Best time to visit Machu Picchu and trek the Andes
There is no single perfect month for Machu Picchu — only the month that fits what you want. Clear skies or thin crowds? Lush green or dry trails? This guide breaks the Cusco year down honestly, season by season, so you can choose with your eyes open.
Part of our complete guideThe complete Machu Picchu guide →The two seasons that shape everything
The Cusco region has two clear seasons: a dry season from roughly May to September and a green (wet) season from November to March, with April and October as transitional months. Almost every decision about timing comes back to this rhythm.
The dry season brings the bluest skies and the most dependable trails — and, predictably, the most visitors and the earliest sell-outs for permits. The green season turns the mountains brilliant green, drops prices and thins the crowds, but you trade that for rain and the occasional cloud over the ruins.
The Classic Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance. Machu Picchu itself stays open, and alternative treks like Salkantay keep running, but if your heart is set on the Classic Inca Trail, avoid February entirely.
Month by month, honestly
| Season | Months | Weather | Crowds and notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry / high | May–Sep | Clear, sunny days; cold nights | Busiest; book permits 4–6 months ahead |
| Shoulder | Apr & Oct | Mostly dry, occasional shower | Great balance of weather and fewer people |
| Green / low | Nov–Mar | Lush, warm, frequent rain | Quietest and cheapest; Inca Trail closed Feb |
Best time for trekking specifically
For multi-day treks — the Salkantay, Lares, Choquequirao and Ausangate routes — the dry season is the safest bet for firm trails and big views. High passes are cold year-round, so warm layers matter regardless of month. In the green season the high routes can be muddy and some passes cloud over, though you will often have them almost to yourself.
Our take: when to go for what you want
- Best weather and clearest photos: June to August (book early).
- Best balance of weather, price and quiet: April, May, September, October.
- Fewest crowds and lowest prices: November to early December.
- Avoid for the Classic Inca Trail: February (trail closed).
Found your month? Check the dates.
See live Inca Trail permit availability and lock in your perfect window.
Frequently asked questions
For clear skies, June to August is ideal, though it is the busiest. April, May, September and October offer a great balance of good weather and thinner crowds.
Yes, Machu Picchu is open year-round. Only the Classic Inca Trail closes, and only in February for maintenance.
The green season from November to March sees frequent rain, especially January and February. The dry season from May to September is much drier.
The green season, roughly November to early December, is the quietest and most affordable, with the trade-off of more rain.