Machu Picchu in June: Perfect Skies, Inti Raymi and High Season
Machu Picchu in June: Perfect Skies, Inti Raymi and High Season
June is full dry season: sunny days, almost always clear skies and excellent visibility. Cusco also celebrates its festival month, with Inti Raymi on June 24. The flip side is that high season begins: more people, more demand and higher prices.
Machu Picchu weather in June
- Rain: practically none.
- Temperature: 18-22 °C during the day. Nights and early mornings are cold, especially in Cusco, where it can drop below 0 °C.
- Skies: clear almost every day, with the year's best visibility.
- Scenery: starting to dry out, with more golden than green tones.
Festivals in June
- Corpus Christi: processions and celebrations in Cusco a few weeks after Easter.
- Inti Raymi (June 24): the Festival of the Sun, staged at Sacsayhuamán. It's Cusco's busiest day of the year. We cover it in our Inti Raymi guide.
- All month: parades, music and celebrations around the city.
Is it crowded?
Yes. June marks the start of high season, with international visitors and local festivals. The days around June 24 are the busiest: hotels, trains and tickets sell out.
Book well in advance
- Machu Picchu tickets and train: 2-3 months ahead.
- If you're traveling around Inti Raymi: 3-4 months ahead, including your Cusco hotel.
- Wayna Picchu, the Mountain and the Inca Trail: the sooner, the better.
Tips for June
- Enter in the first slot to avoid the busiest hours. With Machu Picchu 2D/1N from US$280 you sleep in Aguas Calientes and go up early.
- Bring a proper warm layer: early mornings are very cold.
- If you're coming for Inti Raymi, schedule Machu Picchu before or after the 24th, not on the day itself.
- Protect yourself from the sun: under clear skies, high-altitude radiation is very strong.
What to pack in June
- A warm jacket, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings.
- Light clothes for midday.
- High-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses and a cap.
- Comfortable shoes.
- Reusable water bottle.
Is June worth it?
Yes, if you want the most reliable weather and to experience Cusco's festivals. If you'd prefer fewer people with almost equally good weather, see Machu Picchu in May. Compare the whole year in the best time to visit Machu Picchu.
Frequently asked questions
What's the weather like at Machu Picchu in June?
Dry and sunny, with days of 18-22 °C and cold early mornings. It's one of the months with the best visibility.
When is Inti Raymi?
Every June 24, at Sacsayhuamán (Cusco). It's the city's busiest day of the year.
How far ahead should I book Machu Picchu for June?
2-3 months ahead. If you're traveling around Inti Raymi, 3-4 months, including your Cusco hotel.
Is Machu Picchu crowded in June?
Yes, it's high season. To avoid the worst of it, enter in the first slot after spending the night in Aguas Calientes.
