The Inca Trail sits between 2,400 and over 4,200 meters (7,875–13,800 feet) of elevation, which gives it a tropical mountain climate with two real seasons rather than four: a dry season from roughly May to September and a rainy season from October to April. Here's what that actually means for you, month by month — temperatures, rainfall, and what to pack.
Trying to decide when to book? See our full guide to the best time to hike the Inca Trail for our month-by-month recommendation. This page is the weather data behind that guide.
Why the Trail Runs Cold at Night, Warm in the Day — Every Month
Daytime temperatures on the Inca Trail generally sit in a mild 59–77°F (15–25°C) range regardless of the month. Nights are a different story: at the higher camps, temperatures drop close to freezing even in the warmest months. Pack in layers you can add and remove, rather than relying on one heavy jacket.
Elevation also explains why Cusco feels colder than Machu Picchu itself. Cusco sits at about 11,150 feet (3,400 meters), while Machu Picchu is roughly 7,970 feet (2,430 meters) — nearly 3,200 feet lower. So if you're acclimatizing in Cusco before your trek, expect noticeably colder nights there than you'll find later at the ruins.
Inca Trail Weather by Month: Full Data Table
| Month | Trekking Conditions | Day Temp | Night Temp | Rainfall | Rain Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 66°F (19°C) | 45°F (7°C) | 154mm | 18 | Warm with lots of rain |
| February | Closed | 63°F (17°C) | 42°F (5°C) | 119mm | 13 | Inca Trail closed for maintenance all month |
| March | Poor | 64°F (18°C) | 43°F (6°C) | 109mm | 11 | Views often covered by clouds |
| April | Good | 67°F (19°C) | 44°F (7°C) | 41mm | 8 | Shoulder season, some rain but good visibility |
| May | Excellent | 65°F (18°C) | 38°F (3°C) | 9mm | 3 | Dry days, cold nights |
| June | Excellent | 62°F (16°C) | 38°F (1°C) | 18mm | 2 | Lots of sunshine but cold temperatures |
| July | Excellent | 60°F (15°C) | 34°F (1°C) | 8mm | 2 | Icy evenings, clear dry weather |
| August | Perfect | 64°F (18°C) | 39°F (4°C) | 10mm | 2 | Icy evenings but warm, dry days and clear skies |
| September | Good | 73°F (22°C) | 50°F (10°C) | 14mm | 7 | Clear skies and warm weather |
| October | Good | 74°F (23°C) | 52°F (11°C) | 47mm | 8 | Warmer days with some showers |
| November | Fair | 70°F (21°C) | 43°F (6°C) | 77mm | 12 | Warm to hot days, good chance of rain |
| December | Poor | 68°F (20°C) | 45°F (7°C) | 119mm | 16 | Strong chance of sudden downpours |
Weather by Month, Pick Your Month
Want the full picture for one specific month, exact conditions, crowd levels, and what to pack? Each month below has its own dedicated guide.
- January
- February, the trail's one closed month
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- November
- December
Best (and Worst) Time to Hike the Inca Trail
May through September is the dry season and the best window to hike, clear skies, stable trail conditions, and the most reliable views of the Andes. Within that window, June and July are the two most recommended months, cold at night but the driest and clearest days of the year. August runs a close second, warmer than June or July with equally clear skies.
April and late September through November are the shoulder seasons, and often the smartest trade-off: April and May still have the lush, green landscape left over from the rains, while September through November brings noticeably smaller crowds than peak dry season for only a modest rain risk.
January, March, and December are the weakest months to hike, heavy, frequent rain, muddy and slippery stonework, and reduced visibility at viewpoints. February is not a "worst month" so much as a non-option, the trail is fully closed for maintenance, see our Inca Trail in February guide for what to do instead.
Which Inca Trail Route Should You Choose?
"The Inca Trail" usually means one of two routes. The Classic 4-Day Trail starts near Piscacucho (2,800 m) and climbs over Dead Woman's Pass at 4,200 m before descending into Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate on foot, the full, iconic experience. The Short 2-Day Trail starts later at Chachabamba (2,250 m) and tops out at Intipunku (2,750 m), a shorter, lower-altitude option that still finishes at the Sun Gate. Both routes run on the same permit system and both close entirely in February.
Packing and Preparation Tips by Season
Dry season (May to September): lightweight breathable layers for daytime, sun protection, and plenty of water, but still pack a warm layer for camp, nights get cold even when days are clear.
Rainy season (October to April): a real waterproof jacket and pants, quick-drying synthetic or merino layers instead of cotton, and sturdy waterproof footwear with good tread for slippery stone steps.
Any season: temperatures swing hard between day and night at altitude, pack in layers you can add and remove rather than one heavy jacket.
What to Pack by Season
Dry Season (May–September)
Lightweight, breathable layers for daytime, sun protection, and plenty of water — but still pack a warm layer for camp. Nights get cold even when days are clear.
Rainy Season (October–April)
A real waterproof jacket and pants, quick-drying synthetic or merino layers instead of cotton, and sturdy waterproof footwear.
Year-Round
Temperatures swing hard between day and night at altitude. Pack in layers you can add and remove rather than one heavy jacket, whichever month you go.
Special Considerations
Beyond the month-to-month weather, a few things affect the trail regardless of when you go: the February closure for maintenance, local festivals that can affect availability and pricing in Cusco, and broader weather patterns like El Nino or La Nina years, which can shift rainfall timing outside the normal pattern described above. If you're booking close to a shoulder-season month, checking recent conditions with your operator is worth the extra step.
Choosing the Right Tour Operator
The best operators share a few traits regardless of price point: experienced, well-paid guides, fair and ethical treatment of porters, and equipment that's actually maintained, not just old gear reused season after season. See our full comparison of Inca Trail tour operators for how the major companies stack up on these points.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the climate like on the Inca Trail?
Warm days and cold nights year-round, with rain most likely from November through March and the driest conditions from May through September.
Is Cusco colder than Machu Picchu?
Yes. Cusco sits at about 11,150 feet (3,400 meters), while Machu Picchu is at roughly 7,970 feet (2,430 meters), so Cusco runs noticeably colder.
Does it rain every day during the rainy season on the Inca Trail?
No. Even in the wettest months, rain typically falls on 12–18 days out of the month, often as afternoon or evening showers rather than all-day rain. December, January, and February are the wettest, each averaging over 100mm of rainfall and 13 or more rain days.
How cold does it get at night on the Inca Trail?
At the higher camps, nighttime temperatures drop close to freezing even in the driest months — June and July nights average around 34°F (1°C). A warm sleeping bag and insulated layers for camp are essential regardless of when you go.
Ready to Pick Your Month?
Whichever month fits your trip, we'll help you plan the right route and dates.
Start Planning →Ready to plan your trek around these conditions? See our best time to hike the Inca Trail guide for our month-by-month recommendation, or explore the Classic Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek itineraries.
