Machu Picchu in June: Planning Around Dry Skies and Inti Raymi

Is June a Good Time to Visit Machu Picchu?

June is an excellent month for Machu Picchu weather, with the driest days and the best chance of clear views. It is also peak season: US summer travel and Inti Raymi fill trains, hotels and entry slots. If you book early and do not mind company, June is a rewarding time to go.

How June compares with the rest of the year is covered in our best time to visit Machu Picchu guide.

What Is the Weather Like at Machu Picchu in June?

Machu Picchu weather in June averages highs near 72°F and lows near 50°F, with about 2.0 in of rain over the month, typical of the dry season. Cusco, about 3,000 feet higher, is colder, with nights near 31°F. In June, andean weather can change within an hour, so look at a forecast two or three days out.

These June numbers are rounded SENAMHI climate normals for 1991 to 2020. In June, the year round picture is in our Machu Picchu weather guide, with the city covered in our guide to Cusco weather.

How Crowded Is Machu Picchu in June?

June is one of the most crowded months at Machu Picchu. US school holidays begin, and late June draws thousands of visitors to Cusco for Inti Raymi. Entry tickets, Huayna Picchu, Inca Trail permits and Aguas Calientes hotels can all sell out weeks or months ahead, especially around June 24.

• Late June around Inti Raymi: busiest period.
• Huayna Picchu and Mountain: book months ahead.
• Inca Trail permits: often sold out early in the year.
• Cusco hotels: prices rise in the last week of June.

In June, to choose a ticket and entry hour, read our how to book Machu Picchu tickets guide.

Is June a Good Month to Hike the Inca Trail?

June is a great month to hike the Inca Trail for dry paths and clear views, but nights at high campsites can fall below freezing. Permits are in high demand and frequently sell out many months ahead. Pack a warm sleeping bag rating and layers for cold mornings on Dead Woman's Pass.

In June, booking windows and passport rules are in our Inca Trail permit booking guide.

What Are Inti Raymi and Corpus Christi in Cusco?

Inti Raymi, held every June 24, recreates the Inca festival of the sun with a large performance that moves from Qorikancha to the Plaza de Armas and Sacsayhuamán. Corpus Christi, in late May or June depending on Easter, parades saints' statues through Cusco and is famous for the dish chiriuchu. Both draw big crowds.

How Cold Is It in June at Machu Picchu and Cusco?

June days at Machu Picchu are pleasant, but early mornings are cool, and Cusco nights can drop to around freezing because the city sits at about 11,150 feet. Many Cusco hotels lack central heating. Pack real warm layers even though the citadel itself feels mild by midday.

• Bring a warm jacket, hat and gloves for Cusco.
• Ask your hotel about heaters or extra blankets.
• Layer up for early trains and dawn entry.
• Use strong sunscreen; the dry-season sun is intense.

What Should You Pack for Machu Picchu in June?

For Machu Picchu in June, pack for dry season conditions: warm down or insulated jacket, fleece and base layers and sunscreen, sunglasses and hat matter most. In June, leave big bags at your hotel or the entrance storage, because only small daypacks are allowed inside; check our rules guide for current sizes.

• Warm down or insulated jacket
• Fleece and base layers
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat
• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Light rain jacket, just in case
• Warm hat and gloves

In June, every item, month by month, sits in our complete Machu Picchu packing checklist.

June Tips for Visiting Machu Picchu

The best June plan for Machu Picchu combines early booking where demand is high, a morning entry slot and a little schedule flexibility. These tips reflect June conditions specifically, from weather to holidays, so you can adjust your Cusco and Machu Picchu days around them.

1. Book entry tickets and trains as early as possible.
2. Reserve Inti Raymi seats early if you want them.
3. Avoid Machu Picchu on June 24 if you also want to see Inti Raymi.
4. Visit at opening for the clearest light.
5. Pack for cold nights in Cusco.

Thinking about nearby dates? Compare Machu Picchu in May and Machu Picchu in July. In June, travelers who want everything handled can join our guided Cusco to Machu Picchu day trip.