Machu Picchu in December: Weather, Christmas and How to Book for the Holidays
Machu Picchu in December: Weather, Christmas and How to Book for the Holidays
December combines two things: the rainy season, well underway in the Andes, and the year-end holidays, which fill Cusco with travelers. Spending Christmas or New Year near Machu Picchu is a unique experience, but you need to plan earlier than in other months. Here's how.
Machu Picchu weather in December
- Rain: frequent, around 130 mm for the month. It usually rains in the afternoon and mornings start clearer.
- Temperature: around 20 °C during the day and about 7 °C at night in Cusco.
- Scenery: very green, with clouds drifting in and out of the citadel. Photos in the mist are some of the most beautiful of the year.
- 2026 forecast: ENFEN expects normal to below-normal rain in the southern Andes despite El Niño. We explain it in El Niño 2026-2027 in Cusco and Machu Picchu.
December has two halves
From December 1 to 19 there are few people, more availability and calmer prices. It's a good time if afternoon rain doesn't bother you.
From December 20 to January 2 is year-end high season: Peruvian and international travelers arrive for the holidays. Machu Picchu tickets and trains for that week sell out weeks in advance.
Is Machu Picchu open on Christmas and New Year's Day?
Yes. Machu Picchu is open every day of the year, including December 25 and January 1. Visiting on those days has its charm: many travelers celebrate the night before, and the citadel is often quieter early in the morning.
Christmas in Cusco before or after Machu Picchu
The best way to experience December is to combine Machu Picchu with the celebrations in Cusco:
- December 24, Santurantikuy: Cusco's big Christmas craft market in the Plaza de Armas, with nativity figures, the Niño Manuelito and hand-carved crafts.
- Chocolatadas: hot chocolate with panettone, Peru's best-loved Christmas tradition.
- December 31: thousands of people welcome the new year in the Plaza de Armas, with fireworks and the custom of walking around the square to attract travel in the year ahead.
All the details are in Christmas and New Year in Cusco.
Suggested itinerary for the holidays
- Day 1: arrive in Cusco and acclimatize.
- Day 2: City Tour (US$15) in the afternoon.
- Day 3: Sacred Valley VIP (US$32).
- Days 4 and 5: Machu Picchu with a night in Aguas Calientes.
- December 24 or 31: back in Cusco for Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve in the Plaza de Armas.
Plan to be in Cusco on the night of the 24th or 31st: that's where the party is. Aguas Calientes is much quieter.
What to pack in December
- A poncho or rain jacket: it will rain almost every day.
- Waterproof shoes with good grip.
- Layers, plus something warm for the festive nights in the square.
- Sunscreen: the high-altitude sun burns through the clouds.
- Plastic bags to protect your phone and passport.
Is December worth it?
Yes, if you book early and accept the afternoon rain. The first half of the month is quiet; the second half is festive and busy. If you're comparing months, see Machu Picchu in November or in January.
Frequently asked questions
Is Machu Picchu open on December 25 and January 1?
Yes. Machu Picchu is open every day of the year, including Christmas and New Year's Day.
How far in advance should I book Machu Picchu for the holidays?
For the week of December 20 to January 2, as early as possible: tickets and trains for those dates sell out weeks in advance.
Does it rain a lot at Machu Picchu in December?
Yes, it's the rainy season, with around 130 mm for the month. It usually rains in the afternoon, and mornings start clearer.
Where should I spend Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve?
In Cusco. The Plaza de Armas hosts the Santurantikuy market on December 24 and the big celebration on the 31st. Aguas Calientes is much quieter.
