Planning Machu Picchu in February? You’ll be visiting at the peak of the rainy season, when showers are an almost daily event, clouds drift through the ruins and the paths are far quieter than in the June to August peak. It’s also the month the Inca Trail closes, which changes your options if you were hoping to hike in.
This guide covers what February weather is really like at Machu Picchu, the pros and cons of going now, the best time of day to enter, what to do about the Inca Trail closure, the rules that matter on a rainy day, and what to pack.
If you’d rather not juggle trains and tickets around the weather, our Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco includes the round-trip train, the bus up to the site, your entry ticket and a private English-speaking guide, with hotel pickup in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
In February, Machu Picchu reaches the peak of its rainy season. Rain usually starts building in October or November and stays heaviest from January to March, so February brings frequent showers, very high humidity and cloud-wrapped scenery. Stone steps get slippery when wet, which is worth keeping in mind when you choose your Machu Picchu circuit.
Machu Picchu sits at 7,972 feet (2,430 meters), lower and milder than Cusco at 11,152 feet (3,400 meters). In February, average highs reach about 69°F (21°C) and lows drop to about 53°F (12°C), according to Wanderlog’s averages, which are based on NASA climate data for 2010 to 2020. You’ll have about 12.5 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 5:47 a.m. and sunset around 6:19 p.m.
Be ready for a lot of rain. February averages about 12.8 inches (325 mm) of rain. Plan as if you’ll see rain during your visit and pack for it.
Expect lots of cloud and little sunshine. Humidity stays very high, and the citadel and the surrounding peaks can disappear into the clouds for a while before reappearing. If a clear postcard shot is your priority, give yourself extra time at the viewpoints.
The trade-off is that you’ll share the site with far fewer travelers than in the June to August peak.
February at Machu Picchu is wet, humid and misty. To compare it with the other months and seasons, see our guide to the weather at Machu Picchu.
A trip to Machu Picchu in February has a particular mix of pros and cons. Here’s how they balance out.
In weighing these up, the question is how much you mind the rain compared with how much you value a quiet Machu Picchu. If you’re flexible with your schedule and don’t need the Inca Trail, February can work well.
Making the most of Machu Picchu in February takes careful planning. These 7 tips will help.
Based on our experience, the best time to enter Machu Picchu in February is roughly between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the clouds often break. Early mornings are more likely to be cloudy, and you won’t fully escape the rain at any hour. Tickets are sold for a set entry time, so pick your slot when you book.
Pack waterproof and breathable layers, plus a rain jacket. Conditions can shift between drizzle, cloud and heavier showers during the same visit, so it helps to add or remove a layer as you go. More on this below.
Be ready to adjust your itinerary for the weather, since some trails can close for safety reasons. If you can, leave a buffer day between your Machu Picchu visit and your international flight home.
A guide gives you the history and context of each sector, and a tour takes the train, bus and ticket bookings off your hands. If you’d like a slower pace, our 2-day Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley tour visits Moray, Maras and Ollantaytambo on day 1, then includes a 2-hour guided visit of Machu Picchu on day 2.
Pack insect repellent for your time outdoors. You may meet insects in the humid air, and a small bottle takes up little space in your bag.
Umbrellas are not allowed inside Machu Picchu, so pack a rain poncho instead. There are no restrooms past the entrance turnstiles and no re-entry once you’re in, so use the facilities at the gate. Backpacks are limited to roughly 16 x 14 x 8 inches (40 x 35 x 20 cm), and trekking poles are only allowed with rubber tips.
The Inca Trail closes for the whole of February, but the citadel stays open and you can reach it by train to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes). If you’d still like a multi-day hike, ask us about our 5-day Salkantay trek, which has daily departures, although its best season is the dry season from May to September. If the Inca Trail is a must, plan it for March or later.
With rain on almost every day, packing well makes a big difference in February. Use our full Machu Picchu packing list as a base and adjust it for the rain.
Layering is essential for the changing conditions. Bring light, moisture-wicking base layers, a comfortable mid-layer, a waterproof jacket and a rain poncho that fits over your backpack. Add a hat and sunglasses for the occasional bright spell.
Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good grip. Trails and stone steps get slippery after rain, and reliable footwear makes the visit safer and more comfortable.
Good boots matter even more if you plan to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Learn the differences between Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu to choose the right climb for you.
Visiting Machu Picchu in February means heavy, near-daily rain, low cloud and mild, damp days, but also far quieter paths than in the dry season, often better availability and lower prices. The downsides are the Inca Trail closure, less predictable views and possible train delays or trail closures.
If you can stay flexible and pack for the rain, February offers a calm, misty Machu Picchu. Before you go, learn the 10 things to know before visiting Machu Picchu.
Yes, if you are comfortable with heavy rain and want fewer crowds. February is the peak of the rainy season, so expect wet conditions, cloudy views at times and possible transport delays. The citadel is open, but the Inca Trail is closed for the whole month.
If clear views are your top priority, June to August has the best weather, and May, September and October are good alternatives.
No, February is much quieter than the June to August peak, and with the Inca Trail closed, the paths feel calm. Entry tickets are usually easier to get than in the dry season, although popular circuits and Huayna Picchu can still sell out, so book ahead.
February at Machu Picchu is mild, humid and very wet. Average highs reach about 69°F (21°C) and lows drop to about 53°F (12°C). Humidity stays very high, low clouds are common, and rain is likely on almost every day of the month.
February is one of the wettest months at Machu Picchu. Climate normals put February rainfall at about 12.8 inches (325 mm), so plan as if you’ll see rain at some point during your visit, from light drizzle to heavy downpours.
Bring a poncho rather than an umbrella, since umbrellas aren’t allowed inside the citadel.
No, the Inca Trail closes for the whole of February. The Machu Picchu citadel stays open, and you can reach it by train to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes). If you’d still like a multi-day hike, our Salkantay trek has daily departures.
If you want to hike the Inca Trail, plan your trip for March or later.
Based on our experience, the best entry window in February is roughly between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the clouds often break. Early mornings are more likely to be cloudy, and rain can fall at any hour, so check the forecast and build in some buffer time.
Bring a breathable waterproof jacket, a rain poncho, quick-dry layers, hiking boots with good grip and a backpack rain cover. Add a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, a small travel towel, a dry bag for electronics and trekking poles with rubber tips for slippery stone steps.
No, umbrellas are not allowed inside the Machu Picchu citadel. In February, bring a rain poncho that covers you and your backpack. Trekking poles are only permitted with rubber tips, and backpacks are limited to roughly 16 x 14 x 8 inches (40 x 35 x 20 cm).
Yes, trains to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) run in February, but the rainy season can cause delays. Operators sometimes replace part of the route with a bus service, and transfer points can change. Reconfirm your departure with PeruRail or Inca Rail 1 or 2 days before.
For routes, train categories and luggage rules, see our guide to trains to Machu Picchu.
Octavio Manuel19 January, 2025 at 4:18 pm
Muchísimas gracias, excelente información