One of the first questions potential travelers to Peru ask is what is the Best Time to Hike Machu Picchu?.
The most popular months to trek the Inca Trail are May, June, July, August and September, when the weather is warm and visibility is at its best. However, the summer shoulder months; April and September are less busy, so walkers will have more time and space to enjoy the trail. In addition, the nights will be warmer and the route will be particularly pretty with more wild orchids en route.
Make reservations 5 – 6 months in advance if you want to hike then. The Machu Picchu trek is doable during the rainy season, but can become slippery and muddy by December and January. The trail closes for maintenance each February.
Best time to hike Machu Picchu – Temperature Chart
Best time to hike Machu Picchu – Rain Chart
The chart below plots the average monthly precipitation amount.
Rain days
The chart below plots the average number of days in any month that you can expect to see rain falling.
Best time to hike Machu Picchu – Wind Chart
The chart below plots the average daily wind speed you can expect for any month. It also shows the maximum recorded sustained wind speed for each month.
Best time to hike Machu Picchu – Month by Month breakdown
Average High Temperature (Fahrenheit)
| JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC |
| 68 | 68 | 68 | 69 | 70 | 69 | 69 | 70 | 70 | 71 | 71 | 70 |
Average Low Temperature (Fahrenheit)
| JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC |
| 45.5 | 45 | 44 | 40 | 34 | 30 | 29 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 43 | 44 |
