planning
Machu Picchu in February and the Rainy Season
Visiting Machu Picchu in February or the rainy season: weather, the Inca Trail closure, the treks that stay open, what to pack and how to plan for rain.
Machu Picchu is open in February, but it is the heart of the rainy season, and the Inca Trail is closed all month for maintenance. Expect showers most days, mist in the mornings and the greenest landscapes of the year, with fewer visitors and easier availability. Train tours and the alternative treks to Machu Picchu run as normal.
February at a glance
| Machu Picchu | Open every day |
| Inca Trail | Closed all month; reopens on March 1 |
| Rainfall | About 140 mm in the month, among the highest of the year |
| Temperature | Mild days around 22–24 °C, nights around 12–13 °C |
| Crowds | Low |
| Availability | Easy to find tickets and trains |
What the weather is like
Rain in the cloud forest usually comes as heavy showers rather than all-day drizzle, often in the afternoon. Mornings can start in thick mist that lifts and drops around the mountains, which many travelers find beautiful. Treks are muddy, and on rare occasions landslides can delay trains or close trails for a day.
The rainy season (November to March)
February is the wettest month, together with January and March. November and December bring more sun between showers, and from April the rain fades quickly. See our month-by-month guide to the best time to visit Machu Picchu.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Fewer visitors and more freedom to choose your entry time and train.
- The landscape is at its greenest, with orchids and waterfalls.
- Dramatic mist and light for photos.
Cons:
- The Inca Trail is closed.
- Views can be hidden by cloud for part of the day.
- Muddy trails and a small risk of transport delays.
Treks you can do in February
- Salkantay Trek: open all year; expect rain and possibly snow at the pass.
- Lares Trek: open all year, with villages and hot springs.
- Inca Jungle Trek: open, though rafting can be cancelled when the river is high.
The Short Inca Trail and the combination treks that end with it are also closed in February.
How to plan for rain
- Stay a night in Aguas Calientes with our Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour, so you have more time for the clouds to clear.
- Choose a morning entry, then wait: the mist often lifts by mid-morning.
- Keep a flexible day in your itinerary in case a train is delayed.
- Buy travel insurance with cancellation cover.
What to pack
A good rain jacket and rain pants or a long poncho, quick-dry clothes, shoes with good grip, a waterproof cover for your daypack and insect repellent. Umbrellas are not allowed inside Machu Picchu. See our full packing list.
Events in February
February is carnival time in the Andes, with water fights, music and dancing in Cusco and the villages, and the Virgen de la Candelaria festival in Puno early in the month.
Tours to link
Plan this with a local team
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.
Andean trek
Lares Trek
Walk through weaving communities, high lakes and the Lares hot springs, then visit Machu Picchu. Meals, camping, train and ticket included.
Machu Picchu journey
Machu Picchu 2 Days
Spend a night in Aguas Calientes and enter Machu Picchu early. Train, hotel, ticket and guide included, subject to availability. Huayna Picchu add-on available.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers
Is Machu Picchu open in February?
Yes. Machu Picchu is open every day of the year. Only the Inca Trail closes in February.
Why does the Inca Trail close in February?
For maintenance and conservation work, in the wettest month of the year.
Can I hike to Machu Picchu in February?
Yes, on the Salkantay, Lares or Inca Jungle routes, which need no permit and stay open all year.
Will I see anything if it rains?
Usually yes. Rain often comes in showers, and mist tends to lift during the morning. An overnight stay gives you more time for the clouds to clear.