Machu Picchu in November: Weather, Rain and Why It's a Good Month to Go
Machu Picchu in November: Weather, Rain and Why It's a Good Month to Go
November is a transition month in the Andes: the dry season ends, the first rains arrive and the July and August crowds are gone. For many travelers it's one of the best times to visit Machu Picchu: the landscape turns green, tickets and trains are easier to get, and mornings are still usually clear. Here's what to expect.
Machu Picchu weather in November
- Rain: it starts for real but is still moderate, around 45 to 60 mm for the month. Expect afternoon showers and clearer mornings.
- Temperature: mild during the day, around 20 °C at Machu Picchu, and about 7 °C at night in Cusco.
- Scenery: the mountains start turning green after months of dry weather. It's a very photogenic change.
- Cusco: a light jacket is enough during the day; nights are cold. See the details in our Cusco weather month by month.
What about El Niño?
If you've seen news about El Niño 2026-2027, the official ENFEN forecast for the southern Andes, where Cusco and Machu Picchu are, is for normal to below-normal rain. Heavy rain is concentrated on the northern coast. We explain it in El Niño 2026-2027: is it safe to travel to Cusco and Machu Picchu?
Is it crowded in November?
Not very. November falls between the mid-year high season and the year-end holidays, so you can explore the citadel more calmly than in July or August. The exception is the All Saints' long weekend (November 1), when many Peruvians travel: if your dates fall then, book tickets and trains early.
What happens in Cusco in November
- All Saints' Day (November 1): Cusco celebrates by eating roast pork with tamales and tantawawas, baby-shaped breads that families give each other. It's a great day to try local food.
- Day of the Dead (November 2): families visit cemeteries with food and music to remember their loved ones.
- Puno Week (early November): if your trip continues to Lake Titicaca, Puno celebrates its anniversary with parades and a reenactment of Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo emerging from the lake.
Pros and cons of going in November
Pros:
- Fewer people than in high season.
- Easier to get tickets, trains and hotels.
- Mornings are still usually clear and the scenery gets greener.
- The Inca Trail is open.
Cons:
- Afternoon rain becomes more frequent towards the end of the month.
- Wet trails on some hikes, such as Humantay or Rainbow Mountain.
How to make the most of Machu Picchu in November
- Visit in the morning. That's when it rains least. If you sleep in Aguas Calientes, you get in early without a pre-dawn start from Cusco.
- Choose the 2-day tour. It gives you room if the train is delayed or the morning is foggy. We explain how it works in Machu Picchu 2 days 1 night.
- Make the most of your days in Cusco. November is a good month for the City Tour (US$15) and the Sacred Valley VIP (US$32), with the valley starting to turn green.
- Do the high-altitude hikes in the first half of the month, when it still rains less.
What to pack in November
- A poncho or light rain jacket.
- Shoes with good grip.
- Layers: t-shirt, fleece and a jacket for the evening.
- Sunscreen and a cap: the high-altitude sun burns even when it's cloudy.
- Insect repellent for Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes.
Full list in what to pack for Cusco.
Is November worth it?
Yes. It's one of the months with the best balance between weather, crowds and availability. To compare, see the best time to visit Machu Picchu or read on with Machu Picchu in December.
Frequently asked questions
Does it rain a lot at Machu Picchu in November?
The rains begin, but they're still moderate: around 45 to 60 mm for the month. Expect afternoon showers and clearer mornings.
Is November high season at Machu Picchu?
No. It's shoulder season, with far fewer people than in July and August. Only the All Saints' long weekend (November 1) usually sees more demand from Peruvian travelers.
Is the Inca Trail open in November?
Yes. The Inca Trail operates in November; it only closes in February for maintenance.
Which tour is best in November?
The 2-day tour with a night in Aguas Calientes: you get in early, when it rains least, and you have room if the train is delayed or the morning is foggy.
