Machu Picchu never closes, and any month is a good month if you know what to expect. What changes through the year is the rain, the morning mist, the crowds and how easy it is to get tickets and trains. This guide sums up the two seasons, what happens each month and how to choose depending on what matters most to you.
The short answer: the best months are May and September, dry season with fewer people than June to August. From November to March it rains mostly in the afternoon and there are far fewer visitors; Machu Picchu does not close in any month.
Two seasons and two transition months
- Dry season, May to September. Clear skies almost every day and the best conditions for the classic photo. It is also when crowds peak, especially June to August.
- Rainy season, November to March. Misty mornings that usually clear by mid-morning, showers and a very green landscape. Far fewer visitors and tickets that are easier to get.
- April and October are the middle ground: occasional rain and moderate crowds.
Machu Picchu is at 2,430 metres, on the edge of the cloud forest, so it is warmer and more humid than Cusco all year. Mornings are cool and by midday you walk in a T-shirt.
Machu Picchu month by month
| Month | Weather | Crowds | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Frequent rain | Low | Morning mist. Very green landscape. More in Cusco in January and February. |
| February | One of the two wettest months | Low | The Inca Trail closes for maintenance. Machu Picchu stays open. |
| March | The rains start to ease | Low | Easter can fall in March or April and fills the citadel on those days. |
| April | Transition, occasional rain | Medium | A good balance of weather, scenery and crowds. |
| May | The dry season begins | Medium | One of the best months: clear skies and fewer people than July. |
| June | Dry | High | Inti Raymi in Cusco on the 24th. Book three or four months ahead. |
| July | Dry | Very high | Northern-hemisphere holidays and Peru’s national holidays on the 28th and 29th. More in Cusco in June, July and August. |
| August | Dry | Very high | The coldest mornings of the year. Tickets and trains sell out sooner. |
| September | Dry | Medium | Another of the best months: good weather and fewer people. |
| October | Transition, first rains | Medium | Warm days and the odd shower. |
| November | The rains begin | Low | Afternoon showers. A good month to avoid groups. |
| December | Rain | Medium | End-of-year holidays bring travellers in the second half of the month. More in Cusco in December. |
The best time depending on what you want
- The photo with blue sky: May to September.
- Good weather without the crowds: May and September.
- Few visitors and green scenery: November to March, accepting early mist.
- Hiking the Inca Trail: any month except February, booking permits four to six months ahead.
Tips by season
In the dry season, book your ticket three or four months ahead if travelling June to August, and even earlier for Huayna Picchu. Early-morning slots sell out first. In the rainy season, choose an entry time from mid-morning, when the mist usually lifts, and bring a rain jacket. Trains and tours run as normal; in the wettest months some stretches of the train from Cusco are covered by bus.
If you are combining Machu Picchu with the Sacred Valley, also see the Sacred Valley weather month by month. And to plan your days, the 3-day itinerary.
If you are also visiting the Sacred Valley or the mountains, see the best time to visit Cusco for each trip.
Which entry time to choose by season
| Season | Best slot | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Dry (May – September) | First thing | Low light and fewer people before the morning trains arrive; these slots sell out first. |
| Rainy (November – March) | From mid-morning | The early mist usually lifts by then. |
| Transition (April and October) | Any | Occasional rain and moderate crowds. |
To choose your route inside, see the Machu Picchu circuits, and for the rest of the trip, the best time to visit Cusco.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Machu Picchu?
May and September: dry season with fewer people than in the northern summer.
Is it worth going in the rainy season?
Yes. It rains mostly in the afternoon, the morning mist usually clears and there are far fewer visitors. You just need to come prepared.
Does Machu Picchu close in any month?
No. What closes in February is the Inca Trail, for maintenance.
How far ahead should I book?
Two months gets you almost any date. For June to August, or with Huayna Picchu, three or four.
Does it rain all day in the rainy season?
Not usually. It rains mostly in the afternoon and the morning mist lifts by mid-morning. Bring a rain jacket and shoes that grip when wet.
Book
- Private Machu Picchu Full Day, with ticket, train, bus and guide.
- Complete Machu Picchu guide and the circuits.
