Planning to hike the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu? Our essential guide will help you understand the weather along the trail so you can prepare for an unforgettable adventure.
You’ve booked your trip to Cusco, and now the excitement is building. But before you set off, it’s natural to wonder: What’s the weather like on the Salkantay Trek?
The truth is, the Cusco region is famous for its unpredictable climate. One moment you might feel the warm Andean sun, and the next you could be caught in a sudden rain shower. Don’t worry, though—knowing the dry and wet seasons in Peru will make it easier to plan the best time for your trek.
What makes the Salkantay special is its dramatic range of climates. Over just a few days, you’ll experience everything from snow-capped peaks at high altitude to the lush, humid jungle on the way to Machu Picchu.
To help you get ready, we’ve created a complete guide to Salkantay Trek weather. Inside, you’ll find:
With this guide, you’ll have all the information you need to choose the best time to hike the Salkantay Trek and make the most of your adventure in Cusco.
Prepare wisely—and get ready for one of the most epic treks to Machu Picchu!
Salkantay Weather: Before You Go
Everything You Should Know About Salkantay Weather
The best time to hike the Salkantay Trek and enjoy the most favorable weather is during April, May, September, and October. These months offer pleasant conditions with minimal rainfall, making the trail more comfortable. Plus, there are fewer tourists compared to the peak season, so you’ll enjoy a more peaceful trek.
That said, many travelers choose to plan their trek around major cultural events in Cusco. June is the most festive month, when the city comes alive with colorful celebrations and the famous Inti Raymi Festival, a traditional Inca ceremony that is truly unforgettable.
Keep in mind, however, that June is also one of the busiest months in Cusco. Hotels, restaurants, and tours book up quickly, so it’s important to make reservations well in advance.
In the sections below, you’ll find a month-by-month breakdown of Salkantay Trek weather, including the differences between the dry and rainy seasons. This will help you choose the best time to hike and make the most of your adventure to Machu Picchu.
The Salkantay Trek weather can be unpredictable at any time of year, but during the rainy season, it becomes even more challenging. That doesn’t mean you can’t go—it just means you need to be prepared! Always carry a lightweight poncho or a waterproof jacket in your backpack. And remember: it doesn’t rain every single day, so you’ll still have moments of sunshine along the way.
It’s important to know that January and February are the wettest months, and many trekking companies choose not to operate during this period. In fact, the Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance and safety reasons due to the high risk of landslides and slippery conditions.
Below is a month-by-month guide to what you can expect on the Salkantay Trek during the rainy season:
November marks the transition from the dry season to the wet season in Cusco. Early in the month, trails are still dry, but as the weeks go by, rain becomes more likely. Temperatures remain pleasant and warm, making trekking enjoyable despite occasional showers.
December is the beginning of summer in Peru and a popular vacation time for locals. The weather is warm, but rainfall increases. This is a great month for avoiding large tourist crowds, though you’ll definitely want waterproof gear in case of sudden downpours.
January brings heavier rainfall, and sunshine becomes less frequent. Showers are almost daily, but they usually don’t last long, and the strong Andean sun helps dry the trails quickly. You’ll still find warm intervals during the day.
February is the rainiest month on the Salkantay Trek. Trails can get slippery, making good hiking boots with strong grip essential. Despite the wet conditions, the weather stays warm, and once the showers pass, you can enjoy clear skies and sunshine.
Rain continues in March, but the skies start to clear more often. You’ll notice more sunny breaks compared to January and February. The trails begin to dry out, so more travelers start returning to the route. Still, be sure to pack rain protection.
By April, the rainy season is winding down. While it’s still technically part of the wet season, showers are much lighter and less frequent. Expect sunny, pleasant trekking days with just occasional rain, making this one of the best transition months to hike.
The dry season in Peru is famous for its sunny days and crystal-clear views of the Andes. This makes it the most popular time of year to hike the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. The trade-off? You’ll share the trail with many other trekkers who also want to take advantage of the ideal weather.
Because of the high demand, planning ahead is essential. We recommend booking your trek, hotels, and Machu Picchu tickets at least three months in advance. If you want to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, it’s especially important to secure your tickets early, as these spots sell out quickly.
Below is a month-by-month breakdown of what to expect on the Salkantay Trek during the dry season:
The dry season officially begins! While you might still encounter the occasional light shower, rainfall is much less frequent. The climate is pleasant, making May an excellent time to hike before the large crowds arrive.
June is the driest month of the year, with virtually no rainfall along the route. However, it’s also the start of Andean winter, and temperatures at night can drop below freezing, especially at Soraypampa campsite. Days remain sunny and warm. Cusco also celebrates its anniversary this month, making both the city and the trek very busy.
July brings even colder nights, so pack a high-quality sleeping bag and plenty of warm layers. During the day, the strong sun keeps you comfortable—but don’t forget high SPF sunscreen. July is also full of patriotic celebrations, so both Cusco and the Salkantay Trail are crowded. Occasionally, you might even see a brief hailstorm.
August is the last month of winter. Nights are still chilly at high altitudes, but days are warmer, with clear skies and excellent visibility. Rain is rare, and tourist activity remains high, so expect busy trails.
September is one of the best months to trek Salkantay. The weather is warm and sunny, with only the occasional light shower. While still popular, the crowds are smaller compared to June, July, and August. This is an ideal time to enjoy Machu Picchu and the stunning views along the route.
October is the warmest month of the year on the Salkantay route. Skies are mostly clear, but light rain showers may occur. This is the last optimal month for clear views of Salkantay and Machu Picchu before the rainy season begins in November.
Trekking in the dry season guarantees some of the best conditions for hiking the Andes—spectacular scenery, sunny skies, and unforgettable views. Just remember to book early and prepare for chilly nights in the high mountains.
Temperatures on the Salkantay Trek vary depending on altitude, but they don’t fluctuate drastically throughout the year.
At Soraypampa campsite and other high-altitude sections, daytime temperatures average around 20°C (70°F). Nights, however, can be harsh, dropping close to or below 0°C (32°F).
As you descend toward the edge of the jungle, the climate becomes much warmer and more humid. In these lower areas, daytime temperatures can reach 26°C (80°F), and nights are noticeably milder compared to the high mountains.
The coldest months on the Salkantay route are June and July, which fall in the middle of the dry season. This period corresponds to winter in the Andes. While days remain sunny and pleasant, nighttime temperatures often drop well below freezing, especially at higher campsites like Soraypampa.
To fully enjoy the trek during these months, it’s essential to come prepared:
With the right gear, you’ll be comfortable and able to appreciate the beauty of the Andes, even during the coldest time of year.
There are no direct flights to the Salkantay region itself. All travelers must fly into Cusco Airport (Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport). While the trek’s weather doesn’t impact flights directly, Cusco’s weather conditions can sometimes cause delays.
Rainy season (November–March) occasionally brings heavy showers or fog, which may lead to postponed flights. However, disruptions are usually temporary, and airlines typically provide alternative flights or reschedule departures once conditions improve.
Tips for travelers:
Packing wisely for the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is just as important as training for it. The trail takes you through high mountain passes, chilly nights, and warm jungle valleys, so you’ll need to be prepared for all types of weather.
Here’s an essential Salkantay Trek packing list to help you get ready:
Our ultimate Salkantay weather guide makes it easy to choose the best time of year to hike—whether your priority is avoiding crowds, enjoying clear mountain views, or trekking in a more peaceful setting.
Most travelers hike the trail between May and October, with June being the busiest month. If you’d prefer fewer people on the trail, consider visiting in the rainy season. Despite occasional showers, the climate is still pleasant, and you’ll enjoy a more tranquil experience.
No matter when you go, the Salkantay Trek is the best alternative route to Machu Picchu, offering breathtaking scenery, cultural encounters, and unforgettable moments.
So start packing—your adventure of a lifetime awaits!
