Machu Picchu is an ancient Peruvian city built by the Inca people (they also call it Old Mountain) and located at nearly 8,000 feet above sea level. This city attracts thousands of tourists year round, and even though it is located near the equator, it has varying weather; from dry and drained to chilly and rainy. The key to a stress-free visit is to plan appropriately and accordingly.
The Best time of the year to go to Machu Picchu
The objective of this is to break down the months of the year in line with the weather in Machu Picchu so as to aid in your trip planning. Stating what months are considered the “best” and “worst” subjectively.
- January– the rain is yet to begin, and the same goes for the crowd, due to minimal events. All in all, it’s a good month to pack along your camera and enjoy the city.
- February– this is another good month to avoid the crowd but bear in mind that it is a peak rainy season and that the Inca trail is closed for the entirety of this month.
- March– the month of March gives off amazing views since it’s a low season and we’re coming out of the rainy season. Keep in mind that since the rain is involved, the weather might be a bit of a hit and miss.
- April– if you have the luck of the Irish, April is the perfect month to visit Machu Picchu. If not a lot of rain and not too much of a crowd is what you have in mind when you want to visit this ancient Peruvian city, then it works out perfectly.
- May– Like almost everywhere else in the world, the end of the rainy season isn’t usually the end as one is still to expect trickles here and there. Things to watch out for or keep in mind is that the crowd begins to increase in May but it isn’t overcrowded yet, and if it is rainy and cloudy in the early hours, dry and bright skies are to be expected midday.
- June, July, August, mid–September– Except the crowds in masses, declined daily rainfall, drier and brighter days, good trekking activities and great pictures during these months
- September, October– these months are good if you’re looking to avoid the torrential rains and hordes of people. Like in the month of April, if you have the luck of the Irish expect to be in Machu Picchu on a bright day with a minimal crowd.
- November– the rain is expected to start again in September so pack in line with that. November brings pouring skies and hopes for sun-filled days.
- December– seeing as November is a rainy month, be prepared for muddy roads and rain in the month of December. It isn’t the perfect time to visit, but if you bring along your raincoat and rain boots, Machu Picchu can be ideal for you.
The best time of the day to visit Machu Picchu
If you want to avoid the crowd, it is best to get out of your homes or hotel rooms in the early morning or mid-afternoon as the roads tend to get congested with the crowd at about 11 am and 3 pm.