Best Time to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu

Plan your trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu during the ideal months and seasons to hike, explore, and capture stunning potos of Peru’s top attractions. Discover the highlights of the dry season as well as the lush advantages of the rainy season and choose the time that best fits your Schedule and travel style.

Seasons and Highlinghts

Cusco and Machu Picchu have two main seasons plus shoulder transitions

Dry Season 

May through October

What to Expect

Skies are clearer, much less rain, good trail conditions; nights get cold, especially in higher altitudes like Cusco.

Pros

Best weather; ideal for trekking (Inca Trail, Salkantay, etc.)  better visibility; festivals like Inti Raymi in June.

Cons

High volume of tourists; prices for lodging, transport, tours are highest; permits/trains/hotels must be booked well in advance

 

Wet Season

December through March

What to Expect

Frequent rain showers (especially Jan & Feb), cloud cover, sometimes slippery and muddy trails; Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance.

Pros

Very lush vegetation, fewer tourists, lower costs, more peaceful.

Cons

Rain disrupts travel plans; visibility may be impaired; some treks/routes impacted; trail/hike closures (Inca Trail in Feb).

Shoulder Seasons

April and November

What to Espect

Transition months some rain but thinning crowds; landscapes are lush; fewer tourists than mid dry.

Pros

Fewer crowds, generally good weather, lower prices; better for photography with greenery.

Cons

Rain is still possible; some trails might be muddy; less predictable weather

 

Month by Month Highlights

Here’s what each month is like to help you decide more precisely:

January to February: Wettest months. Heavy rain, especially in afternoons. The Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance. Great greenery but unpredictable weather.

March: Rain starts tapering off toward end of month; fewer crowds; trails muddy; visibility improving.

April: One of the best transitional months. Still some rain, but often dry enough for hikes. Landscape lush; fewer people. Great time if you want balance.

May: Dry season more solid; morning sunshine, warm days, cold nights. Trails open, good for trekking and visibility.

June to August: Peak dry season: clearest skies, excellent weather. But also busiest; top tourist months. Nights especially cold, particularly in June and July.

September: Still dry, often excellent weather with fewer crowds than mid-winter (June-August). Very good for photos.

October: Great weather persists; some risk of early rains late month. More tourists again. Very good for trekking before wet season starts.

November: Rain returning; some days wet, some dry. Still better than peak rainy season; fewer people; deals in lodging.

December: Rainy season kicks in fully; afternoon showers common; some trail disruptions. But holiday season = more visitors despite weather.

Tips Based on What You Want

Here are our top tips and recomendations to turn your stay into a truly unforgettable experience.

 

The best months to enjoy hiking in Cusco are May, June, September, october. Hire a qualified trekking and book your tour several days or even months in advance.

For slow paced, stress free experience, plan your trip to Cusco during April or novemver the perfect months for a peaceful visist. This seasons give calm and still good conditions.

If you’re passionate about photography, plan your trip for March, May, September or October. Early morning light after rains gives great contrast; green landscapes

Traveling on a Budget? November and March are ideal months to visit with lower hotel rates and reduced prices on some services, you can enjoy Cusco without overspending.

If you love culture and traditions, plan your trip for June or Juli the Sacred Valley and Cusco come alive with  colorful festivals, dances, and celebrations you won’t want to miss.

 

Publication date: 2025-09-22