Machu Picchu in December: Is a Rainy-Season Holiday Visit Worth It?
By the Goo Machu Picchu team · Checked against official sources (editorial policy) · Updated October 2026 · 5 min read
Machu Picchu in December is green, misty and usually less crowded than mid-year, except during the Christmas and New Year weeks. It is the rainy season, with about 10.8 inches of rain in the month on average, mild days near 70°F and frequent afternoon showers. Book early for holiday dates and pack good rain gear.
- Season
- Rainy season
- Average high / low
- 70°F / 54°F (21 / 12°C)
- Average rain
- About 10.8 in (275 mm) per month
- Crowds
- Low early in the month, high Dec 20 to Jan 2
- Inca Trail
- Open in December, closed in February
- Cusco events
- Santurantikuy market on December 24
Is December a Good Time to Visit Machu Picchu?
December is a good time to visit Machu Picchu for travelers who accept rain in exchange for fewer crowds early in the month, lush green scenery and holiday-season vacation time. It is not ideal for guaranteed clear views or long hikes. Many December days still bring dry mornings and sunny breaks between showers.
For US travelers, December is often the only long break of the year, which is why holiday weeks fill fast. How December compares with every other month is covered in our best time to visit Machu Picchu guide.
Related reading: our Machu Picchu in January guide.
If you are also weighing this, see our Machu Picchu in November guide.
What Is the Weather Like at Machu Picchu in December?
December weather at Machu Picchu is warm and wet: average highs are about 70°F (21°C), lows about 54°F (12°C), and rainfall reaches about 10.8 inches (275 mm) for the month, based on SENAMHI 1991 to 2020 normals. Showers often arrive in the afternoon, and clouds can hide the peaks for hours.
| Factor | December pattern | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | Mild, small day-night swing | Light layers, no heavy coat |
| Rain | Frequent, often afternoon | Book a morning entry |
| Clouds and fog | Common at dawn | Views often clear by mid-morning |
| Humidity | High | Quick-dry clothing helps |
| Sandflies | More active in warm, wet months | Use repellent lotion |
Values are rounded long-term averages; any single day can differ. Monthly comparisons are in our Machu Picchu weather guide.
How Crowded Is Machu Picchu in December?
Machu Picchu is fairly quiet in the first half of December, then busy from about December 20 to January 2, when international holiday travelers and Peruvian families arrive. Entry tickets, trains and Aguas Calientes hotels for Christmas and New Year can sell out weeks ahead. Daily visitor caps apply all year.
| Dates | Crowds | Booking advice |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 1 to 15 | Low | A few weeks ahead is usually fine |
| Dec 16 to 22 | Rising | Book about 1 to 2 months ahead |
| Dec 23 to Jan 2 | High | Book 2 to 3 months ahead or more |
These are typical patterns reported by travel operators, not official figures. See our guide to buying Machu Picchu tickets for how to check live availability.
Can You Hike in December?
You can hike around Machu Picchu in December, but trails are wetter and views less certain. The Classic Inca Trail stays open in December and closes only in February for maintenance. Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain remain open, though their stone steps get slippery, so good grip and caution matter.
Inca Trail permits for late December can sell out months ahead because of the holidays; see the Inca Trail permits guide. Steep options are covered in our Huayna Picchu hike guide.
What Happens in Cusco and Machu Picchu Over the Holidays?
Over the holidays, Cusco hosts Santurantikuy on December 24, a large traditional market in the main square selling handmade nativity figures and crafts. Christmas Eve is celebrated with family dinners and midnight fireworks. On New Year's Eve, crowds fill Cusco's Plaza de Armas, many wearing yellow for luck.
Some restaurants and shops close or shorten hours on December 25 and January 1, while Machu Picchu itself normally stays open. Hot chocolate with paneton, a sweet bread, is a classic Peruvian Christmas treat.
Can Rain Disrupt Trains or Visits in December?
Heavy rain in December can occasionally delay trains or close trails for safety, though full cancellations are less common than in January and February. Leave a buffer day between Machu Picchu and your flight home, keep booking confirmations offline, and choose flexible fares where possible.
Train operators announce changes on their websites and through your booking contact. Class and timetable details are in our guide to train to Machu Picchu classes and schedules.
What to Pack for Machu Picchu in December
For Machu Picchu in December, pack a real rain jacket or poncho, quick-dry clothing, waterproof or fast-drying shoes, a light fleece for cool mornings, insect repellent lotion, sunscreen and a dry bag for your phone. Umbrellas are not allowed inside the site, so rely on hooded rainwear.
The full checklist, bag limit and banned items are in our Machu Picchu packing list.
December Visit Tips
The best December tips for Machu Picchu are to book a morning entry, stay a night in Aguas Calientes, keep a flexible extra day, and lock in tickets early if traveling over Christmas. Short showers often pass quickly, so waiting 30 minutes can bring a clear view.
- Choose an early entry; afternoons are usually wetter.
- Stay overnight in Aguas Calientes to avoid rushed connections.
- Book holiday-week tickets and trains as soon as dates are set.
- Plan a backup day for cloudy or rainy visits.
- Protect cameras and phones with a dry bag.
- Wear shoes with strong grip for wet stone stairs.
Our Machu Picchu vacation packages can include an Aguas Calientes night and buffer days for holiday travel.
Frequently asked questions
Is Machu Picchu open on Christmas Day?
Machu Picchu is normally open every day of the year, including Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Trains and buses also run on holidays, sometimes on adjusted schedules. Confirm times with your train company and tour operator, since some services in town close for the day.
Will I see Machu Picchu if it rains?
You will usually see Machu Picchu even on rainy December days, because clouds often lift between showers. Early fog commonly clears by mid-morning. A truly fully clouded day is possible, which is why some travelers buy entry for two days or keep a spare day.
Is December cheaper for Machu Picchu?
Early December is often cheaper for Machu Picchu trips, because it falls in the low season for flights and hotels. Prices rise sharply for the Christmas and New Year weeks. The entry ticket price is the same all year, so savings come from travel and lodging.
Is December or January better for Machu Picchu?
December is usually better than January for Machu Picchu, with somewhat less rain on average and fewer weather disruptions. January is one of the wettest months. Both are rainy-season months, so morning entries and flexible plans are wise in either.
Is the Inca Trail open in December?
The Classic Inca Trail is open in December and closes only in February for maintenance. December is wet, so trails can be muddy and views cloudy. Permits for holiday dates often sell out early, so book well ahead with a licensed operator.
What should I wear to Machu Picchu in December?
Wear light, quick-dry layers to Machu Picchu in December: a T-shirt, a thin fleece, hiking pants and a hooded rain jacket. Shoes with good grip matter on wet stone. Days are mild, around 70°F, so heavy winter clothing is not needed.
Traveling over the holidays?
Tell us your December dates and group size, and we will check tickets, trains and hotels while holiday space is still open. Prefer to read first? Get the free Machu Picchu trip guide.
Sources checked October 3, 2026
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