Rediscovered in 1911 by the American researcher Hiram Bingham, the ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru is currently one of the most important architectural jewels of the country and the world, which attracts thousands and thousands of visitors every year, amazed by its magnificence.

For a long time, these legendary ruins of the Peruvian Andes remained hidden by the jungle, thus achieving its conservation. In addition, also known as the “City in the Clouds”, it was built some 2,400 meters above sea level, and it is still said to harbor many undiscovered mysteries.

But the truth is that the ruins of Machu Picchu continue to generate fascination among travelers who are lucky enough to walk through its passages, touch its stone walls, and enter among its many dazzling and ancient architectural spaces in the midst of a nature of great beauty.

So, if you want to be part of this experience, surely you are planning your trip to Cusco in Peru in a certain month, and you want to know how is the weather and the amount of rainfall in the area during that month to be well prepared.

In this opportunity, we will tell you all the information you need to know about the weather of each month to visit the famous sanctuary of Machu Picchu. In each month, you will find details about temperatures, rainfall and more.

Let’s get to it!

What is the best month to travel to Machu Picchu?

In Peru, summer lasts from December to March, and winter from May to September. However, winter marks the tourist season in Peru, as it is the only period during which the weather is dry.

It is therefore the ideal time to visit Machu Picchu. But if you are not afraid of some rain and the risk of cloudy skies, do not miss your trip during the low season. The ruins are open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
What is the weather at Machu Picchu Sanctuary for each month?

Now that we know what are the months or the best season to travel to Machu Picchu, let’s see below, what are the temperatures, rainfall and other relevant characteristics about the climate by month in this important tourist area of Peru. Don’t miss it!

Machu Picchu weather in January

Now, in the month of January we observe a cool and very humid climate. In fact, it is one of the months with the most precipitation in the sanctuary, which reaches up to 160 mm of rain. In addition, we have between 18 and 19 rainy days in the entire month. On average, each day has up to 5 hours of sunshine, but with a cool climate.

On the other hand, the average daytime temperature ranges between 13°C and 24°C (55.4°F – 75.2°F), and at night it drops to 7°C. So, if you plan to travel to Machu Picchu in this month, we recommend you to be prepared with warm clothes and an umbrella.

Here you can read more about visiting Machu Picchu in January.

Machu Picchu Weather in February

February is the month with the most rainfall in Machu Picchu. And although it is a little warmer than January, it is usually much cooler. In this month, you will see the mountains much greener and abundant in vegetation and full of dew from the rains.

Sometimes, it rains for 5 days without stopping, but then we notice a couple of very sunny days, which are usually called “Veranillos” (little summers). In this month, the daytime temperature is 19°C, while the nighttime temperature is up to 7°C.

Thanks to the pleasant climate in the region, some companies offer excursion or trekking packages to Machu Picchu during this month.

Here you can read more about visiting Machu Picchu in February.

Machu Picchu weather in March

If you travel in March to Machu Picchu sanctuary, you should know that most days of the month, the sky remains cloudy. However, we also see some clear and warm days.

In fact, when the sun rises, the weather is much warmer, so you will probably want to wear cooler clothes to avoid the heat. It is worth mentioning that we can enjoy up to 6 hours of sunshine per day approximately.

The average daytime temperature is 25°C, while at night it drops between 13°C and 7°C. During this month, rainfall reaches up to 108 mm, and it usually rains up to 13 days a month. So, if you wish to travel during a drier but cooler season, March is probably the most suitable month.

Here you can read more about visiting Machu Picchu in March.

Machu Picchu weather in April

In the month of April, rainfall is much lower compared to the previous month. In fact, they do not exceed 44 mm. In addition, we have at least 9 days of rain and 7 hours of sunshine per day. However, the climate of Machu Picchu Sanctuary is still humid and cold, very bearable with winter clothing.

On the other hand, the average daytime temperature is 20°C, and 5°C at night. As we can see, the nights are usually a little colder than in the previous months. It is worth mentioning that April is a high tourist season, so it is essential to make your reservations in advance, especially to enter the Machu Picchu Sanctuary.

Here you can read more about visiting Machu Picchu in April.

Weather in Machu Picchu in May

Now, in the month of May, rainfall is quite minimal, recording only 9 mm of rainfall. Therefore, you will see many quite clear days, only interrupted by an occasional rain in a few hours or minutes of the day.

From this month onwards, the warm and dry weather begins to be felt, but the nights are still cooler and more humid. In fact, the daytime temperature averages 20°, and the nighttime temperature averages up to 3°C. So be sure to wear appropriate clothing for each time of the day.

On the other hand, the month of May is perfect for those who wish to get better views of the surroundings, as you will be able to enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains and the surrounding vegetation of Machu Picchu as there is not much cloud cover. This way, you will be able to capture amazing photographs as souvenirs and to share on your social networks.

Here you can read more about visiting Machu Picchu in May.

Machu Picchu weather in June

Meanwhile, in the month of June in Machu Picchu, the weather is perceived much drier than the previous month. In fact, only a total of 2 mm of rainfall is recorded, making it the driest month of the year in this area.

On the other hand, the weather is very cool, but it is essential to go up with warm winter clothes. Avoid wearing shorts or skirts, as there are many mosquitoes in this area. We also recommend wearing a hat or cap, because of the sun’s rays. Finally, temperatures during the day range between 28°C and 7°C to 1°C at night.

Here you can read more about visiting Machu Picchu in June.

Weather in Machu Picchu in July

Unlike June, the month of July is much sunnier with approximately 8 hours of sunshine per day. So, if you plan to visit the ruins of Machu Picchu during the month of July, you should know that this month is not only the sunniest, but also the coldest at night, with temperatures at night and in the early morning ranging from 0°C to -2°C.

However, during the day, the temperature oscillates between 28° and 29°C (82° and 79°F). Being a dry month with little rain and cloudiness, travelers can enjoy the tour much more, as they will see different breathtaking views before reaching the sanctuary.

Here you can read more about visiting Machu Picchu in July.

Machu Picchu weather in August

August is also one of the driest and sunniest months of the year to travel to the ruins of Machu Picchu. Recorded rainfall reaches 8 mm, so it also tends to be very scarce. On the other hand, nights are still very cold with temperatures as low as 2°C.

Meanwhile, during the day, temperatures range between 20°C to 25°C. Although the weather remains mild and not very hot, it is important to stay covered. On the other hand, these weather conditions allow travelers to make excursions and tours with more freedom and comfort, in the midst of a clear and cool environment.

Here you can read more about visiting Machu Picchu in August.

Weather in Machu Picchu in September

In the month of September, the weather in Machu Picchu is normally dry and with little rainfall. In fact, there are only 5 days of rain in the whole month, reaching 22 mm.

The daytime is still cool but warm, with daytime temperatures ranging from 18°C to 15°C. In addition, temperatures rarely exceed 21°C. At night, we find an average temperature of 4°c, so it remains equally cool compared to the previous month. It rarely exceeds 7°C.

Here you can read more about visiting Machu Picchu in September.

Machu Picchu weather in October

Meanwhile, October is the warmest month of the year in Machu Picchu, with an average temperature between 19°C and 21°C. Nighttime temperatures are appreciated at 6°C. As for rainfall, precipitation reaches up to 47 mm of rain. These weather conditions make it a great and pleasant month to travel to the ruins of the famous Inca sanctuary.

This month is also perfect if you wish to travel to the sanctuary in a warm month full of sunny days. In addition, the influx of tourists drops considerably, making it a great opportunity to enjoy the ruins and its surroundings more freely and fluidly.

Here you can read more about visiting Machu Picchu in October.

Machu Picchu weather in November

As for the month of November, here we begin to notice a little more rain, but not excessively, as these do not exceed 79mm in rainfall. In addition, the temperature ranges between 18 to 20°C during the day, so it remains cool.

Cusco, and especially the sanctuary of Machu Picchu is well clear, and also with little influx of tourists. However, in the evenings we appreciate an average temperature of 6°C. You will notice how at dawn it is cloudy, but soon clears, giving way to sunshine.

Here you can read more about visiting Machu Picchu in November.

Machu Picchu weather in December

Finally, the month of December begins to present a humid climate, because in this month the winter season begins in the region. Precipitations reach 120 mm of rainfall, and the average temperature during the day ranges from 18°C to 21°C, while at night it stays at 7°C.

You will undoubtedly notice an increase in rainfall. In fact, in the month of December, rainfall occupies a total of approximately 16 days, compared to the previous month. However, in this month the weather is mild and bearable around the city, but it is still important to wear covered clothing, adequate to face the winter and the humidity.

Here you can read more about visiting Machu Picchu in December.

Final words

No matter what month of the year you wish to visit the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, it will always leave you with an unforgettable experience. However, it is important to take into account the rainy season, especially between mid-December and mid-March. On some occasions, the road could be obstructed, complicating access to the sanctuary.

Therefore, we recommend the period from mid-April to mid-November as the best time to travel. In addition, the months from May to September are particularly pleasant with very little chance of rain and many hours of sunshine.

And as we can see, it provides us with better views of the tour and the surrounding mountains in the ruins, allowing us to take amazing photos full of light and its characteristic greenery.

The clean air also offers fantastic conditions for taking beautiful and impressive photos, but due to the low night temperatures, it is necessary to wear heavy clothing, especially very early in the morning and late in the afternoon.

We hope the information provided here will be of great help to you, so be sure to visit Machu Picchu, one of the wonders of the world in the most convenient month for you!