What’s the climate like in Machu Picchu?
The current climate of Machu Picchu features average monthly temperatures ranging from highs of 22°C during the day to lows of 16°C. The average yearly temperature is around 19°C. At night, temperatures in the colder months average around -1°C and in the warmer months around 8°C.
The highest temperature recorded in Machu Picchu in recent years was 34°C in March 2014. The lowest daytime temperature recorded was 0°C in January 2018.
On average, Machu Picchu gets 903 mm of precipitation each year. Of this, about 9,7 cm is snowfall. For comparison, London gets 701 mm of precipitation each year.
Curious about the climate in other parts of Peru? Check out the weather and climate in places like Lima, Cusco, Arequipa, or have a look at other destinations in Peru.
Best time to visit Machu Picchu?
The best time to visit Machu Picchu for sunny weather is February, April, May and September through November. During this period, you'll have good temperatures and not too much rain, making it a great time to visit Machu Picchu. In the other months of the year, there's too much rain or the temperature isn't ideal for a visit if you want sunny and pleasant weather.
Climate Table of Machu Picchu
The climate table of Machu Picchu shows the average temperatures, precipitation, snow, and UV index per month. The table gives an overview of the average day and night temperatures in degrees Celsius, the total amount of precipitation in millimetres, the total snowfall in centimetres, and the UV index for each month. Precipitation is always measured as water, even if it's snow or hail.
Click on the month name to see more weather details, like daily averages, temperatures, and precipitation for the past years in that month.
- Average yearly temperature: 19°C
- Highest temperature: 22°C in November
- Lowest temperature: 16°C in June and August
- Precipitation*: 903 mm per year, averaging 75 mm per month
- Snowfall: 9,7 cm per year
- Driest months: 7,1 mm in June, 15 mm in August and 21 mm in July
- Wettest months: 170 mm in December, 152 mm in March and 144 mm in January
*Precipitation is measured as a combination of rain, snow, and hail
Average Temperature per Month in Machu Picchu
This graph shows the average maximum temperatures per month in Machu Picchu, Peru. The temperatures are shown in degrees Celsius and the average is calculated based on the recorded temperatures per month from past years.
Average Precipitation per Month in Machu Picchu
This graph shows how much precipitation Machu Picchu, Peru, gets on average per month. Precipitation is always measured as water, even if it's snow or hail. This makes it easy to compare how much has fallen, regardless of the form of precipitation. The amount of precipitation is measured in millimetres and the average is calculated based on the recorded precipitation per month from past years.
Average Snowfall per Month in Machu Picchu
This graph shows how much snow Machu Picchu, Peru, gets on average per month. The amount of snowfall is measured in centimetres and the average is calculated based on the recorded snowfall per month from past years.
Average UV Index per Month in Machu Picchu
This graph shows the average UV index per month in Machu Picchu, Peru. The UV index indicates the intensity of ultraviolet radiation and ranges from 0 to a maximum of 11.
Yearly Temperature in Machu Picchu
This graph shows the average yearly temperature in Machu Picchu, Peru. The yearly temperature, expressed in degrees Celsius, is the average of all twelve monthly temperatures summed up for that year.
Total Yearly Precipitation in Machu Picchu
This chart shows the total yearly precipitation in Machu Picchu, Peru, over the past few years. The total yearly precipitation, measured in millimetres, is the sum of all the rain that fell in the twelve months of that year.
Total Yearly Snowfall in Machu Picchu
This chart shows the total yearly snowfall in Machu Picchu, Peru, over the past few years. The total yearly snowfall, measured in centimetres, is the sum of all the snow that fell in the twelve months of that year.
More Climate Info About Machu Picchu
The climate in Machu Picchu is one that people who like variety will certainly appreciate. This is because the Inca city, located high in the Andes, has a subtropical mountain climate characterised by wide temperature variations.
Machu Picchu's subtropical mountain climate stems from the city's high location in the Andes, at an altitude of about 2,400 metres above sea level. This altitude causes large temperature variations between day and night, and between seasons. Moreover, its proximity to the ocean affects humidity and rainfall can occur, especially in summer.
Summer
In summer, from December to March, Machu Picchu is hot and humid. The average daily temperature is around 20 degrees Celsius, but the high humidity can make it feel like it's warmer. Rainfall is also quite common at this time of year, so don't forget your mackintosh if you go then.
Autumn
In autumn, from April to June, Machu Picchu is cooler and drier. The average daily temperature drops to around 15 degrees Celsius and humidity decreases. This is a good time to go if you like milder weather and less chance of rain.
Winter
In winter, from July to September, Machu Picchu is cold and dry. The average daily temperature can drop below 10 degrees Celsius and there is little to no precipitation. This is the best season if you enjoy hiking in a cold climate and enjoying bright, sunny days.
Spring
In spring, from October to November, the weather in Machu Picchu is unpredictable. The temperature can fluctuate between hot and cold days and there can be both rain and sunshine. This is a good time to go if you are flexible and open to what the weather has to offer.
Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. The rainy season, from November to March, can be very wet and foggy, which can make visiting this famous Inca ruin less appealing.
During the dry season, Machu Picchu is also less crowded, so if you want to avoid the crowds, it is advisable to go during this period. However, keep in mind that the summer months of July and August are traditionally the busiest months, so if you want a really quiet experience, it is better to travel during the shoulder months.
Another advantage of visiting Machu Picchu during the dry season is that weather conditions in this part of Peru are generally fairly stable. Although you can expect occasional showers, the chances of bad weather are much lower than during the rainy season.
In terms of temperatures, it is usually warm in Machu Picchu during the dry season. Temperatures can reach around 25 degrees Celsius during the day, so make sure you bring enough water and carry protection from the sun. At night it can cool down a bit, so bring a warm jacket if you plan to watch the sunset at Machu Picchu.
All in all, the best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season, from April to October. This offers the best chance of good weather and fewer crowds, and ensures that you can see this beautiful historical site at its best.
Weather experiences in Machu Picchu
The weather in Machu Picchu is rated an average of 0 out of 5 stars by 2 visitors. Have you been to Machu Picchu? Share your weather experience to help other visitors.
Have you been to Machu Picchu?
Share your weather experiences in Machu Picchu.
Average Weather in Machu Picchu by Month
Click on a month below to see detailed weather info for Machu Picchu. Based on historical weather data, you can see the average temperature, precipitation, wind, and UV index for each day of the month.
Popular destinations in Peru
Discover the climate of these popular destinations in Peru.
