Middle of the wetter season · Weather & things to do
Machu Picchu in December
The year's rain peaks now, with about 5.3 in (135 mm) falling in Machu Picchu, alongside highs near 68°F (20°C) and lows of 53°F (12°C).
Its comfort score of 72/100 is still Good, though it ranks 11th of 12 here.
- Avg high
- 68°F (20°C)
- Avg low
- 53°F (12°C)
- Rain
- 5.3 in (135 mm)
- Humidity
- 84%
- Cloud cover
- 80%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 46 min
- Comfort score
- 72/100 · Good
What December feels like
Days are mild at around 68°F (20°C): comfortable for walking all day, with a layer for the evening.
Lows average 53°F (12°C).
Expect regular rain: about 5.3 in (135 mm) falls in the month.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 80%.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are April – September.
- Start of the wettest three-month stretch (December – February), which brings about 15.7 in (399 mm) in total.
- Longest days of the year, about 12 h 46 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 82/100 in November to 72/100.
- Our Cusco & Machu Picchu route recommends May – Sep, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 53°F
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoesfrequent rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Machu Picchu in December
Wet days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Indio Feliz
Long-running French-Peruvian bistro with set menus and a quirky, decorated dining room.
Why now A sit-down stop to wait out showers in a month with 5.3 in of rain.
Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum
Museum near Puente Ruinas explaining Inca construction, with a botanical garden.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop for a month with 5.3 in of rain.
Aguas Calientes Hot Springs
Public thermal pools at the top of town, popular after a day of hiking.
Machu Picchu Mountain
Longer, less exposed climb than Huayna Picchu with wide views of the citadel and valley.
Mapacho Craft Beer Restaurant
Riverside restaurant pouring Cusco-brewed craft beer with Andean dishes.
Why now Easy to slot in when December's rain moves in.
Nearby in December
- Sacred Valley in December~33 mi · highs 64°F, 5.4 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Cusco in December~46 mi · highs 62°F, 5.4 in rain · 3°C (6°F) cooler by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~2,766 m to Machu Picchu's ~2,440 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Machu Picchu in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Machu Picchu?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 72/100, held back mainly by cloud cover. The best months are April – September. Expect highs of 68°F (20°C) and 5.3 in (135 mm) of rain. Our Cusco & Machu Picchu route recommends May – Sep, so December is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Machu Picchu in December?
Average highs are 68°F (20°C) and average lows 53°F (12°C), making it the 5th-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Machu Picchu in December?
Yes: about 5.3 in (135 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 28.8 in (732 mm).
What should I pack for Machu Picchu in December?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 53°F), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (frequent rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Machu Picchu
Planning Machu Picchu in December?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.