About Inca Jungle Weather

What’s the Best Month to Go to On the Inca Jungle Trek?

The weather on the Inca Jungle Trek is relatively pleasant all year round. This is because you’re journeying through the jungle for most of it, and the climate is warm and humid. However, the first day you start at a high altitude, and it’s cold.

Our favorite months for hiking the route and enjoying the best views at Machu Picchu are May and October. They are on either side of the busy season and are just out of the main rainy season, too. You can miss the large crowds and enjoy lovely weather.

In this section, you’ll learn about the weather conditions during the wet and dry seasons and what it’s like every month to plan your vacation when the climate suits you.

Inca Jungle Rainy Season: What to Expect

In the wet season, the weather is up and down, and you never really know when it’ll start to shower. You should expect rain every day, so make sure you always carry a rain jacket or poncho in your backpack. You might get lucky, though, and get no rain. You just never know! Remember, even if it does rain, it’s often welcome in the warm jungle climate.

Throughout this season, January and February are the wettest. This means there are fewer tourists but the climate can also make the trail slippery, especially when you’re cycling downhill. You must take great care during this time of year. The advantage to traveling now is that there are plenty of discounts on hotels and tours.

Let’s check out the weather month-by-month during the wet season.

• November

  This month marks the end of the dry season, which means that the land is very dry and fields don’t look so lush. However, it also marks the beginning of the rainy season. The later it gets in November, the more likely you are to see a shower or two. The overall temperature is very pleasant, though.

• December

  This is when summer starts throughout Peru, and all the nationals start vacationing. The temperature is warm again, similar to November, but it also means that more substantial rainfall is on its way. Traveling is still pleasant during this time of year; you just need to be prepared with shielding rain gear.

• January

  You’ll find you see the sunshine a bit less on the route in January, and you’ll definitely see rain at some point most days. However, showers don’t last too long, and things usually dry quickly afterward, so you can enjoy some warm spells between the rain. The temps are still nice.

• February

  Watch out! You might get soaked in February—this is notoriously the wettest of all months in the region. You need to take extra care if you come this month, as the ground is too slippery and it’s risky. Use hiking boots with great grip. Despite the heavy showers, the temperature is still decent.

• March

  The heavy showers remain throughout March, but you’ll see a few more holes in the clouds and enjoy a little more sun. However, you’re still very prone to get wet, so having the right equipment is essential, especially hiking boots or shoes with a good grip for slippy trails.

• April

  We’re finally seeing the rainfall coming to an end this month, and the amount of precipitation drops drastically. It’s still included in the wet season because there are still drizzles here and there, but you’ll see plenty of sunshine and experience nice days in general.

Inca Jungle Dry Season: What to Expect

When the dry season arrives, most days are lovely and sunny with clear skies. You can expect some outstanding views of the landscapes and sites. However, this also means that the larger crowds are on their way with people who want to enjoy the pleasant climate.

Make sure you plan in advance during the dry season, as hotels and tours can get booked up early. You don’t want to miss out! We suggest reserving three months in advance. Let’s take a sneak peek at the months during the dry season.

• May

  The dry season starts now, officially! You might see the occasional shower but not much rain overall. The average precipitation is falling dramatically, and the temperature is enjoyable. It might start to drop at night, but it’s not too cold. This is a nice time of year to come before the big crowds arrive.

• June

  June is the driest time of the year, with extremely little rainfall. You might not see any at all while trekking this month. It’s also the beginning of the busiest tourist season, with the Cusco anniversary celebrations taking place all month. This can mean you see more people on the route and expect large crowds at all attractions.

• July

  You’ll need a warm sleeping bag this month! This is the coldest month of the year and can get chilly at night. However, you can still enjoy warm days and clear skies. Although it’s a dry month, you might see the occasional hailstorm. The sun is hot during these dry months, so be sure to use a high factor sunscreen with a hat and sunglasses.

• August

  Winter is drawing to a close this month, but you can still expect chilly temps at nighttime. Days are getting warmer, though, and you should feel very warm. Rainfall in August is still comparatively low, so it’s still a favorite time of year with tourists. Expect some great views of the unbelievable Andean landscapes.

• September

  Things are getting warmer in September, and it’s a really lovely time of year to visit. The days are hot, clear, and sunny, and you only see the odd shower here and there. It’s still somewhat busy tourism-wise.

• October

  This is the warmest month in the region and a fantastic time of year to come and beat the crowds whilst enjoying some fine weather. The skies are clear and blue with a little bit of rainfall here and there. This is the last time of the year to get remarkable views of Machu Picchu and other sites.

What Is the Average Temperature of the Inca Jungle Trek?

Well, there’s no exact average temperature as it changes with the altitude. However, you can expect it to be between 9°C and 13°C at night and 24°C and 26°C during the day. June, July, and August are the coldest months of the year.

What Is the Coldest Month On the Inca Jungle Trek?

The coldest month of the year is July. You’ll definitely feel the cold more at night, as the days are still lovely and warm.

Does the Weather On the Inca Jungle Trek Affect Flights?

Please note that you can’t fly directly to the trek. You need to come via Cusco.

Normally, flights come and go on time and without any issues. However, you need to note that if you’re coming during the wettest months, the rain is sometimes so strong that flights get delayed or even canceled. Factor this into your planning when deciding when to hike the Inca Jungle Trek.

What to Pack When Going On the Inca Jungle Trek

For the Inca Jungle Trek, you’ll need to ensure you take enough clothing and a mix of garments for the cold first morning and warmer days there on out. You can take a look at our detailed Inca Jungle Packing List for an essential guide, but here we have the items you shouldn’t leave Cusco without.

• Clothing - thin layers that you can take off and put on as the temperature changes.
• Raincoat or waterproof poncho.
• A warm jacket and sweater.
• Hand towel.
• Hiking boots or shoes - well worn-in.
• Sneakers.
• Warm pajamas.
• Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen factor 50+.
• Insect repellent.
• Sandals.
• Toiletries.
• Reusable water bottle.
• Daypack to carry all your things around in.
• High-quality camera or phone with a good camera.
• Personal medication.
• Guide book/map.
• Passport.
• Lock for bags.
• Flashlight.
• Adaptors for plugs (if needed).

Plan Your Inca Jungle Adventure Now

With this handy weather guide, you should understand the climate better on the route. It helps to know this info to plant your Inca Jungle Trek. Remember, the best time of year is May or October to get the lovely weather and avoid crowds.

Whenever you decide to set foot on the trail, we’re sure you’ll have the most thrill-seeking adventure of a lifetime!