Machu Picchu in October: Fewer Crowds as the Rains Return

Is October a Good Time to Visit Machu Picchu?

October is a good month for Machu Picchu if you want a balance of decent weather, smaller crowds and better value. Showers are more frequent than in September but rarely last all day. The Inca Trail is open, permits are easier to get, and the landscape begins to turn green again.

How October 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 October?

Machu Picchu weather in October averages highs near 73°F and lows near 53°F, with about 6.4 in of rain over the month, typical of the shoulder season. Cusco, about 3,000 feet higher, is colder, with nights near 41°F. In October, andean weather can change within an hour, so look at a forecast two or three days out.

October figures above are rounded SENAMHI 1991 to 2020 averages; see every month in our Machu Picchu weather guide and Cusco details in our Cusco weather guide.

How Crowded Is Machu Picchu in October?

October crowds at Machu Picchu are generally moderate to low. Summer travelers have gone, and the rainy season has not yet discouraged visitors completely. Entry tickets are often available a week or two ahead, and Huayna Picchu is easier to book than in peak months.

• Lighter crowds than June to September.
• Entry tickets usually available a week or two ahead.
• Inca Trail permits easier to find.
• Hotel deals more common in Aguas Calientes.

In October, ticket types and how far ahead to book are explained in our Machu Picchu tickets guide.

Is October a Good Time to Hike the Inca Trail?

October can be a good month to hike the Inca Trail, with warmer nights than midwinter and fewer hikers. Expect some afternoon rain, so pack a reliable rain jacket and pack cover. Permits are generally easier to secure than in the dry season, but still book several weeks ahead.

Permit rules are explained in our Inca Trail permits guide.

Which Holidays Fall in October in Peru?

October 8 is a national holiday in Peru marking the Battle of Angamos, and some Peruvians travel over the long weekend. In Lima, October is the month of the Señor de los Milagros processions, with purple-robed devotees. Cusco is relatively quiet, making it a calm time to explore the city.

How Much Rain Falls at Machu Picchu in October?

Machu Picchu receives about 6.4 inches of rain in October, roughly double September. Rain usually arrives in the afternoon, after mornings that are often clear. Disruption to trains or the bus road is uncommon, but cloud can briefly hide views, so allow time on site.

• Visit in the morning before showers build.
• Carry a rain jacket every day.
• Allow extra time for cloud to clear.
• Check the forecast the night before.

What Should You Pack for Machu Picchu in October?

For Machu Picchu in October, pack for shoulder season conditions: waterproof rain jacket, quick-dry clothing and hiking shoes with grip matter most. In October, large backpacks are not allowed inside the citadel, so carry a small daypack and leave extra gear at your hotel; current size limits are in our rules guide.

• Waterproof rain jacket
• Quick-dry clothing
• Hiking shoes with grip
• Fleece for Cusco evenings
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen for clear mornings

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

October Tips for Visiting Machu Picchu

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

1. Book a morning entry slot.
2. Watch for hotel deals in Aguas Calientes.
3. Avoid the October 8 long weekend if possible.
4. Pack layers for sun and showers.
5. Combine Machu Picchu with quieter Cusco sightseeing.

Thinking about nearby dates? Compare Machu Picchu in September and Machu Picchu in November. In October, for a guided visit, see our Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco.