Machu Picchu in September
Visiting Machu Picchu in September: dry, warm weather, fewer crowds than August, Inca Trail permits, what to pack and travel tips.
By J. José Rodríguez, Founder / CEO
September is one of the best months to visit Machu Picchu. The weather is still mostly dry, days get warmer, and the crowds start to fall after the August peak. It is a great balance between good conditions and availability, and an excellent month for the Inca Trail.
September at a glance
| Machu Picchu | Open every day |
| Inca Trail | Open |
| Rainfall at Machu Picchu | About 75 mm, mostly dry |
| Temperature at Machu Picchu | Average high 23 °C, low 11 °C |
| Temperature in Cusco | Average high 22 °C, low 5 °C |
| Crowds | Medium to high, falling through the month |
| 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: September is one of our top picks, especially for treks. Book a little ahead, but you will find more choice than in July or August.
Weather at Machu Picchu in September
Expect mostly sunny days with the first occasional showers, usually in the afternoon. Nights in Cusco are milder than in mid-year. Machu Picchu is warm in the day, and morning mist starts to return 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 September
Visitor numbers are still high at the start of the month and ease toward the end. Book Machu Picchu tickets 3–6 weeks ahead, and Inca Trail permits 4–6 months ahead.
Pros and cons of visiting in September
Pros:
- Dry, warm weather
- Fewer crowds than July and August
- Great conditions for the Inca Trail and Salkantay
- Milder nights in Cusco
Cons:
- Occasional afternoon showers
- Still busy in the first half of the month
- Popular permits can still sell out
Festivals and events in September
- Spring equinox (around September 22): the start of spring in the Southern Hemisphere, celebrated by some groups at Inca sites.
Best trips for September
- Inca Trail: one of the best months. See the Classic Inca Trail.
- Salkantay Trek: dry trails and warmer nights. See the Salkantay Trek.
- Day hikes: Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain are still dry.
What to pack for September
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 September
- Choose the second half of the month for fewer people.
- Carry a light rain jacket for the first showers.
- Book Huayna Picchu 1–2 months ahead.
- Combine Machu Picchu with a few days in the Sacred Valley.
Which Machu Picchu ticket to book in September
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 September (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 September
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 September
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 September
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 September
Most trips start in Cusco, at 3,400 m, where September feels mild by day and cool at night. Read Cusco in September for the weather, festivals and day trips there.
Other months
Comparing dates? Read Machu Picchu in August and Machu Picchu in October, 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
Humantay Lake
Day hike to the turquoise Humantay Lake below the Salkantay glacier. Transport, breakfast, lunch, guide and entrance fee included.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers
Is September a good time to visit Machu Picchu?
Yes, it is one of the best months: mostly dry, warm and less crowded than August.
Does it rain at Machu Picchu in September?
A little. September averages about 75 mm, usually as short afternoon showers.
Is September good for the Inca Trail?
Yes, it is one of the best months for the trail. Book permits 4–6 months ahead.
Is Machu Picchu crowded in September?
Less than in July and August, especially in the second half of the month.