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Machu Picchu Weather In January Machu Picchu Weather In January

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Carolyn Esquibel
Machu Picchu Weather In January Machu Picchu Weather In January

In January, the weather in Machu Picchu and Cusco's Andean mountains is rainy. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu has had a month of landslides in the past. For example, a landslide on the Inca Trail on January 23rd forced an earlier closure of the Inca Trail, and on February 23, a glacier collapse in the Salkantay mountain triggered a catastrophic mudflow that ruined the Salkantay trek region. You may still get to Machu Picchu by train in January, but hiking is not recommended.

 

Please be aware that the trails leading to the Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountains are quite slick. There is always the possibility of rock collapse, and the possibilities of enjoying the spectacular vistas are slim.

 

In January, temperatures in Machu Picchu are warm, ranging from 27°C/80°F during the day to 17°C/63°F at night.

 

IN FEBRUARY, MACHU PICCHU

 

The weather in Machu Picchu in February makes it the worst month of the year to visit. The rains are unpleasant throughout this month, especially in regions like the cloud forest where Machu Picchu is located. The possibility of becoming stranded at Aguas Calientes owing to landslides burying train tracks or the Urubamba River becoming overflowed is always present.

 

During February, the National Sanctuary of Machu Picchu closes the Inca Trail to conduct a cleaning operation, replace bridges, and recondition campgrounds and restrooms. Torrential rains are accompanied by dense clouds that obscure the view. Muddy and slick trails, bridges, and ladders develop. Things get a little dicey when it comes to climbing the Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu mountains.

 

In February, temperatures in Machu Picchu range from 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day to 18 degrees Celsius (65 degrees Fahrenheit) at night.

 

IN MARCH, MACHU PICCHU

 

For the last two weeks of March, we recommend booking any of the hiking tours that lead to Machu Picchu, including the Inca Trail. Machu Picchu's weather in March improves dramatically as the rains subside. Beautiful views of the Andean mountains are resurfacing, providing tourists with the ideal photo opportunities.

 

In March, temperatures in Machu Picchu range from 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day to 17 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit) at night.

 

IN APRIL, MACHU PICCHU

April is one of the greatest months to visit this Incan city because of the mix of milder weather, fewer visitors, and spectacular views. The weather in Machu Picchu in April is ideal for hiking the Inca Trail or any of the additional climbs.

 

In April, temperatures in Machu Picchu range from 22°C/77°F during the day to 14°C/61°F at night.

 

MAY IN MACHU PICCHU

 

The weather in Machu Picchu in May signals the start of the dry season, with clear skies and stunning views of the snow-capped Andean mountains. It also heralds the arrival of the assault of tourists, as evidenced by the long lineups at the bus terminal. To avoid the crowds, we recommend trekking other routes such as Huchuy Qosqo, The Short Inca Trail, or Salkantay.

 

Because of the various traditional Andean religious festivals that take place during the month, visiting Cusco and Machu Picchu in May is equally enjoyable. The two MUST-SEE events are the Qoilloritti pilgrimage and the Corpus Christi celebrations.

 

In May, temperatures in Machu Picchu can reach the mid 20s/70s, necessitating the use of extra clothing such as long sleeves, sun hats, and plenty of sunscreen. Beware, because temperatures drop to 13°C/55°F at night, necessitating the employment of thicker layers of clothing.

 

 

IN JUNE, MACHU PICCHU

 

The High Season has officially begun. Thousands of people are expected to flood the city as the Winter Solstice celebrations begin. The month of June is also Cusco's anniversary month. The streets are taken over with festivals, parades, and dancers. The Inti Raimi Festival, which brings the people of Cusco together to recreate an ancient Incan religious festival, is the most important event.

 

With the arrival of winter, the temperature at Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail begins to drop, especially before sunrise and after dusk.

 

Temperatures range from 20°C/58°F to 11°C/52°F on average. During the nights and early mornings, expect temperatures of -5°C/23°F.

 

Despite the colder temperatures, the vistas of the mountains and valleys during the day, as well as the spectacular Milky Way views at night, are breathtaking.

JULY IN MACHU PICCHU

 

In July, winter is in full swing. The skies are clear, and the countryside, mountains, and stars provide beautiful vistas.

 

In July, temperatures in Machu Picchu are frigid, ranging from 19°C/66°F during the day to 10°C/50°F at night. Temperatures drop below freezing at night and early in the morning. During the day, though, temperatures reach the high 70s, and the sun is fierce. It is necessary to exercise caution and use plenty of sunscreen as well as a sunhat.

 

Please be advised that almost all tourist attractions, including Machu Picchu, are congested in July. Buses to and from Machu Picchu have long lines. Train schedules are congested, and certain services' costs have increased. If you visit Machu Picchu during the Peruvian holidays of July 27-28 (Peru's Independence Day), expect to encounter bigger crowds than usual. ​​

 

 

IN AUGUST, MACHU PICCHU

 

The weather in Machu Picchu in August is cold due to the fact that we are in the middle of winter. We strongly advise that you come prepared with appropriate snow gear.

 

The throngs aren't going anywhere because so many people from the Northern Hemisphere are on vacation. On the hiking trails, expect long lineups and overcrowding. We recommend climbing Machu Picchu to avoid the crowds. At this time of year, the sights are breathtaking. We also recommend the Salkantay Trek, which you will not be disappointed with.

 

The Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are frigid in August, with temperatures ranging from 20°C/68°F during the day to 12°C/54°F at night. Temperatures drop below freezing at night and early in the morning. During the day, though, temperatures reach the high 70s, and the sun is fierce. Please protect yourself with sunscreen and a hat.

 

IN SEPTEMBER, MACHU PICCHU

The dry season comes to an end in September, and the rainy season begins. The first rains of September may come unexpectedly, so be prepared with rain gear. The vistas are generally stunning, as are the photo opportunities of the mountains and valleys. Due to a significant drop in visitor numbers, this month is a quieter and more serene walk.

 

In September, the weather in Machu Picchu begins to warm up again. During the day, the temperature is 21°C/70°F, while at night, it is 12°C/54°F.

 

IN OCTOBER, MACHU PICCHU

 

October is considered one of the greatest months to visit Machu Picchu because there are far fewer people hiking the paths and ascending the mountains. In several parts of the Sanctuary, there is a sense of calm and loneliness.

 

The weather in Machu Picchu in October is ideal for hiking, with temperatures ranging from 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day to 12 degrees Celsius (54 degrees Fahrenheit) at night.

 

If you're in town at this time, we recommend climbing Huayna Picchu Mountain — with any luck, you'll have wonderful weather and spectacular views!

 

IN NOVEMBER, MACHU PICCHU

The weather in November heralds the start of the rainy season, although with the exception of a few scattered showers, there is little rain. The number of tourists continues to decline, so if you like less people, this is the month for you. The views of the Alps are very spectacular.

 

In November, temperatures in Machu Picchu range from 24°C/75°F during the day to 13°C/54°F at night.

 

If you're in town during this period, we recommend climbing Huayna Picchu Mountain — with a little luck, you'll have wonderful weather and spectacular views!

IN DECEMBER, MACHU PICCHU

With the overhanging rain clouds, the weather in December is hit-or-miss, although there are a few days of sunshine sprinkled throughout the month. Cusco attracts fewer visitors for the hike to Machu Picchu; instead, most come to spend their vacations in this Incan city. During Christmas and New Year's, the city is overrun with Peruvians and tourists.

 

In December, temperatures in Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail range from 26°C/79°F during the day to 16°C/61°F at night.

 

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