Machu Picchu Temperatures: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights
On this page, we’ll explore Machu Picchu’s temperature statistics in detail, including day and night variations and monthly averages. We’ll also compare the annual temperature to other cities in Peru.
Monthly Temperature Averages
With minimal seasonal shifts, Machu Picchu experiences a constant climate year-round. Average maximum daytime temperatures reach a moderate 16°C in November. In July, the coolest month of the year, temperatures drop to a moderate 15°C. At night, minimum temperatures can drop even lower, averaging around 3°C.
The chart below illustrates the average maximum day and minimum night temperatures in Machu Picchu by month:
The early hours of 4 AM to 6 AM often see the lowest temperatures, while 3 PM marks the peak of the day’s heat as the sun’s impact is strongest. November, the city’s warmest month, boasts 193 hours of sunshine.
The chart below shows the average temperature throughout the year:
July, the city’s coldest month, sees about 54 mm of rainfall spread over roughly 2 days. It records 257 hours of sunshine of sunshine.
Annual Temperatures in Peru Compared
The map below shows the annual temperature across Peru. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
very warm
warm
pleasant
moderate
cold
very cold
Machu Picchu Temperatures Compared World Wide
Machu Picchu’s average annual maximum temperature is 16°C. Let’s compare this with some popular tourist destinations:
Athens, Greece, experiences an average annual temperature of 23°C, with hot summers and mild winters typical of a Mediterranean climate.
In contrast, in ReykjavÃk, Iceland, the average annual temperature is significantly lower at 9°C, with mild summers and cold winters.
In Seoul, South Korea, the average annual temperature is 18°C, featuring distinct seasons.
Perth, Australia, experiences a Mediterranean climate, with a pleasant average temperature of 25°C.
How does the temperature feel?
Humidity is an essential factor in how you experience temperature. When a warm period is accompanied by high humidity, it results in a higher perceived temperature. This is especially true when temperatures exceed 25°C, as it can cause greater discomfort.
In Machu Picchu, during the coolest month, July, you will experience 54% humidity, which is considered moderate. This is accompanied by an average maximum temperature of 15°C. Explore our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
How are these Temperatures Measured?
Generally, temperature data depicting climate is usually given over a 30-year average in order to reduce short-term fluctuations and reveal better long-term trends in climate conditions.
This temperature data is taken from land-based thermometers, ocean buoys, ships, and satellites. These measurements are transmitted to weather stations and climate centers around the globe where they are processed, averaged, and analyzed in order to monitor the trends and create climate models.
Temperatures in the Mountains
Although not all regions have mountains, elevated areas exhibit distinct temperature variations.
- Sun Exposure: Sunlit slopes tend to be warmer, while shaded areas remain cooler.
- Altitude Effects: Temperatures drop by approximately 6°C for every 1,000 meters of elevation, creating distinct microclimates.
For more detailed information about Machu Picchu’s weather, including monthly rainfall, sunshine hours, and humidity levels, visit our Machu Picchu climate page.
Current temperature in Machu Picchu
2 m/s
overcast and slight rain
1 m/s
broken clouds and rain
2 m/s
broken clouds and thunder
