How Is the Weather at Machu Picchu in December?

Weather in December at Machu Picchu

December is part of the rainy season, which is why you’ll see more rainfall and more clouds surrounding the ruins of Machu Picchu.

Even so, December is a mild month at Machu Picchu, with average daily highs of 17°C (63°F) and lows of 8°C (47°F). It’s worth packing the right clothes for your trip and choosing the right Machu Picchu circuit.

Temperature Range

A typical December day at Machu Picchu ranges from a high of 17°C (63°F) to a low of 8°C (47°F). Expect cool, wet, and somewhat chilly conditions overall.

How Much Does It Rain in December?

Rainfall picks up in December, so plan for sporadic, sometimes intense rainstorms. Despite the rain, Machu Picchu and its surroundings turn lush and green, giving the area a distinct, attractive feel.

Humidity and Clouds

In December, the sky at Machu Picchu is foggy or cloudy much of the time, with the sun breaking through less often. The ruins are often covered in mist in the early morning, adding a mysterious touch, and rain tends to build through the afternoon.

December falls within the rainy season (roughly December through April), and humidity during this stretch runs high, with independent climate data putting the seasonal average around 91%, noticeably higher than the roughly 77% typical of the dry season.

Even with the afternoon rain, you’ll still get dry stretches and mild temperatures. If you want to visit Machu Picchu with fewer tourists and benefit from lower prices, this is one of the better months to go.

What About the Rest of Peru in December?

If you’re planning a broader Peru itinerary rather than just Machu Picchu, December weather varies quite a bit by region:

• Lima. December marks the start of Lima’s summer, with warmer, sunnier days and comfortable temperatures, generally a pleasant month on the coast, and a good bookend to a trip that also includes the Andes. Many travelers spend their first or last few nights in Lima before or after the Cusco/Machu Picchu leg of the trip, and December’s improving coastal weather makes that pairing especially comfortable.
• Cusco. Like Machu Picchu, Cusco sits in the rainy season during December, with afternoon showers common and mornings usually clearer. Days stay mild, but pack for rain regardless of your itinerary.
• The Sacred Valley. Similar pattern to Cusco: rain arrives most afternoons, but mornings often stay dry enough for sightseeing.

In short, December works reasonably well for a Peru trip that combines coastal Lima with the Andes, as long as you build flexibility into your Cusco and Machu Picchu days for afternoon showers.

If you’re in Cusco around Christmas, look out for Santurantikuy, a centuries-old artisan fair held in the Plaza de Armas. Traditionally held on December 24, the fair has run over two days, December 23 and 24, since 2015. Hundreds of local artisans set up stalls selling hand-carved nativity figures, retablos, and textiles, and it’s recognized as part of Peru’s cultural heritage. It’s a genuinely festive way to experience the city if your December itinerary overlaps with those dates, though expect crowds and, fittingly, a good chance of rain.

Pros and Cons of Visiting Machu Picchu in December

There are a number of pros and cons to visiting Machu Picchu in December. Let’s look at each for your trip this month.

Pros of Visiting in December

• Fewer travelers. December is a solid month to visit Machu Picchu, with fewer travelers than the months before it, aside from a small peak around Christmas and New Year.
• Green surroundings. Thanks to the increased rain, the surroundings of Machu Picchu turn lush and green.
• Festive atmosphere. Peru holds a variety of events for Christmas and New Year’s. It won’t directly affect your visit to the ruins, but it can add to the festive national mood if you’re spending time in Cusco or Lima too.

Cons of Visiting in December

• Rainy season. Because December falls in the region’s rainy season, expect stronger rainfall at times. This can make it harder to fully enjoy the area, and hiking the Inca Trail more demanding.
• Trail closures. Closures are more likely during the rainy season, especially on the Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek. Road closures can also happen for a time due to landslides and other safety concerns.
• Reduced visibility. The classic views of Machu Picchu can be affected by the dark, foggy weather the rainy season often brings, sometimes reducing the panoramic view.

In short, December is a solid month to visit Machu Picchu: fewer visitors, better deals, and green scenery thanks to the rain. Even with more frequent afternoon rain, there are still dry stretches and sunny spells.

Let’s look at some practical recommendations for visiting Machu Picchu in December.

General Recommendations for Visiting Machu Picchu in December

Getting the most out of a December trip to Machu Picchu takes a bit of planning. Here are five recommendations worth following.

1. Enter Machu Picchu Before Noon

The best time to enter Machu Picchu in December is between 9 am and 2 pm. This window gives you the best chance at a great photo and the least amount of rain.

2. Wear the Right Clothes

Wear layers to stay warm and comfortable through the increased rain. Andean weather is famously unpredictable, moving between cloudy, sunny, and rainy within the same day. Carry a rain jacket, sturdy hiking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen.

3. Make Your Reservation in Advance

December is less popular than the previous months, but it’s still worth booking tickets ahead, especially if you’re traveling around the holidays. That secures your preferred entrance time for Machu Picchu, and for either mountain hike if you want to add one.

4. Choose a Guided Tour

A guided tour is one of the best ways to understand Machu Picchu’s history. Our Machu Picchu tour pairs you with a knowledgeable guide who explains the site’s background and significance in person.

5. Get Used to the Altitude

Give your body time to adjust to the higher altitude. Before your trip, spend some time in the Sacred Valley, close to Cusco, to help your body acclimatize.

For the best possible experience, read our guide on altitude sickness and how to avoid it.

December Travel Packing List for Machu Picchu

December weather can be unpredictable, so it pays to plan and pack early. Check everything on our Machu Picchu packing list before you leave.

Clothing Recommendations

As with any transitional month, layering is the key to handling shifting conditions. Pack breathable shirts, a light jacket, a warm mid-layer, and a waterproof jacket for sudden rainfall. Don’t forget a cap and sunglasses to protect your eyes when the sun does break through.

Recommended Footwear

Wear solid, water-resistant hiking shoes with good traction for a safe, comfortable walk. The terrain can turn slippery after intense rainfall, so reliable footwear matters.

Sturdy hiking shoes are essential if you plan to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.

Gear and Accessories

• Backpack: Pack a small, lightweight bag with documents, snacks, water, and sunglasses.
• Sun protection, lip balm, and insect repellent: A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen protect against sunlight; insect repellent keeps mosquitoes at bay; SPF lip balm guards against sun exposure.
• Snacks: Pack portable snacks like fruit, nuts, or energy bars to keep your energy up.
• Power bank: Handy for keeping your phone charged for photos or for looking up a restaurant in Aguas Calientes before heading back to Cusco.
• Altitude sickness medication: Given the elevation, consider asking your doctor about acetazolamide (Diamox), which can help prevent or ease headaches, nausea, and fatigue.
• Local currency: Bring some Peruvian soles for small purchases, tips, souvenirs, or other expenses.

Packing ahead of time helps you make the most of a December trip to Machu Picchu.

Traveling Through Machu Picchu’s Cultural Tapestry in December

Overall, visiting Machu Picchu in December brings plenty of upsides and only a few real downsides.

Even during the rainy season, expect some dry stretches, along with clouds and occasional sun. One of the biggest advantages is fewer travelers at the ruins and lower prices on hotels and travel.

That said, traveling in the rainy season means views can be limited by clouds and fog at times, which can affect the overall experience.

When planning your Machu Picchu trip, weigh your own preferences and flexibility. Whatever you decide, a visit to Machu Picchu is sure to be a memorable experience.

A December trip does ask for a bit more flexibility than a dry-season one, since a downpour can shift the timing of a visit or a train by an hour or two. Travelers who build slack into the schedule, rather than a tightly back-to-back itinerary, tend to have the smoothest experience: an extra buffer before a train departure, a backup plan for the Aguas Calientes afternoon if the ruins are socked in when you first arrive, or simply not scheduling two demanding activities on the same day. None of this requires giving anything up; it just means planning for Andean weather as the variable it actually is rather than assuming December will behave like June.

Frequently Asked Questions About Machu Picchu in December

Is December a good time to visit Machu Picchu?

Yes. You’ll see fewer travelers than in earlier months, especially in early December, which often means better prices and a calmer visit. Expect more rain, clouds, and fog, but there are still dry stretches and mild temperatures throughout.

What weather should I expect in December at Machu Picchu?

December is part of the rainy season, with sporadic, sometimes intense showers, frequent clouds and fog, and lush green scenery. Average temperatures stay mild, with highs around 17°C (63°F) and lows near 8°C (47°F), and humidity averaging around 91% for the season.

What should I wear to Machu Picchu in December?

Dress in layers and bring waterproof gear. Pack breathable shirts, a warm mid-layer, a light waterproof jacket, sturdy water-resistant hiking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, and SPF lip balm.

What is the best time of day to visit Machu Picchu in December?

Aim to enter between 9 am and 2 pm. This window offers a better chance of drier conditions and clearer views for photos, compared to the rainier afternoons.

Are trails open in December, and are closures common?

You can hike in December, including routes like the Inca Trail, but heavy rain can cause temporary closures or delays. Landslides or maintenance work can affect access to trails and roads, so check conditions and book tickets in advance.

What’s the weather like in the rest of Peru in December?

December marks the start of summer on the coast, so Lima sees warmer, sunnier days, while Cusco and the Sacred Valley sit in the rainy season alongside Machu Picchu. A Peru trip that combines Lima with the Andes in December works well if you build in flexibility for afternoon showers inland.

Is there anything special happening in Cusco in December?

Yes, Santurantikuy, a traditional artisan fair, takes place in Cusco’s Plaza de Armas. Traditionally held on December 24, it has run over two days, December 23 and 24, since 2015. Hundreds of local artisans sell hand-carved nativity figures, retablos, and textiles in a centuries-old event recognized as part of Peru’s cultural heritage. If your trip overlaps with those dates, it’s worth a stop, though expect crowds and a good chance of rain.