Machu Picchu is an ancient fortress outside, in a high-altitude area with changing weather, so timing your visit is important. The time of year you choose to visit Machu Picchu can impact your vacation enjoyment. For example, sunny days with blue skies can make your experience better than rainy ones. Unless you love rain. That's why is important to understand the transitions between seasons. This way, you can make the best choice and have a good time planning your trip.
In the Machu Picchu region, the annual average temperature is about 10°C. Summer is the wettest and warmest season, with an average temperature of 11°C. Winter is the driest and coldest season, with an average temperature of 9°C.
If you check the weather forecast before your trip, you'll notice that the temperature can change significantly over time. Temperatures fluctuate throughout the day. They become warm when the sun is strong and freezing at sunset. This occurs regardless of the season, that’s why you must be prepared for temperature variations during the day and dress appropriately for these moments.
The dry season is the ideal time to visit this archaeological site. Machu Picchu, also called Aguas Calientes, is in an area with two distinct seasons. It has a rainy summer and a dry winter. The “summer months”, or as cusqueños call it “La epoca de lluvia” (Rainy season) runs from December to March. It has an extremely high precipitation rate and a high probability of rain.
January is likely the rainy season at Machu Picchu. This time of year has 22 days of rainfall, making it the wettest month in the region. So, keep in mind this if you like rain.
Winter season is the highest season for Machu Picchu, due to the amount of reduced rainfall. May to September are the busiest time for tourism.
Yet, Machu Picchu can get crowded in July and August. This is because it is the summer vacation season in the northern hemisphere. The driest months are June and July.
Traveling in dry weather avoids mosquito annoyance during the rainy season, providing more comfort. Temperatures fluctuate throughout the day. They become warm when the sun is strong, and freezing at sunset. This could happen regardless of the season.
Tip: The best times of the year to visit Machu Picchu National Park are May, June, and early September. This is because of the weather and fewer tourists during the high season. In early September, the weather is pleasant almost all day. However, in the early mornings and nights, it is cold.
If you’re planning to travel to Machu Picchu, don’t hesitate to contact us right now. We can assist you in making your visit unforgettable and full of beautiful memories.
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