Machu Picchu Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Machu Picchu, Cusco, Peru. These values are calculated using 30 years of data (1990–2020) to ensure accuracy. Now, let's break down all the details for a clearer picture.

Machu Picchu is known for its substantial rainfall, with annual precipitation reaching 1989 mm (78 in). While the overall climate is wet, there are notable seasonal patterns that create interesting contrasts, as demonstrated in our graph below.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))

The climate in Machu Picchu shows significant variation throughout the year. Expect 288 mm (11 in) of precipitation during the wettest month February, distributed over 22 rainy days.

In contrast, July offers drier and sunnier days, with around 54 mm (2.1 in) of rainfall over 2 rainy days.

February, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 16°C (61°F). The city receives 122 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month July you can expect a temperature of 15°C (59°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Machu Picchu Temperature page.

Machu Picchu's average annual precipitation is 1989 mm (78 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

In Lisbon, Portugal, the average annual precipitation is 774 mm (30 in), characterized by wet winters and dry summers typical of the Mediterranean climate.

Osaka, Japan, experiences 1507 mm (59 in) of rainfall annually, spread across the year with wetter summers.

In Tokyo, Japan, the average annual precipitation is 1528 mm (60 in), with significant summer rains due to typhoon season.

Singapore, situated near the equator, gets 2581 mm (102 in) of rainfall annually, with no distinct dry season and consistent monthly precipitation.

Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.

Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.

Climate change is affecting precipitation patterns worldwide, including Machu Picchu:

• Changing Rainfall Patterns: Global warming causes drastic changes in the patterns of rainfall. Some areas have been experiencing increased frequency and intensity of rainfall, while other areas experience longer dry spells or even droughts.
• Local Impacts: Many regions are experiencing heavier rainfall in the winter months and drier, hotter summers. This affects agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems.

• The U.S. has a significant number of thunderstorms every year, with over 14.6 million taking place across the world annually.
• Approximately 70% of lightning bolts strike land rather than oceans.
• A storm named John was the longest-lasting Pacific tropical storm, continuing for 31 days. As it crossed the dateline twice, it changed status from a hurricane to a typhoon and back to a hurricane.

For more detailed information about Machu Picchu's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Machu Picchu Climate page.