Machu Picchu in January: Weather, Rain and Whether It's Worth Going
Machu Picchu in January: Weather, Rain and Whether It's Worth Going
January is midsummer in the southern hemisphere and, in the Andes, the heart of the rainy season. That puts many travelers off, but January also has advantages: intensely green scenery, fewer crowds after the first week and better availability for tickets and trains. Here's what to expect and how to plan.
Machu Picchu weather in January
- Rain: frequent, about 130 mm for the month. It usually rains in the afternoon, and mornings tend to start clearer.
- Temperature: mild and humid, 16-21 °C during the day and around 6-9 °C at night.
- Fog: very common early on. It usually rises and clears through the morning, giving you the year's most atmospheric photos of Machu Picchu in the clouds.
- Cusco: colder than Machu Picchu, with afternoon rain almost every day. See our Cusco weather month by month.
Is it crowded?
The first week of January is still high season because of the year-end holidays and South American school vacations. From the second week visitor numbers drop considerably and you can explore the citadel more calmly.
Is the Inca Trail open in January?
Yes. The Inca Trail runs in January (it closes in February for maintenance). The trail is wet and slippery, though, so good preparation and waterproof gear matter.
Pros and cons of going in January
Pros:
- Scenery at its greenest, with orchids and waterfalls along the train route.
- Fewer crowds from the second week.
- Easier to get tickets, trains and hotels.
Cons:
- Rain almost every day and slippery paths.
- Views hidden by fog for some hours.
- Occasional risk of train delays when the river rises.
How to make the most of Machu Picchu in January
- Sleep in Aguas Calientes. It lets you enter early, when it tends to rain less, and gives you a buffer if the morning is foggy. Our Machu Picchu 2D/1N from US$280 includes train, hotel, bus, ticket and guide.
- Leave a free day before your flight home in case the train is delayed.
- Be patient with the fog: it almost always lifts at some point during the visit.
- Bring a poncho and shoes with good grip: wet stone stairways are slippery.
More tips in Machu Picchu in the rainy season.
What to pack in January
- Poncho or rain jacket.
- Shoes with good grip, ideally waterproof.
- Quick-dry clothes plus a warm layer for the evening.
- Insect repellent and sunscreen (the sun breaks through the clouds and burns).
- Plastic bags to protect your phone and passport.
Is January worth it?
Yes, if you accept rain as part of the trip and plan to visit the citadel early. If blue skies are your top priority, see the best time to visit Machu Picchu. And if you're choosing between months, compare with Machu Picchu in February or in March.
Frequently asked questions
Does it rain a lot at Machu Picchu in January?
Yes, January is rainy season, with about 130 mm for the month. It usually rains in the afternoon, and mornings tend to start clearer.
Is Machu Picchu open in January?
Yes, the citadel is open every day of the year. The Inca Trail also runs in January; it only closes in February.
Is Machu Picchu crowded in January?
The first week is, because of the holidays. From the second week there are far fewer people than in the dry season.
Which tour is best in January?
The 2-day tour with a night in Aguas Calientes: you enter early, when it rains less, and have a buffer if the train is delayed or the morning is foggy.
