How Is the Weather at Machu Picchu in March?

Weather in March at Machu Picchu

In March, Machu Picchu is still wet and humid. The rainy season usually starts building in October or November and stays heaviest from January to March, so March brings frequent showers and green, cloud-wrapped slopes. Stone steps get slippery when wet, which is worth keeping in mind when you choose your Machu Picchu circuit.

Temperature Range

Machu Picchu sits at 7,972 feet (2,430 meters), lower and milder than Cusco at 11,152 feet (3,400 meters). In March, average highs reach about 62°F (17°C) and lows drop to about 46°F (8°C), according to Wanderlog’s averages, which are based on NASA climate data for 2010 to 2020. Days are mild, and mornings and evenings are cool and damp. You’ll have about 12.2 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 5:53 a.m. and sunset around 6:03 p.m.

How Much Does It Rain in March?

Plenty. The same Wanderlog averages put the chance of rain on a typical March day at around 98%, so plan as if you’ll see rain at some point during your visit and pack for it.

Overview of monthly rain at Machu Picchu. Source: Wanderlog

Humidity and Clouds

Relative humidity averages close to 100% in March. Low clouds and fog are common, especially early in the day and after a shower, and the views of the citadel and the surrounding peaks can come and go. If a clear postcard shot is your priority, give yourself extra time at the viewpoints.

March at Machu Picchu is mild, humid and still rainy. To compare it with the other months and seasons, see our guide to the weather at Machu Picchu.

Pros and Cons of Visiting Machu Picchu in March

A trip to Machu Picchu in March has a particular mix of pros and cons. Here’s how they balance out.

Pros of Visiting in March

• Fewer crowds: March is far quieter than the June to August peak, so the main viewpoints and paths feel calmer.
• Lower prices: Hotels and some travel services often charge less outside the peak months. Ask for current rates when you book, since prices vary by property and date.
• Easier ticket availability: Entry tickets are usually easier to get than in the dry season. Popular circuits and Huayna Picchu can still sell out, so book ahead anyway.
• The Inca Trail is open: After the February closure, March is your first chance to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu again.
• Green landscapes: After months of rain, the terraces and the mountains around the citadel are a deep green.

Cons of Visiting in March

• Rainy season: The chance of rain is high, and wet trails make hiking harder and slower.
• Cloudy views: Clouds can hide the classic view for a while and make your photos more of a waiting game.
• Trail and rail disruptions: Heavy rain can disrupt trails and the rail line. Train operators sometimes switch part of the route to a bus service in the rainy season, so reconfirm with PeruRail or Inca Rail 1 or 2 days before.
• Slippery steps: The stone stairs inside the citadel get slick in the rain, so take your time on the steeper sections.
• Insects: You may meet mosquitoes and other insects in the humid air, so carry insect repellent.

In weighing these up, the question is how much you mind the rain compared with how much you value a quieter, greener Machu Picchu. If you’re flexible with your schedule, March can work well, especially if you want to hike the Inca Trail right after its February closure.

General Recommendations for Visiting Machu Picchu in March

Making the most of Machu Picchu in March takes a little planning. These 7 tips will help.

1. Choose the Right Entry Time

Based on our experience, the best time to enter Machu Picchu in March 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 can’t fully avoid the showers at any hour. Tickets are sold for a set entry time, so pick your slot when you book.

2. Use Layers of Clothing

Pack waterproof and breathable layers, plus a rain jacket. Conditions can shift between sun, cloud and showers during the same visit, so it helps to add or remove a layer as you go. More on this below.

3. Check the Weather Forecast

Check the forecast and any trail or rail notices in the days before your visit. March is the tail end of the heaviest rains, so expect showers and pack for them. If you can, leave a buffer day between your Machu Picchu visit and your international flight home.

4. Choose a Guided Tour

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.

5. Protect Yourself From Sun and Insects

The sun can be strong between showers in the Andes, even on cloudy days. Pack sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, plus insect repellent.

6. Know the Rules Inside the Citadel

Umbrellas and food are not allowed inside Machu Picchu, so pack a rain poncho and eat before you go in. 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.

7. Hike the Inca Trail in March

With the Inca Trail open again after its February closure, March works well for hiking in if you don’t mind the rain. Expect wet, muddy sections and cloud over the passes. Our Inca Trail tours include a permit issued in your name, transfers from Cusco and a licensed English-speaking guide.

March Travel Packing List for Machu Picchu

With the weather changing quickly, packing well makes a real difference in March. Use our full Machu Picchu packing list as a base and adjust it for the rain.

Clothing Recommendations

Layering is essential for the changing conditions. Bring light, breathable base layers, a cozy mid-layer, a waterproof jacket and a rain poncho that fits over your backpack. Avoid cotton, which stays wet and cold. Add sunglasses and a hat for the bright spells.

Recommended Footwear

Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with plenty of traction. 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 climb Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu. Learn the differences between Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain to decide whether an extra hike is right for you.

Gear and Accessories

• Rain poncho: Umbrellas aren’t allowed inside the citadel, so a poncho that covers you and your backpack is the most useful item you can bring in March.
• Waterproof backpack or rain cover: Keep your camera, phone and water bottle dry, and stay within the backpack size limit.
• Snacks for the journey: Food isn’t allowed inside the citadel, so eat well before you enter and plan your snacks for the train ride.
• Power bank: You’ll likely use your phone a lot for photos and navigation, so a charged power bank is worth carrying.

Is March Right for Your Machu Picchu Trip?

Visiting Machu Picchu in March means mild temperatures, frequent showers and low cloud, but also quieter paths than in the dry season, often better availability and prices, and the reopening of the Inca Trail. The downsides are rain, views that come and go, possible train delays or trail closures, and insects.

If you can stay flexible and pack for the rain, March offers a calm, green Machu Picchu. Before you book, compare the different trains to Machu Picchu.

Frequently Asked Questions About Machu Picchu Weather in March

Is March a good month to visit Machu Picchu?

Yes, if you are comfortable with rain and want fewer crowds. March is still the rainy season, so expect wet conditions, cloudy views at times and slippery paths. In return, you get greener mountains, usually easier ticket availability and a calmer site than in the June to August peak.

If clear views are your top priority, June to August has the best weather, and May, September and October are good alternatives.

Is Machu Picchu crowded in March?

No, March is much quieter than the June to August peak, so the main viewpoints and paths feel calm. Entry tickets are usually easier to get than in the dry season, although popular circuits, Huayna Picchu and Inca Trail permits can still sell out, so book ahead.

How much does it rain at Machu Picchu in March?

March is still one of the wetter months at Machu Picchu. Climate averages put the chance of rain on a typical day at around 98%, so plan as if you’ll see rain at some point during your visit. Stone steps can stay slick even between showers.

Bring a poncho rather than an umbrella, since umbrellas aren’t allowed inside the citadel.

Is the Inca Trail open in March?

Yes, the Inca Trail is open in March. It closes for the whole of February, so March is the first month you can hike it again after the closure. Expect wet, muddy sections and cloud over the passes, and book your permit well in advance.

What should I wear to Machu Picchu in March?

Plan for layers and rain protection. A light waterproof jacket, a rain poncho, a moisture-wicking base layer and quick-drying pants work well. Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip and avoid cotton. Add a hat, sunscreen, a light fleece and a rain cover for your backpack.

Will fog and clouds block the views in March?

Sometimes. Fog and low clouds are common in March, especially in the early morning and after rain showers, and views of the citadel can come and go throughout the day. In our experience, conditions often improve in the late morning or early afternoon, so allow plenty of time.

Can I bring an umbrella or snacks to Machu Picchu?

No, umbrellas and food are not allowed inside the Machu Picchu citadel. Bring a rain poncho and eat before you enter. 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).

Are there any weather-related risks when visiting Machu Picchu in March?

The main risks in March are slippery paths, occasional trail closures and train delays linked to heavy rain. Operators sometimes replace part of the rail route with a bus service, and transfer points can change, so reconfirm your train 1 or 2 days before and leave buffer time.