Understanding Inca Trail weather is essential for planning a successful trek to Machu Picchu. The trail experiences two distinct seasons—the dry season (May to October), which offers clear skies and ideal hiking conditions, and the wet season (November to April), when rainfall can make the path slippery and challenging. In this guide, we break down the weather patterns along the Inca Trail, month-by-month conditions, and essential tips to help you choose the best time for your journey while ensuring a safe and enjoyable adventure.
Understanding Inca Trail Weather Dynamics
Before we lace up our hiking boots and set out on the Inca Trail, it is imperative to grasp the multifaceted nature of weather and climate in Peru. This encompasses a gamut of elements, including the overall temperatures at different altitudes and the shifts in weather conditions that occur throughout the day and night.
Weather Forecasts: Cusco and Aguas Calientes
When seeking a reliable gauge of Inca Trail weather, your best compass points towards the forecasts of Cusco and Aguas Calientes. These twin hubs provide a close approximation of conditions along the trail. It’s vital to bear in mind that the Inca Trail traverses through a diverse range of habitats and altitudes. Within a single day, you may transition from the sultry embrace of a humid jungle to the frigid embrace of a mountain pass. This geographical diversity contributes to the challenge of obtaining a weather prediction that boasts absolute precision. Prepare wisely, and carry wet weather gear irrespective of your planned hiking dates.
Navigating Rainfall Patterns
The precipitation patterns on the Inca Trail follow a distinct rhythm. A clear demarcation exists between the dry and wet seasons, affording travelers a strategic window to embark on this awe-inspiring trek.
Read: Best time to do Inca Trail.
Dry Season (May-September)
The dry season blankets the Cusco and Aguas Calientes region from May through September. During this period, the days offer a pleasant coolness, coupled with a significantly reduced chance of precipitation. This makes it an opportune time to tread the Inca Trail, with May-September being particularly favorable.
Wet Season (November-March)
In stark contrast, the wet season casts its watery veil over the trail between November and March. December, January, and February emerge as the wettest months, with February seeing the closure of the Classic Inca Trail and Salkantay/Inca Trail Combo for maintenance. It is prudent to avoid hiking the Inca Trail during this period, as the likelihood of rain is significantly higher.
Deciphering Temperature Variations
Temperatures in the region maintain a relatively stable profile throughout the year, with fluctuations occurring primarily with changes in altitude. Understanding these variations is paramount for ensuring your comfort and safety during the trek.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
Days unfurl with temperatures ranging between 20 degrees Celsius (70-80 degrees Fahrenheit), while nights and early mornings often dip into sub-zero territory. This variance is especially pronounced at high-altitude campsites and sun-exposed valleys.
Adapting to Temperature Shifts
Layered clothing emerges as your steadfast companion. This adaptive wardrobe allows you to modulate your comfort levels as you ascend to lofty passes or descend into sunlit valleys. The evening chill, in particular, necessitates a keen awareness of the zero-degree Celsius mark.
Inca Trail Weather: Month-by-Month Insights
For a granular perspective on the weather conditions you may encounter, we present a month-by-month breakdown. Keep in mind that while these insights are based on historical climate patterns, nature always maintains an element of unpredictability.
| Month | Trekking Conditions | Avg. Daytime Temp (°F) | Avg. Nighttime Temp (°F) | Avg. Rainfall (mm) | Number Of Rain Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 66°F (19°C) | 45°F (7°C) | 154 | 18 | Warm with lots of rain |
| February | Terrible | 63°F (17°C) | 42°F (5°C) | 119 | 13 | Inca Trail is closed |
| March | Poor | 64°F (18°C) | 43°F (6°C) | 109 | 11 | Views covered by clouds |
| April | Good | 67°F (19°C) | 44°F (7°C) | 41 | 8 | Shoulder season, some rain but good visibility |
| May | Excellent | 65°F (18°C) | 38°F (3°C) | 9 | 3 | Dry days and cold nights |
| June | Excellent | 62°F (16°C) | 38°F (1°C) | 18 | 2 | Lots of sunshine but cold temperatures |
| July | Excellent | 60°F (15°C) | 34°F (1°C) | 8 | 2 | Icy evenings but clear dry weather |
| August | Perfect | 64°F (18°C) | 39°F (4°C) | 10 | 2 | Icy evenings but warm, dry days and clear skies |
| September | Good | 73°F (22°C) | 50°F (10°C) | 14 | 7 | Clear skies and warm weather |
| October | Good | 74°F (23°C) | 52°F (11°C) | 47 | 8 | Warmer days with some showers |
| November | Fair | 70°F (21°C) | 43°F (6°C) | 77 | 12 | Warm to hot days with a good chance of rain |
| December | Poor | 68°F (20°C) | 45°F (7°C) | 119 | 16 | Strong probability of sudden downpours |
This is also the same for Short Inca Trail.
January: Warm with Abundant Rainfall
- Trekking Conditions: Poor
- Average Daytime Temperature: 66°F (19°C)
- Low / Nighttime Temperature: 45°F (7°C)
- Average Rainfall (mm): 154
- Number Of Rain Days: 18
- Notes: Warm with copious rain.
Read: Hiking Inca Trail in January.
February: The Trail Takes a Rest
- Trekking Conditions: Terrible
- Average Daytime Temperature: 63°F (17°C)
- Low / Nighttime Temperature: 42°F (5°C)
- Average Rainfall (mm): 119
- Number Of Rain Days: 13
- Notes: Inca Trail is closed.
Read: Hiking Inca Trail in February – why is closed?
March: Views Veiled by Clouds
- Trekking Conditions: Poor
- Average Daytime Temperature: 64°F (18°C)
- Low / Nighttime Temperature: 43°F (6°C)
- Average Rainfall (mm): 109
- Number Of Rain Days: 11
- Notes: Views are often obscured by clouds.
Read more: Hiking Inca Trail in March.
April: Shoulder Season Delights
- Trekking Conditions: Good
- Average Daytime Temperature: 67°F (19°C)
- Low / Nighttime Temperature: 44°F (7°C)
- Average Rainfall (mm): 41
- Number Of Rain Days: 8
- Notes: Shoulder season brings some rain but excellent visibility.
Read: Hiking Inca Trail in April.
May: Dry Days and Chilly Nights
- Trekking Conditions: Excellent
- Average Daytime Temperature: 65°F (18°C)
- Low / Nighttime Temperature: 38°F (3°C)
- Average Rainfall (mm): 9
- Number Of Rain Days: 3
- Notes: Dry days coupled with cold nights.
Read: Hiking Inca Trail in May.
June: Sunshine and Brisk Temperatures
- Trekking Conditions: Excellent
- Average Daytime Temperature: 62°F (16°C)
- Low / Nighttime Temperature: 38°F (1°C)
- Average Rainfall (mm): 18
- Number Of Rain Days: 2
- Notes: Abundant sunshine but brisk temperatures.
Read: Hiking Inca Trail in June.
July: Icy Evenings, Crystal Clear Days
- Trekking Conditions: Excellent
- Average Daytime Temperature: 60°F (15°C)
- Low / Nighttime Temperature: 34°F (1°C)
- Average Rainfall (mm): 8
- Number Of Rain Days: 2
- Notes: Evenings may be icy, but days are clear and dry.
Read: Hiking Inca Trail in July.
August: Balmy Days and Starry Nights
- Trekking Conditions: Perfect
- Average Daytime Temperature: 64°F (18°C)
- Average Nighttime Temperature: 39°F (4°C)
- Rainfall (mm): 10
- Number Of Rainy Days: 2
- Notes: Icy evenings yield to warm, dry days under clear skies.
Read: Hiking Inca Trail in August.
September: Azure Skies and Warm Breezes
- Trekking Conditions: Good
- Average Daytime Temperature: 73°F (22°C)
- Average Nighttime Temperature: 50°F (10°C)
- Average Rainfall (mm): 14
- Number Of Rain Days: 7
- Notes: Clear skies and warm weather characterize this month.
Read: Hiking Inca Trail in September.
October: Warmer Days, Occasional Showers
- Trekking Conditions: Good
- Average Daytime Temperature: 74°F (23°C)
- Average Nighttime Temperature: 52°F (11°C)
- Average Rainfall (mm): 47
- Number Of Rain Days: 8
- Notes: Expect warmer days with intermittent showers.
Read: Hiking Inca Trail in October.
November: Balmy to Hot, Chance of Rain
- Trekking Conditions: Fair
- Average Daytime Temperature: 70°F (21°C)
- Average Nighttime Temperature: 43°F (6°C)
- Average Rainfall (mm): 77
- Number Of Rain Days: 12
- Notes: Anticipate warm to hot days with a higher chance of rain.
Read: Hiking Inca Trail in November.
December: Sudden Downpours Likely
- Trekking Conditions: Poor
- Average Daytime Temperature: 68°F (20°C)
- Average Nighttime Temperature: 45°F (7°C)
- Average Rainfall (mm): 119
- Number Of Rain Days: 16
- Notes: Strong probability of sudden downpours.
Read: Hiking Inca Trail in December.
Navigating Inca Trail Weather: A Recap
In summary, choosing the optimal time for your Inca Trail adventure necessitates a nuanced understanding of the weather patterns that sweep through this awe-inspiring terrain. While weather forecasts for Cusco and Aguas Calientes serve as reliable indicators, the dynamic nature of the trail’s microclimates demands adaptable preparation. Layered clothing is your ally, ensuring comfort as temperatures fluctuate. With this comprehensive guide in hand, you are poised to embark on an unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu, armed with the knowledge to navigate the elements with confidence.
I am Carlos, founder of Machu Picchu Soul, a local tour operator and travel agency based in Cusco, Peru. My journey in tourism began as a porter on the iconic Inca Trail, where I developed a deep connection with the land and its history. After years of dedication, I became a professional tour guide, honing my skills to deliver exceptional experiences. With over 15 years of expertise, I decided to establish Machu Picchu Soul to combine my passion for authentic travel with a commitment to supporting local communities and creating unforgettable adventures for our guests.
