Machu Picchu in October
Visiting Machu Picchu in October: mostly dry weather with the first showers, fewer crowds, Inca Trail permits, what to pack and travel tips.
By J. José Rodríguez, Founder / CEO
October is a shoulder month at Machu Picchu: still mostly dry, warm, and with fewer visitors than the mid-year peak. The first afternoon showers arrive, especially later in the month, and the landscape starts to turn green again. It is a good month to find availability without giving up good weather.
October at a glance
| Machu Picchu | Open every day |
| Inca Trail | Open |
| Rainfall at Machu Picchu | About 165 mm, the first rains |
| Temperature at Machu Picchu | Average high 23 °C, low 12 °C |
| Temperature in Cusco | Average high 22 °C, low 7 °C |
| Crowds | Medium |
| Book Machu Picchu tickets | 3–6 weeks ahead |
| Book Huayna Picchu or the Mountain | 1–2 months ahead |
| Book Inca Trail permits | 4–6 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: October is a smart choice for travelers who want good weather and more space. Bring a light rain jacket for the afternoons.
Weather at Machu Picchu in October
October is warm, with sunny mornings and the first afternoon showers, which become more frequent toward the end of the month. Nights in Cusco are milder than in mid-year. Morning mist returns on some days.
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 October
Visitor numbers are moderate. Tickets and trains are easier to book than in high season, usually 3–6 weeks ahead, and Inca Trail permits 4–6 months ahead.
Pros and cons of visiting in October
Pros:
- Mostly dry with warm days
- Fewer crowds than mid-year
- Better availability for tickets and permits
- The first green on the hills
Cons:
- Afternoon showers, more frequent late in the month
- Some misty mornings
- Weather less predictable than in mid-year
Festivals and events in October
- Señor de los Milagros (October): Peru’s largest religious procession, mainly in Lima, with smaller processions in Cusco.
- Battle of Angamos (October 8): a national holiday in Peru.
Best trips for October
- Inca Trail: a good month with fewer hikers. See the Classic Inca Trail.
- Train tours: the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2 Days is relaxed and easy to book.
- Day hikes: Rainbow Mountain is best in the morning, before afternoon clouds.
What to pack for October
Layers you can add and remove: a fleece for mornings, a light rain jacket for the occasional shower, a sun hat, sunscreen and shoes with good grip. See our full packing list.
Tips for visiting in October
- Plan your outdoor activities for the morning.
- Carry a light rain jacket every day.
- Book Huayna Picchu 1–2 months ahead.
- Choose early October for the driest conditions.
Which Machu Picchu ticket to book in October
Circuit 2 (route 2A, the classic route) is the best first visit. Mornings can start misty and clear by mid-morning, so a 9–10 am entry is a good balance. Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain usually need 1–2 months of notice.
High-season dates in October (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 October
Mornings can be misty and usually clear by mid-morning; afternoons may bring a short shower. The first slots are the quietest, and mid-morning gives the best chance of clear views.
Getting there in October
Trains run reliably, and availability is better than in mid-year. Book the train as soon as you have your Machu Picchu ticket, and allow a little extra time if showers arrive. Compare every route in how to get to Machu Picchu.
A 2-day plan for October
Day 1: Sacred Valley on the way, evening train from Ollantaytambo, night in Aguas Calientes. Day 2: a mid-morning classic route (2A) with a guide, then the afternoon train back to Cusco. Our Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour follows this rhythm.
Cusco in October
Most trips start in Cusco, at 3,400 m, where October feels mild by day and cool at night. Read Cusco in October for the weather, festivals and day trips there.
Other months
Comparing dates? Read Machu Picchu in September and Machu Picchu in November, 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.
Machu Picchu journey
Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu
Choose the Sacred Valley route via Pisac or Chinchero, then visit Machu Picchu. Train, hotel, buffet lunch, all tickets and guide 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 October a good time to visit Machu Picchu?
Yes. It is mostly dry and warm, with fewer crowds than June to September.
Does it rain at Machu Picchu in October?
Some days. October averages about 165 mm, mostly as afternoon showers late in the month.
Is October good for the Inca Trail?
Yes, especially early in the month. Book permits 4–6 months ahead.
Is Machu Picchu crowded in October?
Moderately. It is quieter than the mid-year high season.