Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu: A Complete Seasonal Guide
I remember when I was planning my trip to Peru, I really didn’t even think about when the best time to visit was. I had a trip planned a few years ago in April, and it was cancelled, so I was finally able to fit it into my travel schedule for the end of April. Little did I know that September is honestly one of the best times to visit Machu Picchu! I am not going to lie, the weather here is incredibly unpredictable, so let’s dive into the seasons, and when the best time to visit Machu Picchu is.
Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu Dry Season: May – September
If you ask any local guide, they will tell you that the “best” time to visit Machu Pichu is during the dry season, which is May through September. During these months, you will have the best chance to have really great pictures with maybe some clouds, and you may only experience short burst of rain.
I booked my trip for the end of September, not even realizing it was the dry season until after booking, and when I checked the weather app, it said I have a 40% chance of rain. Well, the app was wrong! We had some clouds, but endless sunshine the entire 3 hours we were at Machu Picchu. We honestly couldn’t have asked for better weather.
Since the best season to visit goes through summer break, if you visit during that time, you will have a lot more tourists taking pictures, and all trying to get a glimpse of the mountain and the Inca village around it. I feel like the end of September was perfect, because even though it was still busy, I feel like the summer would be way worse, and I have tons of great photo opportunities.
The only catch to visiting Machu Picchu during this time of year is that you may pay more for your flights and hotel, and you may still end up visiting the mountain in the rain, since it does rain 270 days out of there year here.
Machu Picchu Shoulder Season: April & October – early November
Honestly, the shoulder season is a fan favorite of a lot of people for many reasons. Even though I went on September 29th, and it was considered the dry seasons, I also feel like it was a bit of the shoulder season, simply due to the crowd volume. It kind of felt like I had the best of both worlds: dry season (less chance of rain) and shoulder season (less tourists).
If you go at the beginning of the shoulder season, so in April, you’ll notice it looks a lot greener, simply due to coming off the very rainy season. You’ll have beautiful landscapes, green lush areas, and your pictures at the mountain will look amazing.
This time of year, also tends to not be super busy with tourists, depending on the weeks you visit, and you could have some random rain that does go through, but otherwise, the shoulder season is another great time to visit Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu Rainy Season: Late November – March
Ok, so honestly, the rainy season is probably everyone’s least favorite time of year to visit, unless you are a budget traveler and don’t mind the rain. When I mean rain, I mean heavy downpours.
No here’s a pro tip for you if you do visit during this time. Come in the morning as afternoon ran is extremely common, the trails and rocks get extremely slippers, and if you are thinking about doing the Inca Trail in February, you can’t, it’s completely close that month.
Now, depending on your camera equipment, the rain sometimes actually makes your pictures and videos look magical, so if you don’t mind the rain, showing up in a poncho (as umbrellas aren’t permitted), and you are up for an adventure, or maybe you are a budget traveler, then the lush rainy season is the time to visit for you!
Machu Picchu Tips: Seasonal Guide
Book early if going in peak season. Tickets to Machu Picchu, the train, and the Inca Trail can sell out months ahead.
Pack layers no matter the month. Mornings and evenings are cool, but afternoons can be hot in the sun.
Consider your travel style. Do you want the buzz of crowds, or do you crave quiet moments?
Shoulder season is the most forgiving. You’ll enjoy a mix of good weather and thinner crowds.
Always arrive early in the day. Even in peak season, the site is much calmer at sunrise.
Conclusion: Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu
In my opinion, I accidentally picked the perfect time to visit Machu Picchu. The end of September had the best of both words, the dry season, so I had zero rain, and a little early into the should season, which meant less tourists.
As a solo traveler, this was the exact balance I wanted, and I couldn’t have asked for a better day and better experience. But the one thing I did learn is that it does rain 270 days out of the year, and the weather is completely unpredictable, so grab your poncho pack accordingly, and hope for the best!
Regardless of the time of year that you visit, I can absolutely promise you that your trip will be incredibly magical and as memorable as my experience was.
Need help planning your trip? Reach out anytime, and I would love to help you plan the trip of a lifetime!