Machu Picchu in February and the Rainy Season
Machu Picchu in February: about 325 mm of rain and highs of 21 °C, the Inca Trail closed all month, what stays open and how to plan a rainy-season visit.
By J. José Rodríguez, Founder / CEO
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 325 mm in the month, among the highest of the year |
| Temperature at Machu Picchu | Average high 21 °C, low 12 °C |
| Temperature in Cusco | Average high 20 °C, low 8 °C |
| Crowds | Low |
| Availability | Easy to find tickets and trains |
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.
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)
January, February and March are the wettest months, with 325–340 mm of rain each on average. 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.
Which Machu Picchu ticket to book in February
Circuit 2 (route 2A, the classic route) is the best first visit in any month. In the rainy season, choose an entry from mid-morning if you want the best chance of clear views, or the first slots if you prefer fewer people and can wait for the mist to lift. Mountain tickets are easier to get than in mid-year, but the summits are often in the clouds.
There are no high-season dates in February, so the seasonal routes (1C Sun Gate, 1D Inca Bridge, 3C Great Cavern and 3D Huchuy Picchu) 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 February
Early mornings often start in mist that lifts and drops around the mountains. Many days clear by mid-morning, and showers tend to arrive in the afternoon, so late morning is often the best window. If you stay in Aguas Calientes, you can adjust your plans to the weather.
Getting there in February
Trains run as normal from Ollantaytambo, but heavy rain can occasionally cause landslides on the railway or the roads. Keep a spare day at the end of your trip, and avoid the budget route via Hidroeléctrica after heavy rain, when the road through Santa Teresa can close. The Inca Trail is closed all month; hike Salkantay or Lares instead, or take the train. Compare every route in how to get to Machu Picchu.
A 2-day plan for February
Day 1: train from Ollantaytambo, guided classic route (2A) late in the morning or early afternoon, night in Aguas Calientes. Day 2: an early entry with a second chance at clear skies, or a mountain ticket, then the afternoon train back. Our Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour follows this rhythm.
Cusco in February
Most trips start in Cusco, at 3,400 m, where February feels cooler and wetter. Read Cusco in February for the weather, festivals and day trips there.
Other months
Comparing dates? Read Machu Picchu in January and Machu Picchu in March, or see every month side by side in our best time to visit Machu Picchu guide.
Tours
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, subject to availability ticket and guide included. Huayna Picchu add-on available.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers
What is the weather like at Machu Picchu in February?
Mild days with average highs of 21 °C and lows of 12 °C, with about 325 mm of rain in the month, often as heavy afternoon showers.
Is the Short Inca Trail open in February?
No. The Short Inca Trail and the combination treks that end with it are also closed all month.
Can I bring an umbrella?
No, umbrellas are not allowed inside Machu Picchu. Bring a good rain jacket or a long poncho.
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 heart of the rainy season.
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.