When Is The Best Time To Visit Machu Picchu? (Your Expert Planning Guide)

Are you struggling to decide which is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?

The most famous Inca creation and popular destination to visit in Peru, Machu Picchu blends mystery, architectural ingenuity and outstanding Andes vistas in one incredible site. Given its must-see status, the majority of tourists tend to plan their trip around visiting Machu Picchu - however it can be difficult to choose the best time given how the weather, tourist seasons and even time of day can significantly change the experience you have.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the best time to visit Machu Picchu. This includes what to expect with the weather, how to explore the site without crowds, as well as answering your most frequently asked questions.

Peru’s Most Iconic Ruins: Is There A Best Time To Visit Machu Picchu?

While everyone is different and will have their own preferences for visiting Machu Picchu, the majority prefer to have great weather with not too many crowds around.

This means that the months of late April until late September are best, which usually have clear blue skies and few mists surrounding Machu Picchu - creating the very best views and photo opportunities. April and September are usually the best for both great weather and less crowds as they fall into the low tourism seasons, however it’s still possible to visit Machu Picchu between June and September without too much disruption.

In this case you’ll want to visit in the early morning right when Machu Picchu opens at 6:00am, as the majority of the large tourist buses begin to arrive in the late morning. This allows you plenty of time to explore the sacred site without jostling for the best views - although it will require you to be well prepared and book everything properly in advance. 

Here at The Luxury Peru Travel Company we have decades of experience crafting the very best Machu Picchu vacations, where our expert team will design your perfect trip while handling all of the complicated logistics - allowing you to fully relax and enjoy your trip.

Machu Picchu’s Different Weather Seasons And What To Expect

The first important consideration before visiting Machu Picchu is the weather, and how it can vary each month in the year. Below we'll now explore the different weather seasons of Machu Picchu, what to expect with each one, and how to choose the best time to visit for your best overall experience.

Machu Picchu Annual Weather Chart

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Machu Picchu During Winter (June-August)

The long-awaited winter season is the overall most popular for a visit to Machu Picchu. Not only do most summer vacations take place between June and August, it’s also the heart of the dry season for the region - meaning we will be guaranteed clear blue skies and no showers. Temperatures can be slightly cooler during the evenings here so you’ll need a warm coat ready - however the daytimes are nice and warm for outdoor exploring. It’s important to know that this is the busiest time for a visit and tickets usually sell out fast, so you’ll want to book your Machu Picchu tour package at least 3 months in advance.

Best For: Those who want the best weather and don’t mind crowds at Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu During Spring (September-November)

Now we move into the spring season for Machu Picchu, which can be a great time to visit depending on the month and the type of experience that you’re after. September and early October in particular are perfect as the weather is still clear and dry, temperatures are slightly warmer than the winter, and tourist crowds are much lower than the previous months. November marks the beginning of the wet season so there will be the occasional shower and low-lying mists, however they are light compared to later months of the year. Overall the spring season for Machu Picchu promises great weather with less crowds than the previous winter period.

Best For: Those who want a quieter Machu Picchu visit which still promises great weather.

Machu Picchu During Summer (December-February)

Visiting Machu Picchu during the summer season is popular for those who want to spend the Christmas holidays exploring these ancient ruins. Temperatures will be at their overall warmest of the year during these months, where the nights won’t be as cold as other times of the year. The summer season is the heart of the rainy season, so it’s important to know that showers are frequent although usually short-lived. When visiting Machu Picchu you may experience mists around the site - however these often clear quickly and can actually create a more mysterious and picturesque setting.

Best For: Those who want warmer temperatures and misty views at Machu Picchu, and don’t mind a shower or two during their visit.

Machu Picchu During Autumn (March-May)

A visit to Machu Picchu during autumn can be quite a special experience, and especially during the latter months. In March rains are still usually heavy - although these begin to disappear by mid to late April - while temperatures are also still quite warm before the cooler evenings of the winter season begin to arrive in June. Tourist crowds are still low for this period, which begin to pick up from late May onwards. April and May in particular are perfect months for experiencing Machu Picchu, as they promise great weather, few crowds and vivid green scenery given the ending of the recent summer rains.

Best For: Those who don’t mind a bit of rain and want to experience Machu Picchu at its most authentic.

Choosing Between High Tourist Seasons And Low Tourist Seasons

While the weather is usually the biggest factor that tourists consider when visiting Machu Picchu, it’s also important to know how different tourist seasons can impact your experience.

The High Tourist Seasons For Machu Picchu 

The overall busiest period for visiting Machu Picchu are the months between May and September, due to the summer holidays and ideal weather conditions. Crowd levels remain high throughout these months with little rest between dates, so if coming during this period then it’s important you book your Machu Picchu permit and vacation several months in advance. You’ll also want to book your luxury trains to Machu Picchu in advance, given they have limited spaces and also sell out quickly during the high seasons.

Specific dates of the year can also sharply increase visits, both in the dry and wet seasons due to Peruvian festivals and international celebrations. Below we’ve listed the key dates:

• Semana Santa (dates vary each year between March and April)
• Inti Raymi (24th June)
• Corpus Christi (date varies each June)
• Fiestas Patrias (28th-29th July)
• Christmas and New Years (24th December until 2nd January)

The Low Tourist Seasons For Machu Picchu 

The low tourist season falls between October and April for Machu Picchu, making it a more relaxing time for visiting the ancient Inca citadel. While rains and mists are more frequent during this period, they are usually short-lived - and it’s not uncommon to have blue skies during the heart of the wet season at times too. Shoulder season months like October and mid April promise the best of both worlds, where tourist crowds are low while the weather is great.

It’s important to note that there are a few dates within this period that can see temporary spikes of tourism (such as Christmas and New Years  from the 24th December until 2nd January - as well as Semana Santa which varies each year between March and April).

The Best Time Of Day To Visit Machu Picchu

Now that we’ve explored the different weather seasons and tourist seasons, the final important factor to consider is what time of day you visit Machu Picchu. 

While the sacred site is open for viewing from 6:00am until 5:00pm all days of the week, we can group these into three different periods - early morning, late morning and early afternoon, as well as the late afternoon - which each have their own specific advantages.

Visiting Machu Picchu In The Early Morning (From 6:00am-10:00am)

Overall the early morning is the best time for experiencing Machu Picchu with the fewest crowds around, where we can also enjoy beautiful sunrise lighting around the ancient ruins. The first buses depart from Aguas Calientes around 5:00am, which work perfectly for entering the site as it opens. Given the distance from Cusco, this option is only possible if staying in Aguas Calientes overnight - however is more than worth it for the overall experience you’ll have here.

Best For: Those who want minimal crowds at Machu Picchu and beautiful sunrise lighting on the ruins.

Visiting Machu Picchu In The Late Morning And Early Afternoon (From 11:00am-2:00pm)

This is usually the most popular and crowded time to visit Machu Picchu, given tourists leaving from Cusco early on day tours will begin to arrive around 10:00am given the distances. Many tourists also prefer to wake up late in Aguas Calientes and have a full breakfast before departing for their tour - so the ruins will be at their most packed during this period. After 11:00am, however, you will usually get the very best views with clear blue skies overhead as the morning mists have cleared.

Best For: Those who don't mind crowds and either want to wake up late in Aguas Calientes or visit Machu Picchu on a day tour from Cusco.

Visiting Machu Picchu In The Late Afternoon (From 3:00pm-5:00pm)

This is actually a very underrated time to visit Machu Picchu, where we can enjoy both good views and less crowds. Those who arrived on a day tour from Cusco will start leaving Machu Picchu before 3:00pm, and those who stayed in Aguas Calientes the night before who also begin making their way back to Cusco. This means Machu Picchu will be quieter - while we can still enjoy ideal visibility of the ruins before the site closes in the evening. It’s important to know that you’ll want to arrive no later than 3:00pm - since you’ll need a couple of hours to properly explore Machu Picchu before it closes.

Best For: Those who are flexible with their visit to Machu Picchu and want less crowds than those experienced in the late morning and earlier afternoon.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding The Best Time To Visit Machu Picchu

Below we’ll now answer some of the frequent questions we get about the best time to visit Machu Picchu, as well as anything else important that you need to know.

What Is The Best Month To Go To Machu Picchu?

Any month between late April and late September is best for visiting Machu Picchu. This is because the weather will be rain-free, promising clear blue skies most days and postcard-perfect views of the sacred Inca ruins. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, then visiting either in May or September usually sees much less tourists as we enter the low travel season. Just be sure to book your Machu Picchu trip well in advance as tickets often sell out in the busiest months!

What Is The Rainy Season In Machu Picchu? Is It Worth Visiting Then?

The rainy season for Machu Picchu begins in late October and runs until early April, where showers intensify further into the season - reaching their peaks between January and February. However it’s still possible to visit the ruins without rain, and we’ll also enjoy greener landscapes and less tourist crowds during these months. Shoulder season months like October and April are still quite dry and are great months to visit, both for the weather and less crowds around Machu Picchu. 

How Many Days Do You Need In Machu Picchu?

Usually two days is the perfect amount of time to experience Machu Picchu, where you’ll stay overnight in Aguas Calientes and be able to visit the ruins early in the morning. A one day tour is also possible, where you’ll leave Cusco early in the morning and return in the late afternoon. You can also stay for multiple days in Aguas Calientes, which is best for those who want to explore Machu Picchu at different times of the day, and enjoy other regional highlights such as the natural hot springs and nearby waterfalls.

Overview Of The Best Time To Visit Machu Picchu

And that’s all for this guide on the best time to visit Machu Picchu.

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is a star highlight on any trip to Peru - and most itineraries are often built around a visit here. Choosing the best time to visit Machu Picchu is vital for guaranteeing the exact type of experience that you want, where the weather, tourist seasons and even time of day are important factors to take into consideration.

Are you ready to experience Machu Picchu, but need help planning your perfect vacation? Get in touch with our expert team now, where we will craft your luxury Peru vacation exactly how you want it with the most seamless itinerary along with the very best hotels and tailored experiences.