Seasons at a glance
| Season | Months | Weather | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry season | May–September | Sunny days, cold nights | High (peak June–August) |
| Shoulder | April, October | Mixed, mostly good | Medium |
| Rainy season | November–March | Afternoon rain, mist, green landscapes | Lower, except holidays |
Month by month
| Month | Conditions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January | Wet | Landslide risk on some roads |
| February | Wettest | Inca Trail closed; Machu Picchu open |
| March | Wet, easing | Lush and quiet |
| April | Drying | Easter week is busy |
| May | Dry | One of the best months |
| June | Dry, cold nights | Inti Raymi (24 June), Corpus Christi |
| July | Dry, coldest nights | Peak season, book early |
| August | Dry, windy | Peak season |
| September | Dry | Excellent, crowds ease |
| October | Some rain | Good value |
| November | Rainy season starts | Quieter |
| December | Wet | Christmas markets in Cusco |
Crowds and visitor limits at Machu Picchu
Peru caps daily visitors at Machu Picchu: in 2026, up to 5,600 a day in high season (roughly late June to early November, plus Easter and New Year) and 4,500 a day for the rest of the year. Tickets sell out weeks ahead in high season, so buy as soon as your dates are fixed. See Machu Picchu tickets.
Festivals
- Inti Raymi (24 June): the Inca Festival of the Sun, re-enacted at Sacsayhuamán. Hotels fill up weeks ahead.
- Corpus Christi (June): processions of saints around the Plaza de Armas.
- Semana Santa (Easter week): religious processions; Peruvian holidaymakers fill the city.
Visiting in the rainy season
Rain usually comes in the afternoon, mornings are often clear and Machu Picchu looks beautiful in the mist. Pack a rain jacket, allow buffer time for train delays, and avoid long treks in January and February.
What to pack
- Warm layers: nights in Cusco can drop below 0°C in June and July.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat: the sun is strong at altitude.
- A light rain jacket in every season, and insect repellent for Machu Picchu.
Plan your days with our Cusco and Machu Picchu itinerary.
More Cusco guides
- Cusco travel guide
- 15 best things to do in Cusco
- Cusco and Machu Picchu itinerary
- Where to stay in Cusco
- Machu Picchu tickets and circuits
- Train to Machu Picchu
- Sacred Valley tour
- Cusco altitude sickness
FAQ: best time to visit Cusco
What is the best month to visit Machu Picchu?
May or September: dry weather with fewer crowds than June to August.
Is Machu Picchu open in the rainy season?
Yes, all year. Only the classic Inca Trail closes in February.
Is it cold in Cusco?
Days are mild, but nights are cold, especially from May to August.
Plan your trip to Cusco
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