How is the weather in Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu has a tropical and humid climate that is pleasant for visitors. It is located in the jungle part of Cusco, in the eastern part of the Andes Mountains. The climate varies from a maximum of 27ºC. and a minimum of 8ºC. Rains can occur at any time although they are more constant in January, February and March. However, in general, the visit there is under a pleasant sun, ideal for taking memorable photos.
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The weather in Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is located in the high jungle of Cusco, 2,430 meters above sea level. In this geography full of trees and mountains the climate is tropical – humid. The average temperature during the year is 17ºC.
However, the weather tends to vary depending on the time of year. From November to March, the so-called ‘rainy season’ occurs since the rains are more constant in those months. From April to October the so-called ‘dry season’ occurs as the days are sunnier (and colder at night) but the rains are less frequent.
The maximum temperature from November to March can reach 25ºC. The minimum temperature in those months can drop to 12ºC. On the other hand, from April to October the maximum temperature can reach 27ºC. The minimum temperature in those months drops to 8ºC.
The rainy season
Rains in Machu Picchu can occur throughout the year, although they are more frequent from November to March. January, February and March are the rainiest months of the year. On average, on those days it can rain 265 millimeters on average.
Due to the rains the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu remains closed due to the danger of landslides. The route that leads to Intipunku (Puerta del Sol) is also closed to the public. Apart from this, all of Machu Picchu remains open to the public.
The dry season
The absence of rain is most visible from April to October. In those months, although it may rain, these are minimal. The driest months are June, July and August with rainfall of just 50 millimeters on average.
Due to the absence of rain, morning fogs are not so common. Due to this it is easier to get panoramic photos of Machu Picchu without the dense clouds that spoil the shots. For many tourists it is the best time of year to visit Machu Picchu.
However, in the dry season the cold is more intense at night. The temperature can drop to 8ºC. Despite this, in those months more tourists are seen visiting Machu Picchu (high tourism season). All accesses, including the Inca Trail, remain open to the public.
The weather month by month
This is the weather in Machu Picchu month by month:
Machu Picchu | Tem. maximum | Tem. minimum | Tem. average | Rains |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25ºC. | 12ºC. | 18ºC. | 270 mm. |
| February | 24ºC. | 14ºC. | 19ºC. | 280 mm. |
| March | 24ºC. | 14ºC. | 19ºC. | 250 mm. |
| April | 25ºC. | 12ºC. | 18ºC. | 150 mm. |
| May | 26ºC. | 10ºC. | 18ºC. | 80 mm. |
| June | 27ºC. | 8ºC. | 17ºC. | 70 mm. |
| July | 27ºC. | 9ºC. | 18ºC. | 50 mm. |
| August | 25ºC. | 10ºC. | 17ºC. | 50 mm. |
| September | 24ºC. | 12ºC. | 18ºC. | 60 mm. |
| October | 24ºC. | 13ºC. | 18ºC. | 90 mm. |
| November | 23ºC. | 13ºC. | 18ºC. | 150 mm. |
| December | 24ºC. | 12ºC. | 18ºC. | 220 mm. |
The weather in Cusco
The city of Cusco has a temperate climate with cold nights and sunny days almost all year round. Just as in Machu Picchu there are two seasons during the year: the rainy season (from November to March) and the dry season (from April to October).
In the rainy season the maximum temperature reaches 22ºC. while the minimum temperature 5ºC. In the dry season, on the contrary, the maximum temperature reaches 23ºC. The minimum temperature drops to at least 0ºC.
Tips
During the mornings Machu Picchu usually dawn full of mist. That is why it is known as ‘City in the clouds’. Unfortunately the clouds often spoil the landscape photos of the place. The fogs are more constant in the rainy season (from November to March) while they are less constant in the dry season (from April to October).
During your visit to Machu Picchu, do not forget to bring a rain poncho with you. Umbrellas are not allowed inside the Inca city. Rains can occur at any time, especially in January, February, and March.
Machu Picchu is open to the public every day of the year. However, most tourists prefer to visit it in May, June and July.