Weather and seasons

The Sacred Valley month by month

Q: When is the best time to visit the Sacred Valley?

The dry season, May to September, gives you the clearest days. April and October are good shoulder months, with fewer people.

Q: When is it busiest?

Between June and August, the high season. Book further ahead for those dates.

Dry season, rains and shoulder months: what to expect at each time of year and when to book further ahead.

Two main seasons

Dry or rainy

Dry season

May – September

Clear skies, little rain and cold mornings. It overlaps with the high season (June–August).

Shoulder months

April and October

Occasional rain, landscapes still green and fewer visitors.

Rainy season

November – March

Frequent rain, mostly in the afternoon, and the valley at its greenest.

Month by month

What to expect each month

January

Rainy

Deep green landscape; frequent rain, mostly in the afternoon.

February

Rainy

Usually one of the wettest months; bring a waterproof.

March

Rainy

Rain starts to ease off; green fields.

April

Shoulder

Less rain and the valley still green: a good balance.

May

Dry

The dry season begins; clear days.

June

Dry

High season; cold mornings and nights. Book ahead.

July

Dry

High season; clear skies and very cold nights.

August

Dry

High season; sunny, dry days.

September

Dry

Good weather and slightly fewer people than midwinter.

October

Shoulder

The first rains arrive; pleasant temperatures.

November

Rainy

Rains begin; the valley turns green again.

December

Rainy

Frequent rain; bring waterproof clothing.

General guidance by season · Mountain weather can change within the day

So, when should you go?

If you want clear skies for photos of Maras and Moray, the dry season is the safest bet. If you prefer green landscapes and fewer people, April or October work well. In the rainy season the tour runs just the same; simply add waterproofs.

See what to pack in our packing checklist, and how altitude affects you in our Sacred Valley altitude guide.

Ollantaytambo fortress with its hillside terraces in the Sacred Valley

Ollantaytambo · Sacred Valley

Weather

Questions about the weather

The dry season, May to September, gives you the clearest days. April and October are good shoulder months, with fewer people.

Yes, the tour runs all year. Between November and March bring waterproofs. If extreme weather or a road closure stops the departure, it is rescheduled or refunded under the cancellation policy.

Between June and August, the high season. Book further ahead for those dates.

Mornings and nights are cold all year, especially in the dry season; at midday the sun is strong. That is why layers work best.