Toubkal Trekking

Best Time to Go to Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu: it’s the bucket list destination of hiking dreamers, history nerds, Instagram influencers, and anyone who’s ever watched a documentary narrated by David Attenborough. But before you grab your backpack and start humming pan flute music, there’s one big question to answer — when is the best time to go?

Let’s unpack this, with some llamas, legends, and a weather forecast thrown in.

Dry Season: The “Instagram-Approved” Months (May to September)

If Machu Picchu had a peak performance window, this would be it. Think clear skies, majestic mountain views, and minimal risk of slipping on a mossy stone while trying to recreate that classic Machu Picchu pose. May through September is the dry season, and it’s the most popular time for good reason.

This is when Machu Picchu says, “Yes, I am ready for my close-up.” The sun’s out, the views are sharp, and the trails are walkable — unless you’re hiking the Inca Trail in flip-flops, which nobody recommends (except maybe your Uncle Steve who still wears socks with sandals).

But here’s the catch: everyone else thinks this is the best time too. That means crowds. Lots of them. It can feel like the entire population of Switzerland decided to vacation with you. Book early, and practice your “excuse me” in at least three languages.

Wet Season: The Moodier, Mysterious Cousin (November to March)

Now, if you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys mist, mystery, and fewer tourists breathing down your neck, the wet season has its charms. Yes, you’ll get rain. Yes, it might look like a scene from a dramatic travel commercial. But Machu Picchu in the rain is like a moody poet — beautiful, unpredictable, and possibly wearing a poncho.

This is when the ancient city gets quieter. The moss gets greener, the clouds get clingier, and the photos get that National Geographic vibe. Just pack a good rain jacket and prepare to embrace your inner adventurer. The Inca Trail is closed in February, though, so don’t get any wild ideas.

The Shoulder Seasons: April and October – Machu Picchu’s Best-Kept Secret

Now this is where the magic happens. April and October are like the underrated supporting characters in a great movie. The rain is mostly gone, the sun makes regular appearances, and the crowds haven’t fully descended like caffeine-fueled alpaca lovers.

These months offer the best of both worlds — fewer people, milder weather, and a decent chance of capturing that dreamy Machu Picchu panorama without fifteen strangers in the background pretending to hold a llama like a baby.

Bonus: the flowers are blooming in April, and the mountains still have that “just rinsed” freshness from the recent rains. You might even spot a rainbow or two, if you’re lucky (and, let’s be honest, who doesn’t want rainbows over Incan ruins?).

Conclusion: Go for the Ruins, Stay for the Llamas

Ultimately, the best time to visit Machu Picchu depends on your tolerance for mud, crowds, and spontaneous weather changes. The dry season is reliable, the wet season is romantic (in a soggy kind of way), and the shoulder seasons? Goldilocks would be proud — just right.

Whenever you go, just remember: Machu Picchu isn’t just a place, it’s an experience. Wear good shoes, bring extra socks, and don’t forget to thank the llamas. They were here first.