Best Time of Year to Hike Inca Trail - Top Seasons and Best Months for Your Trip

Why It’s Important to Know the Best Time to Hike Inca Trail

Understanding the importance of the best time to hike the Inca Trail is crucial for a rewarding hike experience. The Inca Trail's weather is notably variable, influenced by its diverse altitudes and microclimates. Hikers can experience a range of conditions, from cold, high-altitude sections to warmer jungle areas. Understanding the tourist seasons also helps you choose when crowds and prices would be less while the trail would still be accessible and views spectacular. Therefore, aligning your hike with a time that is optimal is critical. 

Hiking Inca Trail: A Month-by-Month Breakdown

Depending on the month you take a hike on the Inca trail, your experience will likely vary. While Peru has just two main seasons, dry and rainy, the variation in temperature and weather conditions affect accessibility, crowds, and prices. 

From April to October, the dry season offers clear skies and stable weather, which is ideal for trekking. Peak months like June and July attract larger crowds, so booking permits well in advance is essential. Alternatively, shoulder months such as May and October provide favorable weather with fewer tourists, enhancing the journey. However, the rainy season, spanning November to March, brings increased rainfall, leading to muddy trails and potential hazards such as landslides. In February the trail is closed for maintenance. Having a month-by-month breakdown will help you choose the best time for the Inca Trail hike. Explore our curated Inca Trail tour packages to experience the ancient path to Machu Picchu with expert guides and seamless planning.

Hiking Inca Trail In January 

• Season: Wet season

• Minimum Temperature: Approximately 32°F (0°C)

• Maximum Temperature: Approximately 66°F (19°C)

• Key Points:

January is generally not considered the optimal month to hike the Inca Trail, given the following factors:

• Heavy Rainfall: January falls within the peak of the wet season in Peru, characterized by frequent and intense rainfall, which can make trekking conditions difficult. Trails may become slippery due to mud, increasing the risk of accidents.

• Trail Closures: While the trail remains open in January before maintenance in February, the increased precipitation can lead to unexpected closures or restricted access to certain sections for safety reasons.

• Limited Visibility: The heavy clouds and fog prevalent during January can obscure the stunning vistas that the Inca Trail is renowned for, including views of Machu Picchu. This reduced visibility can diminish the overall trekking experience.

• Lower Temperatures: While daytime temperatures are mild, nighttime temperatures can drop significantly, especially at higher altitudes. Trekkers must be prepared for cold and damp conditions, which can be uncomfortable and increase the risk of hypothermia.

Hiking Inca Trail in February

• Season: Wet

• Minimum Temperature: Approximately 45°F (7°C)

• Maximum Temperature: Approximately 65°F (18°C)

• Key Points:

  • February is characterized by frequent rainfall and increased humidity, thus not an ideal month to hike the Inca Trail.

  • This month, the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance, making it inaccessible to trekkers.

  • The heavy rains during February can make trails muddy and slippery, increasing the risk of landslides and making trekking conditions hazardous.

  • The persistent cloud cover also often obscures the scenic vistas that hikers seek.

Hiking Inca Trail in March

• Season: Late rainy season transitioning to early dry season.

• Minimum Temperature: Approximately 41°F (5°C)

• Maximum Temperature: Around 68°F (20°C)

• Key Points:

While March offers a quieter and greener environment, hikers should be prepared for variable weather conditions and trail challenges due to residual moisture.

• Weather Conditions: March experiences residual rainfall from the wet season, making trails potentially muddy and slippery. This can pose challenges for hikers, especially on steeper sections.​

• Trail Maintenance: The Inca Trail, which was closed in February for maintenance, reopens in March. Some restoration work may still be ongoing, possibly affecting certain sections of the trail.​

• Crowd Levels: March sees fewer tourists than peak months. This can offer a more serene trekking experience and better permit availability.​

• Flora and Fauna: The tail end of the rainy season means the landscape is lush and vibrant, with blooming flora enhancing the scenic beauty.

Hiking Inca Trail in April

• Season: Transition from wet to dry season

• Minimum Temperature: Approximately 36°F (2°C)

• Maximum Temperature: Around 68°F (20°C)

• Key Points:

April marks the onset of the dry season on the Inca Trail, offering favorable trekking conditions. If you’re looking for fewer crowds and great accessibility, this might be the best time to hike the Inca Trail. 

• Reduced Rainfall: April signifies the end of the wet season, resulting in fewer rain showers and more stable weather, ideal for trekking.​

• Lush Scenery: After a rainfall, the trail is adorned with vibrant greenery and blooming wildflowers, enhancing the hike's visual appeal.​

• Moderate Crowds: As April precedes the peak tourist season, the trail experiences fewer hikers, allowing for a more serene experience.​

• Clearer Views: The transition to drier weather often leads to clearer skies, offering unobstructed views of the surrounding landscapes and archaeological sites.​

Hiking Inca Trail in May

• Season: Dry season 

• Minimum Temperature: Approximately 32°F (0°C)

• Maximum Temperature: Approximately 68°F (20°C)

• Key Points:

May is considered one of the best months to hike the Inca Trail, offering favorable conditions for trekkers.

• Optimal Weather Conditions: May marks the onset of the dry season, ensuring clear skies and minimal rainfall, which enhances trekking conditions and visibility.

• Lush Scenery: Residual moisture from the preceding rainy season keeps the landscape vibrant and green, offering picturesque views along the trail.

• Moderate Crowds: Since the peak tourist season begins in June, the trail experiences fewer hikers, allowing for a more serene and personalized trekking experience.

• Availability of Permits: With reduced demand compared to peak months, securing permits for the Inca Trail in May is relatively easier, providing more flexibility in planning.

Hiking Inca Trail in June

• Season: Dry season

• Minimum Temperature: Approximately 32°F (0°C)

• Maximum Temperature: Approximately 68°F (20°C)

• Key Points:

June is a popular month to hike the Inca Trail, but it may not be the best month for hiking the Inca Trail if you’re looking for fewer crowds.

• Favorable Weather Conditions: June is the dry season, characterized by clear skies and minimal rainfall, which provides ideal trekking conditions.

• Increased Crowds: June is peak tourist season, so the trail and Machu Picchu can be crowded. To secure spots, permits, and accommodations must be booked well in advance. The increased number of tourists may affect the tranquility of the trek.

• Festive Atmosphere: Cusco, the gateway to the Inca Trail, hosts numerous festivals in June, enriching visitors' cultural experience. 

Hiking Inca Trail in July

• Season: Dry season

• Minimum Temperature: Approximately 32°F (0°C)

• Maximum Temperature: Approximately 68°F (20°C)

• Key Points:

July is another popular month for hikers from all around the world and is part of the peak tourist season. 

• Ideal Weather Conditions: Days are sunny, and rainfall is minimal. This stability provides clear skies, enhancing the visibility of the stunning landscapes and archaeological sites along the trail.

• Festive Atmosphere in Cusco: In June, the city of Cusco celebrates various cultural events, enriching your travel experience with traditional music, dance, and local cuisine.

• Optimal Trail Conditions: The reduced rainfall during this period ensures the trail remains less muddy, making the hike safer and more enjoyable.

• Increased Crowds: July is one of the busiest months on the Inca Trail, leading to congested paths and a diminished sense of solitude. ​

• Higher Costs: The peak season demand often results in elevated prices for tours, accommodations, and related services.

• Permit Scarcity: Due to the high demand in July, securing permits for the Inca Trail requires booking several months in advance. This necessitates early planning to ensure availability. ​

Hiking Inca Trail in August

• Season: Dry season

• Minimum Temperature: Approximately 32°F (0°C)

• Maximum Temperature: Approximately 68°F (20°C)

• Key Points:

While August offers stable weather, the increased number of trekkers can detract from the experience. If you wish for a most tranquil experience, it may not be the best time of year to hike the Inca Trail. 

• Favorable Weather Conditions: August typically provides clear skies and minimal rainfall, creating ideal trekking conditions.

• Crowds: As a peak month, the trail experiences higher foot traffic, which may affect the sense of solitude during the hike.

• Permit Availability: Due to increased demand, securing permits requires booking well in advance, sometimes up to a year prior.

Hiking Inca Trail in September

• Season: Dry season

• Minimum Temperature: Approximately 32°F (0°C)​

• Maximum Temperature: Around 68°F (20°C)

• Key Points:

September is one of the best times to hike the Inca Trail, combining favorable weather conditions with reduced crowds, making for. 

• Favorable Weather: September typically experiences clear skies and minimal rainfall, which provides excellent visibility of the trail and surrounding landscapes. ​

• Moderate Crowds: As the peak tourist months of June and July have passed, September sees fewer hikers, allowing for a more serene trekking experience.

• Lush Scenery: The residual effects of the rainy season ensure that the flora along the trail remains vibrant and green, enhancing the visual appeal of the trek.

Hiking Inca Trail in October

• Season: Late dry season transitioning into the early rainy season

• Minimum Temperature: Approximately 32°F (0°C)

• Maximum Temperature: Approximately 68°F (20°C)

• Key Points:

October is considered to be a favorable month to hike the Inca Trail, offering a balance of pleasant weather, reduced crowds, and vibrant scenery. These advantages make October one of the best times for the Inca Trail. 

• Moderate Crowds: October experiences fewer tourists than peak months like June and July, providing a more tranquil trekking experience.

• Pleasant Weather: While October marks the onset of the rainy season, early in the month typically offers stable weather with minimal rainfall, making it suitable for trekking.

• Vibrant Scenery: The residual effects of the rainy season result in lush landscapes, enhancing the natural beauty along the trail.

Hiking Inca Trail in November

• Season: Transitional period between dry and wet seasons

• Minimum Temperature: Approximately 36°F (2°C)

• Maximum Temperature: Approximately 68°F (20°C)

• Key Points:

While November offers lush landscapes and a quieter trail, the increased likelihood of rain and unpredictable weather patterns can pose challenges.

• Increased Rainfall: November marks the onset of the rainy season, leading to wetter trails and potential challenges such as muddy paths and reduced trail stability.

• Lush Scenery: The increased precipitation rejuvenates the landscape, resulting in vibrant greenery and blooming flora, enhancing the trek's visual appeal.​

• Fewer Crowds: As November is outside the peak trekking months, the trail experiences reduced foot traffic, offering a more solitary and tranquil hiking experience.

• Unpredictable Weather: November's transitional climate can lead to sudden weather changes, requiring hikers to be well-prepared for varying conditions.​

Hiking Inca Trail in December

• Season: Wet season

• Minimum Temperature: Approximately 41°F (5°C)

• Maximum Temperature: Approximately 68°F (20°C)

• Key Points:

Due to adverse weather conditions and compromised trail safety, December is generally not the best time to hike the Inca Trail.

• Increased Rainfall: December experiences significant rainfall, resulting in muddy and slippery trails, making trekking more challenging and less enjoyable.

• Trail Conditions: The heavy rains can lead to washed-out paths, increasing the risk of landslides and making certain sections potentially hazardous.

• Visibility and Views: Frequent cloud cover and fog during this month can obscure the views of the Andes and Machu Picchu.

Why should you book your Inca Trail adventure with Adventure Tripr?

At Adventure Tripr, we don't just curate trips, we curate experiences. We partner with trusted local experts who know the trail inside and out, ensuring a culturally rich and safe adventure. We’ve done this hundreds of times before, making us experts not only on the best time to hike the Inca trail but also for giving you advice on how you can get a fuller experience of the trail. With our focus on sustainable travel, you’ll experience breathtaking landscapes and ancient history and support local communities. From an easy booking process to personalized support, we give you the adventure travel partner that sorts everything out. Your Inca Trail adventure starts here!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question 1: At what time of the year can I get the best views of the Andes and Machu Picchu?

Answer 1: Enjoy the best views of the Andes and Machu Picchu during the dry season, from May to September.

Question 2: How much in advance should I book the permit for the Inca trail?

Answer 2: Book your Inca Trail permit at least six months in advance, especially if you plan to hike during the peak season (May to September).

Question 3: Do I still need to book the permit in advance even if I am hiking during the shoulder season?

Answer 3: You must still book your Inca Trail permit in advance, even during the shoulder seasons (April and October). Limited daily permits (500 total) are strictly enforced year-round, including for guides and porters. 

Question 4: When are the prices at their lowest?

Answer 4: The lowest prices for hiking the Inca Trail are typically available during the rainy season (November to March), excluding February when the trail is closed for maintenance. However, given the rains and the slippery trail, you must proceed with planning and caution.