Machu Picchu weather: A month-by-month guide

Expect warm days around 70°F (21°C) and cooler nights near 52°F (11°C), with heavy rainfall of up to 8–9 inches this month alone. Clouds cling stubbornly to the peaks, sometimes breaking just enough to give you that jaw-dropping view of the lost city through the mist. Trails do get slick, so waterproof boots and a poncho aren’t optional; they’re survival gear.

It rains a lot, about 9–10 inches. But that’s why the mountains are a painter’s palette of greens. Days hover at a comfy 71°F (22°C), nights dip to about 53°F (12°C), and clouds often roll in by afternoon. The Inca Trail closes for maintenance, so you’ll need to access Machu Picchu by train and bus. But honestly? The ruins wrapped in misty rain are pure cinematic magic.

Morning sunshine warms up the terraces at around 71°F (22°C), but by afternoon, showers (about 6–7 inches of rain) remind you that the rainy season isn’t quite ready to leave. Nights stay mild at 52°F (11°C). The best part? Flowers bloom wildly, and the terraces gleam in every shade of green imaginable.

Rainfall drops to about 3–4 inches. Mornings are crisp at 50°F (10°C), and afternoons remain pleasant, with temperatures near 70°F (21°C). Golden sunlight pours over the ruins, drying out the stones and setting the mountains aglow. You still might catch an afternoon sprinkle, but overall, April feels like a big sigh of relief after months of soggy shoes.

Rainfall shrinks to a polite 1–2 inches, and skies stretch out in endless blue. Daytime temperatures hover around 68°F (20°C), while nighttime temperatures cool down to about 48°F (9°C). Trails firm up, mornings turn bright, and the crowds start trickling in. It’s the sweet spot, not too busy, not too wet. Perfect for photographers chasing those iconic postcard shots.

Rain is nearly nonexistent (less than 1 inch), and skies are so blue they look photoshopped. Days hover around 67°F (19°C), but mornings and nights can drop to a brisk 46°F (8°C). This is also peak hiking season, so the trails are lively with fellow adventurers.

July means barely any rain, crisp skies, and near-perfect hiking conditions. But nights can get brutal. Temps dip to 45°F (7°C), and if you’re catching the sunrise (which you absolutely should), you’ll want gloves and a fleece. Daytime is still lovely at 66°F (19°C).

Rain is still scarce (about 1 inch), skies are wide open, and daytime temperatures sit around 68°F (20°C). Nights still hover at 46°F (8°C), so don’t pack away the layers yet. This is prime trekking weather: dry trails, long days, and panoramic views that stretch forever. It’s also festival season in Cusco, which adds extra buzz to your trip.

Daytime temperatures will be around 69°F (21°C), nights near 48°F (9°C), and a little more rain will creep back in (2–3 inches). Mornings are usually sunny, but clouds like to roll in later, adding a moody backdrop to your photos without completely drenching you.

October is when the rainy season starts again. Showers pick up (3–4 inches), but mornings stay bright. Temperatures are warmer, about 71°F (22°C) in the day and 50°F (10°C) at night. Bring a light rain jacket, it’s more sprinkles than downpours.

Expect 6 inches of rainfall. Mornings often start sunny, daytime is mild at 72°F (22°C), but by afternoon, mist crawls down the mountain, and nights hover around 52°F (11°C). The ruins often look like they’re floating on clouds, which, let’s be honest, is exactly the kind of mystique Machu Picchu was made for.

Showers are frequent, averaging about 7 inches for the month. But with daytime temps around 72°F (22°C) and nights at 53°F (12°C), it’s still comfortably warm. Showers give the stones a glossy sheen and sometimes reward you with rainbows arching over the peaks.

• Temperature: Daytime averages 65–70°F (18–21°C) with nights dropping to 45–50°F (7–10°C).
  
• Rainfall: Very low. Expect just 1–2 inches per month.
  
• Sky conditions: Crystal-clear mornings, deep blue skies, and very little cloud cover.
  
• What it feels like: Crisp air, lots of sunshine, and near-perfect hiking conditions. But keep a sweater handy, dawn and dusk can be chilly.

• Temperature: Days hover around 68–75°F (20–24°C)  and nights dip to around 50–55°F (10–13°C).
  
• Rainfall: Heavy rains that peaks in January and February with 8–10 inches of rain per month. 
  
• Sky conditions: Mornings can be surprisingly clear, but afternoons bring mist, fog, and showers.
  
• What it feels like: Warmth with a side of drama. You’ll sweat a little, dodge rain clouds, and maybe even catch rainbows over the ruins.