If you want postcard skies and dry trails, mark your calendar between May and October: the middle of the Andean winter, zero rain and perfect light for your photos.
Do you prefer to save and avoid crowds?
From November to March prices drop, the mountains are dressed in green and the roads are calm again (you will only have to deal with a short downpour in the afternoon).
And if you’re looking for the halfway point, April or October combine sunshine, vibrant scenery, and plenty of free space on the train.
What is the weather like in Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
Before looking at numbers, remember two simple rules:
- The altitude rules: the higher, the drier and the colder at dawn.
- Day ≠ night: even in the dry season the oscillation exceeds 15 °C.
| Zone | Altitude | Typical day/night temp. | Annual rainfall approx. | What it means to you |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cusco | 3,400 m | 17 °C / 3 °C | 720 mm | You’ll get up early in winter cold even in July; at noon a shirt is enough. |
| Sacred Valley (Urubamba) | 2 800 m | 19 °C / 6 °C | 650 mm | More temperate than Cusco; Cool nights without frost. |
| Machu Picchu | 2,430 m | 24 °C / 11 °C | 2,000 mm | High jungle: sunrises with mist, warm and humid afternoons. |
And the rain?
- May–August: almost anecdotal, perfect for the Inca Trail or Vinicunca.
- September–October: still dry, but green is already appearing; Great time for photographers.
- November–March: it rains in the afternoons; The advantage is yours in prices and empty spaces.
- April: The valley still looks green, but the skies are starting to clear.
Day/night difference: she wears layers. A lightweight windbreaker + fleece lining covers you almost all year round.
Dry season (May–Oct): clear skies and only 3–5 mm/month of rain in Cusco.
Wet season (Nov–Mar): afternoon showers; The mountain turns emerald green and prices go down.
With this data you can quickly decide: are you looking for dry trails for Vinicunca or green landscapes with fewer people?
When you have it clear, check available dates on our Cusco tours and secure your place.
Before we get into the details, a quick note about the Andean calendar: in the Peruvian highlands there are no classic “four seasons”, but two great periods marked by the presence or absence of rain.
Below, you will find the complete explanation of the dry season (May-October). Later we will do the same with the rainy season so that you can compare with data in hand.
Dry Season (May – October)
Clear skies almost daily, minimum humidity and less than 30 mm of rain per month. The mornings start cold and the sun warms up quickly, leaving the afternoon perfect for walking without slipping.
Pros
- Clear views: the mountains are silhouetted with a deep blue background; Guaranteed photos.
- Ideal trekking: firm trails to conquer Vinicunca or the Humantay Lagoon without mud.
- Predictable weather: schedule long routes without fear of surprise showers.
Cons
- Freezing early mornings: the thermometer can drop to -2 °C in Cusco; He wears a hat and gloves.
- More people: it’s the high season; Machu Picchu hangs the “out of quota” sign weeks in advance.
- Rising prices: trains and hotels apply demand rate; Book with margin.
Key events
- Inti Raymi (June 24): the “Festival of the Sun” turns Cusco into a living stage of Inca rituals.
- National Holidays (28–29 July): national celebrations, parades and extra domestic influx. (Tip: if you have dates, combine ceremony + Sacred Valley tour in the same trip).
Recommended tours
- Humantay Full Day – turquoise mirror under the glacier, without puddles or clouds.
- Complete Sacred Valley – terraces and villages with the clearest light of the year.
- Inca Trail (4 days) – perfect weather to reach the Sun Gate at sunrise.
Ready to take advantage of the dry season? Check availability of your preferred tours before they sell out and secure your entrance to Machu Picchu in advance.
Rainy Season (November – March)
During these months the mountains are hydrated: 80 – 180 mm of rain per month, almost always in the form of afternoon showers. The mornings usually dawn clear; In the afternoon the fog arrives, the clouds break apart and the smell of wet earth envelops the Inca terraces.
Pros
- Emerald green landscape: the quinoa fields sprout and the mountains recover their vegetable carpet; Ideal for contrast photography.
- Little influx, better budget: demand goes down and with it the prices of hotels, trains and tours ( savings of 20 – 30% compared to the dry season).
- Scenarios without crowds: easier to capture Machupicchu or the Maras Salt Mines without lines or “photo-bombers”.
Cons
- Circuit closures: the Inca Trail closes in February for maintenance; Some alternating sections may be affected by mud or landslides.
- Risk of interruptions: heavy rains can delay trains or force trekking routes to be adjusted; It is advisable to keep a mattress on the itinerary for one or two days.
Featured Events
- Carnival (February): comparsas and water/flower war in Cusco —bring a raincoat and humor.
- Easter (variable dates between March and April): solemn processions, typical vigil dishes and occasional increases in local occupancy.
Tours that work especially well at this time of year
- Maras & Moray: the circular terraces are surrounded by fresh grass; The diffused light brings out the reddish tones of the salt.
- South Valley (Tipon, Pikillacta, Andahuaylillas): less tourist traffic and access on asphalt roads.
- Cusco food city-tour: cooking classes and indoor local markets; Perfect plan if a downpour falls.
Tip: If you choose the rainy season, book “outdoor” activities in the morning and leave museum visits or culinary experiences for the afternoon. This way you take advantage of the more stable window of weather and keep your trip shower-proof.
Intermediate Seasons (April and October): the sweet spot
The best of both worlds. April arrives when the rains have already subsided, but the valley still retains a fresh green; October announces the return of the first drizzles, although the days are still mostly clear.
In both months the thermometer moves between 5 – 18 °C in Cusco, with only 15–30 mm of rain: enough to clean the air without interrupting your plans.
- Fewer people, more calm. It’s not high season yet; trains have free seats, Machu Picchu allows photos without jostling and hotels publish offers of “between stations”.
- Perfect light for photographers. Partly cloudy skies that filter light and bring depth to the mountains; green and gold coexist in the same shot.
- Comfortable pace for families. Mild climate, uncrowded roads and moderate prices: ideal if you travel with children or older adults and prefer to avoid extremes.
If you are looking for stable weather without crowds or peak fees, make a note of your trip to April or October and start comparing dates on our Cusco tours: this is when the mountain range lets itself be loved without haste.
Month-by-month calendar
| Month | Weather & Footfall | Quick Insight |
|---|---|---|
| January | Daily rainfall, few people | Good prices; ideal if you are not bothered by PM showers. |
| February | Peak rainfall, Inca Trail closed | Plan alternative routes (South Valley, Maras). |
| March | Rains subside, intense greens | Good time for photo + saving before Easter. |
| April | Dry‐early, low influx | Sweet spot: stable weather with no crowds. |
| May | Start of dry season, reserves rise | Activate ticket alerts to Machu Picchu with 2 months. |
| June | Seco, local festivals | Inti Raymi fills hotels: book with 3 months. |
| July | Dry, South American holidays | High rates; buy train and MP ticket together. |
| August | Full dry, maximum flow | Get up early for photos without people. |
| September | Late dry, low influx | Firm trails + prices start to go down. |
| October | Transition, temperate climate | Mix sun + clouds; Great light for photographers. |
| November | Initial rains, fewer tourists | 20% discounts on tours and hotels. |
| December | Moderate rainfall, festive atmosphere | Andean Christmas: book dinner with a view of the square. |
Quick tip: Do you want a balance between climate and price? Check availability of our Sacred Valley Tour for April or October before the rates go up.
Festivities and events that can influence your trip
| Event | When | Logistical impact |
|---|---|---|
| Inti Raymi | 24 Jun | Hotels and flights are becoming more expensive; streets blocked for the parade. |
| Qoyllurit’i | Last week of May / first of Jun | Mass pilgrimage; rural roads with extra traffic. |
| National Holidays | 28–29 Jul | High domestic influx, “festive” rates. |
| Andean Christmas | Dec 24–25 | Craft fairs and processions, some services close early. |
| New Year’s Day | Dec 31–Jan 1 | Minimum stay fees in centrally located hotels. |
| Carnival | Feb (Moving Dates) | water games in streets; Go with a change of waterproof clothing. |
| Easter | Tue/Apr (mobile) | Processions; Machu Picchu operates normally but Cusco gets crowded. |
Plan with margin and block accommodation if your visit coincides with any of these milestones.
How to choose the best date according to your traveler profile
We are all looking for something different in the mountain range. Here are three “golden windows”, with concrete examples to help you put yourself in the situation and not depend on luck when booking.
| Profile | Ideal window | Why? | Real example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adventurers & Trekkers | May – September (full dry season) | Firm trails, clear mountain passes and top visibility at the viewpoints. | Laura (29) dreamed of walking to the Puerta del Sol. Booked Inca Trail 4 days in May; it didn’t rain for a minute and the sunrise over Machu Picchu was so clear that it seemed HD. |
| Travelers on a budget | November, February or March | Hotels, trains and tours drop between 20 and 30%. Fewer tourists = more room to negotiate. | Javi and Lucía (backpacker couple) flew in February: they slept in a hostel in Cusco at half price and took advantage of the afternoon showers for an indoor gastronomic city-tour . |
| Photographers / Bird-watchers | April or October | Transition of seasons: the valley is still green, partly cloudy skies (natural diffuser) and little attendance. | Marco (amateur photographer) traveled in October; he captured orchids in bloom on the slope of Machupicchu and, the next day, condors gliding over the Mirador de Chonta at dawn. |
Zoom to each window
Adventurers & Trekkers
- Star routes: Inca Trail, Salkantay 5 days, Vinicunca Full Day.
- Book in advance: Inca Trail places sell out 3-4 months in advance.
- Key equipment: sleeping bag −5 °C, thermal second skin and front for early rising.
Travelers on a budget
- The “AM/PM” strategy: schedule outdoor tours in the morning (less chance of rain) and museums, markets, or cooking classes in the afternoon.
- Concrete savings: Hostel 3 ★ in February ≈ USD 35 /night vs. USD 60 in July; Expedition train to Machu Picchu with 25% discount.
- Plan B ready: local weather apps (e.g. Senamhi) and a cushion day at the end in case it is time to reschedule.
Photographers / Bird-watchers
- Magical light: April offers still-green mountain backs; October displays golden tones before the drought.
- Recommended spots: Mirador San Cristóbal (Cusco), terraces of Moray at sunset, orchids in the Botanical Garden of Agua Caliente.
- Extra tip: has a 100-400 mm telephoto lens for condors or ibises; Keep waterproof bags for morning humidity.
How to use this guide
- Mark on your calendar the stretch that best suits your style.
- Check if it coincides with festivities such as Inti Raymi or Carnival (price and availability impact).
- Write us your date range: we fine-tune the ideal itinerary and block critical bookings (train, entrance to Machupicchu, trekking permits) before they fly.
Ready to set the game? Tell us which profile you recognise yourself in and we will send you a personalised route proposal in less than 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does it rain a lot in Machu Picchu in February?
Yes. February is among the wettest months: ~160 mm of precipitation spread over afternoon showers. Mornings usually start cloudy and lighten; Schedule your visit early and wear a light poncho.
Can you visit Vinicunca (Mountain of 7 Colors) in January?
It is possible, but not always recommended. The trail can become slippery and the summit is often covered in clouds. If you are traveling in January, have a plan B (Palcoyo or Valle Sur) ready and confirm the route a day before with your operator.
What happens if I buy the ticket and it rains?
Machu Picchu and most tours operate under normal rain; There is no automatic refund. In the event of an official closure due to extreme conditions, the authorities usually offer to reschedule the date at no cost. Tip: add an extra day in Cusco in case you need to move the tour.
Is Cusco safe in low season?
Yes. The city maintains a tourist police presence and services open all year round. The busiest areas (Plaza de Armas and surroundings) are still active; Simply apply basic precautions and, if you go trekking, always let your guide know.
Conclusion and next steps
Now you know that there is no right answer to the question of What is the Best Time to Travel to Cusco and Machu Picchu?
Choosing the ideal date depends on your travel style: dry adventure, rainy saving, or intermediate photography. With the weather, holidays, and your budget mapped out, you now have the complete dashboard to make the decision.
Check out our Cusco Tours and secure your spot before the dates fill up. See you in the Andes!
