Short answer
The dry season, roughly May through September, is the most popular and generally most reliable time to hike the Inca Trail, with clearer skies and more stable trail conditions. It is also the busiest and the coldest at night. Many trekkers prefer the shoulder months, around April to early May and late September to October, for a balance of weather and fewer crowds. The wet season, roughly November through March, brings frequent rain and muddy trails, and the trail is closed in February for maintenance.
Weather in the Andes is variable and changes year to year, so treat these windows as general patterns, not guarantees.
Season overview
Dry season (about May to September)
Expect mostly sunny, clear days with chilly to very cold nights, particularly at the high camps and around Dead Woman’s Pass, where temperatures can fall below freezing. June to August is the peak, with permits selling out earliest. The mountain views are often best then, but trails and campsites are busy.
Shoulder months (about April, early May, late September, October)
These months can offer a mix of some rain and good visibility, with fewer people. Conditions are less predictable than in July, and some trekkers find these months the best compromise. Cloud and showers are possible, so waterproofs are essential.
Wet season (about November to March)
Rain is frequent and heavy, particularly from December to March. Trails can be muddy and slippery, views are often obscured by cloud, and landslides can affect transport and access in the wider region. On the plus side, the scenery is green, there are fewer trekkers, and prices for other services can be lower. The classic trail is closed during February, so plan around that.
Month-by-month guide
- January: wet and cloudy, with fewer hikers.
- February: the trail is closed for annual maintenance.
- March: still wet, gradually improving toward the end of the month.
- April: greener, drying out, and a possible shoulder-season option.
- May: often among the preferred months, with good weather and trails getting busier.
- June to August: peak dry season, with the clearest days, coldest nights and biggest crowds.
- September: usually still dry, with slightly smaller crowds than mid-summer.
- October: more variable, with increasing chance of rain.
- November and December: the wet season begins, with fewer people.
Permits and booking lead time
Access to the classic Inca Trail is limited by a daily permit quota that covers both trekkers and support staff, and you must go with a licensed operator. Permits for peak months commonly sell out many months ahead, so booking early is advisable, particularly for June to August. Permit rules, dates, prices and closures are set by Peruvian authorities and can change, so confirm current arrangements with your operator. Some operators have also reported temporary closures and reopenings in recent years, so check for the latest announcements before paying a deposit.
If permits are sold out, alternative treks such as Lares or Salkantay offer other ways to reach Machu Picchu, though these are different experiences.
When to avoid
If you dislike rain and mud, avoid December to March. If you dislike crowds, avoid the middle of the dry season, especially July and August, and consider weekends and holidays at Machu Picchu itself. If you want to hike the classic route in February, you cannot, as it is typically closed. Travellers sensitive to cold should remember that dry season nights can be harsh.
Can a beginner hike it?
Many first-time trekkers complete the classic four-day Inca Trail, but it is a real mountain trek, not a gentle walk. It involves several days of steady climbing and stone steps, with the highest pass at around 4,200 metres. Altitude is often the main challenge, so spend a few days acclimatising in Cusco or the Sacred Valley beforehand. A reasonable fitness level, some training with hill walking and loaded packs, and good footwear help a great deal. If you are completely new to multi-day hiking, consider building experience first with something like a 10 day Camino de Santiago style walk, which is lower in altitude. Our Kilimanjaro gear list is another useful reference for layering and packing for high-altitude trekking.
Cost and value
Costs vary widely by operator, group size, season and what is included (porters, meals, camping gear, entry fees, return train). The permit and services for a 4-day trek often cost many hundreds of US dollars, and prices differ by operator, so compare itemised quotes rather than headline prices. Whether it is worth the money is subjective. Many people find the combination of archaeological sites, mountain scenery and arriving at Machu Picchu on foot to be a highlight, while others prefer a cheaper trek or a visit by train. Look for operators with clear porter welfare policies and fair pay.
Packing and altitude by season
- Layers for freezing nights and warm afternoons in the dry season.
- A reliable rain jacket and pack cover at any time of year, and more serious waterproofing for the wet months.
- Insect protection and sun protection year-round.
- Sturdy, broken-in footwear and trekking poles for the long descents on stone steps.
- Time to acclimatise before the trek.
Planning checklist
- Pick a month based on your tolerance for cold, rain and crowds.
- Book a licensed operator and secure your permit early.
- Check for any current closures or rule changes.
- Allow acclimatisation days and a buffer day for travel delays.
- Consider travel insurance that covers trekking at altitude.