Weather Forecast — Cusco, Inca Trail & Machu Picchu

• January & February 2026: Peak of the rainy season. Frequent afternoon rain and thunderstorms, lush green landscapes, and dramatic skies ideal for atmospheric photography. Machu Picchu experiences heavy rainfall and cloudy conditions, but mornings often clear before midday.

• February 2026: The Inca Trail is officially closed for maintenance and heavy rain.

👉 Travel tips: Bring waterproof gear and plan outdoor activities (like trekking or Machu Picchu visits) for early mornings when skies are clearer.

Shoulder Season or “Golden Window” (Apr & Oct 2026)

• April 2026: Conditions improve dramatically — rainfall drops significantly, temperatures are mild, and outdoor experiences (Inca Trail, Machu Picchu hikes) become much more comfortable with greener scenery than the high dry season.

• October 2026: Also a strong shoulder month with dry conditions starting to increase and rain decreasing — but fewer crowds and good visibility.

Best for: Balanced weather + fewer crowds + budget-smarter than peak dry season.
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Dry Season (May – September 2026)

• May – September: Statistically the best weather for hiking and outdoor activities. Clear skies, virtually no rain, excellent views from the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, and perfect light for photography.

• June & July are especially popular — clear days and cold nights — but expect advance bookings required for permits and lodges.

Best for: First-time trekkers, sunrise photos, stable trail conditions, iconic cloudless views from Inti Punku (Sun Gate).

Typical Monthly Weather at a Glance (Cusco & Machu Picchu)

General Temperature Averages

Month Weather Pattern Inca Trail Status Best For

Jan–Feb Rainy, lush, dramatic clouds Inca Trail closes Feb Photography, cost savings

Mar Rain reduces toward end Trail reopens after maintenance Transitional travel

Apr Low rain, mild Ideal shoulder season Balanced comfort

May–Sep Dry, clear, perfect Peak hiking season Trekking, views, photography

Oct Dry, fewer crowds Great alternative to peak Value + conditions

Nov Rain starts Trail open Green valley views

Dec Rain intensifies Trail open Budget + green season

(Data from long-range climate analyses for Cusco & Machu Picchu).

Weather Tips for Travellers

Cusco & Sacred Valley Weather 2026

• Cusco’s altitude (~3,400 m) means cool nights year-round — pack warm layers even in the dry season.

• Heavy rains often occur afternoons during wet season — plan hikes and Machu Picchu visits early mornings.

Inca Trail Weather Trend

• Inca Trail temperatures typically range around 18–20 °C daytime in most months, with chilly nights especially in the dry season.

• February is closed for maintenance and sees the most rain, so plan accordingly.

Machu Picchu Conditions

• Located in the cloud forest, you’ll experience warmer and more humid weather compared with Cusco — morning clarity gives way to mist and showers by midday during rainy months.

Tourist-Ready Packing List – Cusco, Inca Trail & Machu Picchu

Clothing

• Quick-dry hiking shirts & pants

• Warm mid-layers (fleece/jacket)

• Waterproof rain jacket + poncho

• Comfortable trekking boots + gaiters

Gear

• Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and lip balm

• Hat, sunglasses

• Water bottle & hydration system

• Lightweight daypack & rain covers

Photography Essentials

• Camera body + extra batteries (cold nights drain battery)

• Waterproof camera bag or rain cover

• Tripod (great for sunrise/sunset mist shots)

• Lens cloth + microfiber towels

Extras

• Insect repellent (especially rainy months)

• Snacks & electrolytes

• Altitude sickness prevention (coca tea or approved meds)

• Cusco: ~13–19°C (day), ~2–8°C (night) depending on season and altitude.

• Machu Picchu: ~12–24°C with higher humidity due to cloud forest elevation.