to be lucky because of the unpredictable weather during this time.
• Don’t forget to bring a waterproof bag for your phone and other gadgets.
• Avoid visiting Machu Picchu on Sundays because many Peruvians go there on weekends, especially since entrance is free for residents of Cusco. This makes Machu Picchu much busier than usual on Sundays, with more crowds than on weekdays.
• Remember to bring your mosquito spray or repellent with you.

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

Frequent Asked Questions

Should I Be Concerned About Heavy Rainfall in March?

Yes, you should be concerned about heavy rainfall in Machu Picchu in March, as it is still part of the rainy season, which runs from November to March. While the rainfall typically starts to decrease compared to February.

Are there still guided tours available in March?

Yes, we provide guided tours year-round, including March. Booking a guided tour offers valuable insights into the history and significance of Machu Picchu.

Is Machu Picchu Opened In March?

Yes, Machu Picchu is open in March; however, it is still the rainy season, so visitors should expect frequent rain and potentially slippery conditions.

How Rainy Is Machu Picchu In March?

Machu Picchu in March still experiences significant rainfall as it is near the end of the rainy season, with frequent showers and occasional heavy downpours. While the intensity of the rain begins to decrease compared to February.

What Should I Wear To Machu Picchu In March?

When visiting Machu Picchu in March, which is the tail end of the rainy season, you should wear waterproof and quick-drying clothing, including a rain jacket and pants, along with sturdy, waterproof hiking boots. Layer your clothing to adapt to varying temperatures and bring a hat and sunscreen for sun protection. A lightweight, waterproof backpack to carry essentials and a poncho can also be very useful for sudden rain showers.

Is it worth going to Machu Picchu In March?

Visiting Machu Picchu in March can be worthwhile, as the weather begins to improve with the end of the rainy season, leading to fewer tourists and more manageable conditions compared to the peak rainy months. However, visitors should still be prepared for occasional rain and potential trail closures, making it important to have flexible plans and appropriate gear for a rewarding experience.

What Is The Average Temperature For The Machu Picchu In March?

In March, Machu Picchu typically experiences average daytime temperatures ranging from 61 to 70°F (16 to 21°C) and nighttime temperatures around 45 to 50°F (7 to 10°C). These temperatures can vary slightly depending on the specific location within the site and the elevation, but March generally offers mild and comfortable weather for exploring the ruins.

Is Machu Picchu Crowded In March?

March marks the beginning of the shoulder season at Machu Picchu, with fewer visitors compared to the peak months. While it’s generally less crowded than the high season, it’s essential to anticipate moderate crowds, particularly towards the end of the month as the weather improves and tourist numbers gradually increase.

What Is The Weather Like In Machu Picchu In March?

In March, Machu Picchu experiences transitional weather as it moves from the rainy season to the drier months. While rainfall decreases compared to the preceding months, visitors should still anticipate occasional showers. Daytime temperatures typically range from mild to warm, providing comfortable conditions for exploring the site and its surroundings, but it’s advisable to pack layers and rain gear to accommodate variable weather patterns.

 Packing List for Machu Picchu in March

• Waterproof jacket: The weather can quickly change, so it’s a good idea to have your rain gear easily accessible in your backpack.
• Comfortable mid-layer.
• Moisture-wicking base layers
• Sun hat and Sunglasses: Some days, there’s nice sunshine called “Veranillo,” so remember to keep your sunglasses and sun hat nearby.
• Trekking shoes:  When it rains, the path becomes slippery, so it’s a good idea to wear shoes with strong traction that can also resist water.
• Plastic Poncho: Even if you have good rain gear, the rain at Machu Picchu is very intense and doesn’t care how good your rain gear is. You can purchase a rain poncho from street sellers in Aguas Calientes town who will come up to you and offer one.
• Rain cover for your Backpack: The rain cover protects your belongings from sudden rain showers.
• Small Backpack: We suggest using a backpack that’s 25 liters or less because bigger backpacks aren’t allowed at Machu Picchu.
• Plactic Bag: If your backpack isn’t waterproof, we suggest bringing a plastic bag to keep your valuables dry.
• Insect repellent: In Machu Picchu, there are many mosquitoes because it’s located in a rainforest area. You can buy mosquito repellent at shops in Aguas Calientes or from vendors on the streets.
• Sun screen: In march, it doesn’t rain constantly. Sometimes, the sun appears, and it can be very hot, enough to cause sunburn..
• Portable Charger: Sometimes, you might need to wait for about 2 hours at the viewpoint, and when it’s cold, your phone battery can run out fast.
• Camera with protective gear: Sometimes Machu Picchu becomes visible when it’s still raining, so it’s important to have protective gear to capture the best moments..
• Rain Pants: Wearing waterproof pants can be a lifesaver during heavy rainfall in Machu Picchu.