Are you thinking of visiting Machu Picchu in November? Be aware of important aspects like the climate in Cusco and Machu Picchu, the ideal time to visit, and what to wear.
This blog post offers helpful information on all the subjects related to your November journey to Machu Picchu.
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Weather in November at Machu Picchu
November marks the official start of the rainy season, so while there is a chance of rain at any time, the actual downpours don’t happen until December or January. After all, November at Machu Picchu has a strong probability of having nice weather.
However, November is known as a mild month at Machu Picchu, with average daily highs of 19°C (66°F) and lows of 8°C (46°F). Therefore, it’s important to pack the right clothes for your adventure and to choose the right Machu Picchu circuit.
Temperature Range
November is a mild month at Machu Picchu, with average daily highs of 19°C (66°F) and lows of 8°C (46°F). It’s humid yet still cool, according to some travelers.
How Much Does It Rain in November?
The official start of the rainy season is November. That’s why you need to be prepared for an increased amount of rain. However, it won’t be as bad as in the following months, December to February. Rest assured that you will still have quite some hours of clear skies and sun at the ruins.
Overview of monthly rain or snow at Machu Picchu. Source: Wanderlog
Humidity and Clouds
In November, the sky at Machu Picchu is clear or sunny (partly cloudy or less) for an average of 4 hours during the day. With that said, early in the morning the ruins will be covered in fog and in the afternoon the rain increases.
With an average relative humidity of 100% in November, Machu Picchu has extremely high humidity.
Nonetheless, November can be a good month to visit Machu Picchu and its surrounding areas. Even if it’s the start of the rainy season it won’t be as rainy as the following months. Most importantly, you’ll face less travelers than the previous months allowing for a more relaxed experience.
To find out more about the various months and seasons, make sure to read our blog post about the weather at Machu Picchu.
Pros and Cons of Visiting Machu Picchu in November
There are several pros and cons linked to visiting Machu Picchu in November. Let’s explore each benefit and drawback related to your visit this month.
Pros of Visiting in November
- Less Travelers: November is a more calm and less busy month to visit Machu Picchu due to a lower number of visitors than the peak months.
- Solid Weather: Even if November is the start of the rainy season, you can still experience some sunny and dry hours during your visit to the ruins. However, you need to be always prepared for sporadic rainfall.
- Better Prices: Since you are discovering Machu Picchu outside the peak season, you can expect cheaper prices for accommodation and travel.
Cons of Visiting in November
- Post-Rainfall Mud: Hiking trails may have some muddy sections after the rainfall. It is a good idea to be cautious and wear appropriate footwear when hiking potentially slick areas.
- Unpredictable Weather: Although November is usually a good month to visit, the weather can sometimes be very unpredictable. It’s best to pack in layers and be ready for the occasional rainfall.
- Aggressive Mosquitoes: Travelers should prepare themselves with an excellent bug repellent to keep away persistent mosquitoes and enable a more enjoyable exploration of these ancient ruins, as Machu Picchu is known for its strong plague of mosquitoes in November.
In conclusion, November is a good month to visit Machu Picchu. There will be fewer tourists, better pricing and the weather tends to be a mix of dry with some sporadic rain.
Let’s examine some suggestions for visiting Machu Picchu in November.
General Recommendations for Visiting Machu Picchu in November
Making the most of your November vacation to Machu Picchu requires planning. The following five tour recommendations might be useful when you visit the ruins.
1. Don’t Enter Machu Picchu Early in the Morning
The best time of day to enter Machu Picchu in November is between 9 am and 2 pm. During this time of the day, you will have the chance to have less rain or fog surrounding the ruins.
2. Wear the Right Clothes
Dress in layers so you can adjust to the changing weather. Especially knowing that November is characterized by unpredictable weather with periods of sun, rain, or fog. Bring a hat, sunscreen, hiking boots with lots of support, and a rain jacket.
3. Book in Advance
You should purchase your tickets in advance for Machu Picchu and any other tours or activities so that you can make sure to get your preferred entrance times. In addition, this will guarantee that you get some of the tickets for the well-known Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek.
4. Choose a Guided Tour
If you want to know more about the history of Machu Picchu, joining a guided tour is the best option. Our highly recommended Machu Picchu tour offers all of this and more with the support of our experienced guide, who will personally accompany you and provide important background information and insights into the significance of this historic place.
5. Get Used to The Altitude
Don’t forget to allow your body enough time to get used to the higher altitude. It recommended that you spend some time in the Sacred Valley near Cusco before beginning your adventure.
We suggest reading our blog post about altitude sickness all you need to know and how to avoid it to ensure you have an amazing time at Machu Picchu.
November Travel Packing List for Machu Picchu
As November weather can be unpredictable, it’s important to prepare ahead of time and bring the right clothes for your vacation. Make sure that everything on the following Machu Picchu packing list is included.
Clothing Recommendations
As said before, layering your clothes is the key to adapting to changing weather conditions. For extra comfort on rainy days or cool evenings, pack breathable shirts, a light jacket, a warm mid-layer, and a waterproof jacket in case of sudden rainfall. Always remember to use sunglasses and a hat to protect your eyes from strong light – when it hopefully comes!
Recommended Footwear
For an enjoyable and safe hike, wear solid, water-resistant shoes with just the right amount of traction. Wearing supportive footwear is essential since the landscape can get slick, especially after rain.
Having sturdy hiking shoes is essential if you plan to climb Machu Picchu or Huayna. Take the chance to discover more about the differences between Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain so that you can decide whether or not to include this extra adventure in your itinerary.
Gear and Accessories
- Backpack: Carry all the essentials for your Machu Picchu adventure in a compact, light-weight bag, including documents, water bottles, food, and sunglasses.
- Sun Protection, Lip Balm and Insect Repellent: Make sure you wear a hat, carry sunglasses, and use sunscreen to protect yourself from UV rays. To further prevent mosquitoes, remember to bring an efficient insect repellent. Apply SPF lip balm to protect your lips from the sun’s harmful rays.
- Snacks: To ensure you have enough energy for the duration of the journey, pack foods that you can eat on the trip, such as fruits, nuts, or energy bars.
- Power Bank: Having a power bank on hand is helpful in order to ensure that your phone is fully charged for taking pictures or searching for the best restaurants in Aguas Calientes.
- Altitude Sickness Medication: Given Machu Picchu’s high altitude, think about taking an altitude sickness medication such as acetazolamide (Diamox). By taking this medication, you can avoid or lessen the symptoms of altitude sickness, such as fatigue, headaches, and nausea, making your visit more enjoyable.
- Local Currency: Bring some local money (Peruvian soles) with you to Machu Picchu in case you need it for little purchases, tips, souvenirs, or other expenses.
Make sure to pack in advance to make the most of the breathtaking environment that improves an incredible November trip to Machu Picchu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is November a Good Time to Discover Machu Picchu?
Yes, November is a good time to visit Machu Picchu. It’s the start of the rainy season, so be prepared for sporadic rainfall, but you’ll encounter fewer travelers at the ruins than in previous months.
What Kind of Weather Can I Expect in November at Machu Picchu?
November is officially part of the rainy season and you need to be aware of unpredictable weather and a mix of sun, rain and fog. However, it’s also a mild month at Machu Picchu, with average daily highs of 19°C (66°F) and lows of 8°C (46°F). Therefore, make sure to take the right clothes with you
How Should I Dress for Machu Picchu in November?
Make sure to pack the following: layers of clothing, waterproof gear, reusable water bottle, sturdy hiking shoes, sunscreen, hats, gloves, and insect repellent are essential. Examine the weather forecast and adjust your packing accordingly.
Is November a Good Time to Hike the Inca Trail?
Yes, you can hike the Inca Trail in November, but make sure to get your tickets several months in advance so that you will get your preferred start date.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu in November?
The best time of day to enter Machu Picchu in November is between 9 am and 2 pm. During this time of the day, you will have the chance to have less rain or fog surrounding the ruins.
Are Guided Tours Still Available in November?
Yes, we offer tours with guides all year long. You will learn a lot about Machu Picchu on our guided tours, and we can take care of all the travel arrangements, such as booking your train and bus tickets, entrance fees, and adding one of the two mountains, Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, to your adventure.
Is Machu Picchu Crowded in November?
November is a less crowded month than the months before. Therefore, it’s a good time to visit the ruins in a more relaxed setting.
Does It Rain at Machu Picchu in November?
Yes, it’s the start of the rainy season, but the rain won’t last all day and there will be some dry periods with clear skies at times.
Are There Restrictions or Trail Closures in November?
It is important to find out about any planned maintenance or trail closures before your visit, as they may be caused by rainfall or other factors.
Exploring the Cultural Treasures of Machu Picchu in November
In conclusion, there are many pros and very few cons to visiting Machu Picchu in November.
Even if you visit Machu Picchu in the rainy season, you can expect some dry hours with sun and some clouds. You will also benefit from fewer travelers and cheaper prices for accommodation and travel.
Still, you have to be aware of the unpredictable weather. This adds some uncertainty and may make it harder to see the ruins because of possible fog. It’s possible that certain pathways will be temporarily closed for maintenance or because of heavy rain.
Staying informed of the weather allows you to prepare for any obstacles that nature may throw at you.
It’s important to consider your personal preferences and amount of flexibility while creating your Machu Picchu travel arrangements. Your trip to Machu Picchu and its fascinating ruins is sure to be an amazing experience, no matter what weather you’re facing.
Now that you know more about the weather at Machu Picchu in November, let’s see why you should combine the Sacred Valley with Machu Picchu.
