Best time to visit Machu Picchu

Rain or shine – here's when to plan your Machu Picchu trip

A trip to Peru usually includes Machu Picchu. Heck, you may even be planning your entire trip around these ancient Inca ruins. But when exactly is the best time to visit?

While the site is open all year, each month offers a different experience. It all depends on how you want to get there (trek or train?), and whether you're chasing sunny skies or smaller crowds.

Clearer skies and drier trekking conditions: May to October (dry/high season)
Quieter trails and lush scenery: November to March (wet/low season)

Dryish weather and fewer tourists: April, May, October and November (transition months)

If you’re visiting in February, keep in mind that the Inca Trail – Peru's most famous trek – closes for maintenance. A great alternative is the Quarry Trail (open year-round), which finishes in the town of Ollantaytambo. From here, jump on a train to Aguas Calientes – a 30-minute bus ride or 1.5-hour hike from Machu Picchu.

The dry season (May to October)

With crisp skies and plenty of sunshine, it’s no surprise that the dry season is the most popular time at Machu Picchu. Nights can be chilly and potentially freezing, so thermals and warm outer layers are a must if you're camping.

June to August generally offers the best conditions for trekking, photography and seeing those sparkling Andean night skies – just be prepared for crowds and plan ahead, especially if you're doing the Inca Trail as permits typically sell out months in advance. Late June and early July are particularly busy due to Cusco’s annual Inti Raymi festival (Festival of the Sun).

The wet season (November to April)

The wet season is totally manageable if you don't mind a bit of rain and bring the right gear – sturdy walking shoes, a waterproof jacket and a few pairs of extra socks are essential as the terrain can be damp and muddy, particularly from December to February.

That said, this is also a quieter time of year in Peru, so while you might not get those classic blue-sky shots, you should have more breathing space at Machu Picchu and on the Inca Trail. The Andean highlands also bloom with orchids and fresh vegetation after the rains.