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Weather in Machu Picchu
The lost city of the Inca in the clouds
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About Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu sits at 2,430 metres above sea level, wrapped in cloud forest and mountain mist. The Inca citadel was never found by Spanish conquistadors and remained unknown to the outside world until 1911.
Best months to visit
Year-round
Language
Spanish / Quechua
Things to do in Machu Picchu
Inca Trail trek
Sunrise at Sun Gate
Cusco exploration
Sacred Valley
Huayna Picchu climb
Local markets
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
18C
Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.
February
18C
Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.
March
18C
Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.
April
18C
Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.
May
18C
Mild and comfortable, with regular rainfall.
June
18C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
July
18C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
August
18C
Mild and comfortable, with regular rainfall.
September
19C
Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.
October
19C
Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.
November
19C
Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.
December
18C
Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.
Machu Picchu is one of those places that simply cannot be overhyped — the 15th-century Inca citadel perched on a ridge above the cloud forest, mist curling around the agricultural terraces at dawn, the mountains rising impossibly in every direction. It is simultaneously a feat of engineering that baffles modern architects and a spiritual site of profound power. The train journey from Cusco through the Sacred Valley is one of the great approaches in travel; arriving on foot via the Inca Trail is one of the great achievements.
Best areas to stay in Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu Citadel
The main site — the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana stone, agricultural terraces, and the residential quarters of the Inca nobility, all in remarkable preservation.
Aguas Calientes
The small town at the base of the mountain, serving as the overnight base for Machu Picchu visits — hot springs, good restaurants, and a lively market.
Sacred Valley
The fertile valley between Cusco and Machu Picchu, dotted with Inca sites including Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and the spectacular salt pans of Maras.
Cusco
The former Inca capital — Spanish colonial churches built over Inca stone foundations, the San Pedro market, and the unmissable starting point for any Machu Picchu itinerary.
Getting to Machu Picchu
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Flights
Fly to Lima (LIM) and connect to Cusco (CUZ) on domestic carriers LATAM or Sky Peru; the flight from Lima to Cusco takes around 1.5 hours. Direct UK flights to Lima operate with LATAM Airlines and IberoJet via Madrid.
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From London
~14–16 hours total journey time from London to Cusco
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Getting around
Trains operated by Peru Rail and Inca Rail run between Cusco/Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes; book in advance. Bus service runs from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu entrance gate.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book Machu Picchu tickets in advance?
Yes — entry tickets must be booked online through the official portal (machupicchu.gob.pe) and sell out weeks or months in advance, especially for popular morning slots and mountain hike add-ons. Book as early as possible.
What is the best way to get to Machu Picchu?
The classic route is train from Cusco (or Ollantaytambo) to Aguas Calientes, then bus up the mountain. The Inca Trail (4 days) and Salkantay Trek (5 days) are alternative hiking routes requiring advance permits.
Should I hike Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu?
Huayna Picchu (the pointed peak in classic photographs) is steeper but shorter and offers spectacular views over the site; Machu Picchu Mountain is longer but less crowded and gives a broader panorama. Both require separate tickets.
How do I avoid altitude sickness in Cusco?
Cusco sits at 3,400m — spend at least two days acclimatising before visiting Machu Picchu (2,430m). Drink coca tea, avoid alcohol initially, stay hydrated, and consider altitude sickness medication (consult a doctor before travel).
When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?
May to September is the dry season — clearer views and better hiking conditions. April and October straddle the seasons with good weather and fewer crowds. June sees the Inti Raymi festival in Cusco. January–March is wettest but the site is lush and fewer tourists.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Arriving at the Sun Gate on the Inca Trail at dawn and seeing Machu Picchu below in the morning mist was the single most emotional travel moment of my life. Four days of hard hiking completely rewarded in an instant.
Sarah V. · May 2024
★★★★★
We hired a private guide for the citadel tour and it made such a difference — understanding the astronomy, agriculture, and architecture of the Inca transformed what we were seeing from impressive ruins to a living civilisation.
Carlos M. · September 2023
★★★★★
We went up for the sunrise entry — took the first bus at 5:30am and had the lower terraces almost to ourselves for an hour. Absolutely worth the early start. The Inca Trail would be a dream for a future visit.
Jessica H. · July 2024
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