"The other" Machu Picchu: the Inca City of Choquequirao
Discover Choquequirao, the hidden Inca city near Cusco. Hike through stunning landscapes and explore ancient ruins with fewer crowds than Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu Weather in December
With daytime temperatures of 16°C (61°F) and nighttime lows of 8°C (46°F), December in Machu Picchu brings moderate temperatures during the day. Do keep in mind that December is part of the rainy season, with frequent and often heavy rainfall.
Rainfall in Machu Picchu in December
Machu Picchu is in the rainy season in December, with rain on around 14 days and an average of 259 mm (10 in). With high rainfall totals spread across the month, individual showers can be very heavy. Waterproof gear is strongly recommended.
Temperature in Machu Picchu in December
December in Machu Picchu brings typical temperatures with highs around 16°C (61°F) and lows of 8°C (46°F). Temperatures can feel cooler in the morning and evening, so layering is often the best approach. With overnight lows of 8°C (46°F), nights are cold. The cold air does make for deep, comfortable sleep if you have enough blankets. On average, it has the peak temperatures of the year.
Sunshine in Machu Picchu in December
The area enjoys a moderate level of sunlight, with around 155 hours. It's a good balance between sunny and rainy days.If you're looking for dry conditions and comfortable temperatures, December may not be the ideal month to visit Machu Picchu. Our weather planner can help you explore destinations with more pleasant weather conditions.
Machu Picchu Temperature in December
Min Temperature
8°C (46°F)
Max Temperature
16°C (61°F)
Chance of Rain
48%
Precipitation
259 mm (10 in)
Rainy days
14 days
Humidity
62% *
Sunshine
155 hours *
Percentage Sunshine
*
* Data from: Cusco, Peru (73 KM, 45 Miles).
Machu Picchu Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Machu Picchu - and find the best time to visit.
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Machu Picchu typically stay consistent throughout December, with daily highs averaging around 16°C (61°F). Nights are cold, with lows around 8°C (46°F).
Average temperatures in December
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in December
Historical weather records for Machu Picchu in December
Browse day-by-day weather records for Machu Picchu spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Machu Picchu historical weather extremes in December
The extremes listed below come from historical weather data collected in Machu Picchu from 2014 through 2025.
- On December 14, 2025, temperatures climbed to 26°C (79°F), marking the warmest December day on record.
- The coldest December day was on December 22, 2020, with a maximum of 12°C (54°F).
- Machu Picchu registered its coldest December night on December 5, 2022, with temperatures dropping to 2°C (36°F).
- The wettest December day on record brought 90 mm (3.5 in) of precipitation to Machu Picchu (December 7, 2020).
Best Places in Peru in December
Find out more about the weather in Peru and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Peru in December →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).
What to Wear in Machu Picchu in December
Pack for changing conditions in Machu Picchu in December. Bring a mix of short and long sleeves, a warm layer like a hoodie or light jacket, and comfortable pants. The key is being able to add or remove layers as the days goes by. Heavy rain is guaranteed, please bring a good poncho and waterproof everything! Bring sunglasses since you'll have some sunny periods throughout the month
What To Do in Machu Picchu in December
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
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Swimming5/10 -
Cycling5/10 -
Walking5/10 -
Camping3/10
Machu Picchu 3-Day Forecast
More climate data for Machu Picchu
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity
See the full Machu Picchu climate overview or explore weather in Peru.
Popular in December
Where to go in December - average daytime high across popular destinations.
Iquitos
31°C (88°F) Trujillo
24°C (75°F) Lima
23°C (73°F) Arequipa
18°C (64°F) Puno16°C (61°F) Cusco16°C (61°F) Machu Picchu16°C (61°F) Urubamba14°C (57°F) Bucket list
Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.
"The other" Machu Picchu: the Inca City of Choquequirao
Hike the inca Trail
Few walking tours speak so much to the imagination as the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The tour leads through beautiful mountain landscapes and it is called the 'Royal Highway'
Visit the Rainbow Mountains
The Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) is acolored rainbow mountain that will steal your heart forever and the view from the top will take your breath away.
The Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica
One of your highlights during a trip in Peru might be this eco-luxury lodge in front of the Madre de Dios River, called Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica.