Machu Picchu in August
Visiting Machu Picchu in August: dry, windy weather, high-season crowds, Inca Trail permits, festivals, what to pack and how to avoid the queues.
By J. José Rodríguez, Founder / CEO
August is dry, sunny and busy at Machu Picchu. It is still high season, with crowds similar to July, but the weather starts to warm a little and the afternoons can be windy. It is a great month for treks, as long as you have your permits and tickets booked in advance.
August at a glance
| Machu Picchu | Open every day |
| Inca Trail | Open; permits sell out 6–8 months ahead |
| Rainfall at Machu Picchu | About 60 mm, mostly dry |
| Temperature at Machu Picchu | Average high 23 °C, low 10 °C |
| Temperature in Cusco | Average high 22 °C, low 3 °C |
| Crowds | Very high |
| Book Machu Picchu tickets | 4–8 weeks ahead |
| Book Huayna Picchu or the Mountain | 2–4 months ahead |
| Book Inca Trail permits | 6–8 months ahead |
1991–2020 averages: Machu Picchu from Peru’s weather service (SENAMHI) climate normals; Cusco from the airport station (WMO normals, NOAA). Any single month can be much drier or wetter.
Our verdict: August is a reliable month for weather. Plan ahead for tickets and permits, and expect company on the trails.
Weather at Machu Picchu in August
Skies are mostly clear, and nights in Cusco are still cold but slowly getting milder. August is known for windy afternoons in the Andes, and the dry hills around Cusco look golden. The first light showers can appear at the very end of the month.
Machu Picchu (2,430 m) is warmer and more humid than Cusco (3,400 m), so pack for both. See the rain and temperatures for every month in our guide to the best time to visit Machu Picchu.
Crowds and availability in August
Visitor numbers stay very high through most of August. Inca Trail permits for August are among the first to sell out each year. Book Machu Picchu tickets 4–8 weeks ahead and Huayna Picchu 2–4 months ahead.
Pros and cons of visiting in August
Pros:
- Dry, sunny weather
- Excellent conditions for treks
- Slightly milder nights than July
- Good visibility of the snow peaks
Cons:
- High-season crowds and early sell-outs
- Windy afternoons on the treks
- Higher prices for hotels
Festivals and events in August
- Pachamama day (August 1): offerings to Mother Earth across the Andes; many families make a “pago a la tierra” during the month.
- Santa Rosa de Lima (August 30): a national holiday in Peru, with extra domestic travel.
Best trips for August
- Inca Trail: dry and beautiful; book permits 6–8 months ahead. See the Classic Inca Trail.
- Salkantay Trek: clear views of Salkantay and no permit needed. See the Salkantay Trek.
- Day hikes: Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake are dry, but cold at dawn.
What to pack for August
Warm layers for cold mornings and nights (a fleece and a down or insulated jacket for Cusco), a sun hat, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen, lip balm and comfortable walking shoes. A light rain jacket is still worth carrying. See our full packing list.
Tips for visiting in August
- Enter early or in the early afternoon to avoid the busiest hours.
- Bring a windproof layer for treks and day hikes.
- Book hotels in Aguas Calientes early.
- Have a backup plan (Salkantay or Lares) if Inca Trail permits are sold out.
Which Machu Picchu ticket to book in August
Circuit 2 (route 2A, the classic route) is the best first visit. In the dry season, mornings are usually clear, so the first entry slots give soft light and fewer people. Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain sell out first, often 2–4 months ahead.
High-season dates in August (2026: all month; 2027: all month) raise daily capacity to 5,600 and open the seasonal routes (1C Sun Gate, 1D Inca Bridge, 3C Great Cavern and, if sold, 3D Huchuy Picchu). Outside those dates, capacity is 4,500 and the seasonal routes are not sold.
From January 1, 2027, mountain routes have new times: citadel entry at 6:00 or 8:00, the mountain started by 10:00, and shorter maximum visits. See Machu Picchu tickets and Machu Picchu circuits.
Best time of day in August
Mornings are usually clear and cold, with the soft light photographers look for in the first hours. Late morning is the busiest time, when day trips from Cusco arrive; early afternoon is quieter again.
Getting there in August
Trains and roads are reliable, but the most convenient trains sell out first, so book them as soon as you have your Machu Picchu ticket. The route via Hidroeléctrica is at its best in the dry months. Compare every route in how to get to Machu Picchu.
A 2-day plan for August
Day 1: train from Ollantaytambo, a guided classic route (2A) in the afternoon, night in Aguas Calientes. Day 2: the first bus up for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, then the afternoon train back to Cusco. Our Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour follows this rhythm.
Cusco in August
Most trips start in Cusco, at 3,400 m, where August feels colder at night and very sunny. Read Cusco in August for the weather, festivals and day trips there.
Other months
Comparing dates? Read Machu Picchu in July and Machu Picchu in September, or see every month side by side in our best time to visit Machu Picchu guide.
Tours
Plan this with a local team
Inca Trail · permit required
Classic Inca Trail
Hike the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with a local Cusco operator. Permit, Machu Picchu ticket, porters, meals and Vistadome return included.
Andean trek
Salkantay Trek
Cross the 4,630 m Salkantay Pass, turquoise Humantay Lake and cloud forest to Machu Picchu. Camps, meals, train and Machu Picchu ticket included.
Cusco day tour
Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley
Hike Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain, and the Red Valley in one day from Cusco. Breakfast, lunch, guide and community fees included.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers
Is August a good time to visit Machu Picchu?
Yes for weather: it is dry and sunny. It is still high season, so book early.
Is Machu Picchu crowded in August?
Yes, crowds are similar to July for most of the month.
Is August good for the Inca Trail?
Yes, but permits are among the first to sell out. Book 6–8 months ahead.
What is the weather like in August?
Dry and sunny, with mild days at Machu Picchu, cold nights in Cusco and windy afternoons in the mountains.