"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 January
January in Machu Picchu sees daytime temperatures around 16°C (61°F) and lows of 8°C (46°F) at night. Being part of the rainy season, heavy rainfall is a regular part of the day, so pack accordingly.
Rainfall in Machu Picchu in January
Machu Picchu is in the rainy season in January, with rain on around 17 days and an average of 279 mm (11 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 January
Machu Picchu in January gets highs of 16°C (61°F) during the day and drops to 8°C (46°F) at night. A light jacket or extra layer can be useful, especially outside the warmest hours of the day. Nights drop to 8°C (46°F). Cold nights like these are actually great for sleeping well, as long as you have a warm enough duvet.
Sunshine in Machu Picchu in January
The month brings about 141 hours of sunlight, offering a comfortable mix of sun and rainy moments.If you're looking for dry conditions and comfortable temperatures, January 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 January
Min Temperature
8°C (46°F)
Max Temperature
16°C (61°F)
Chance of Rain
56%
Precipitation
279 mm (11 in)
Rainy days
17 days
Humidity
66% *
Sunshine
141 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
51-year average (1976-2026)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Machu Picchu typically stay consistent throughout January, with daily highs averaging around 16°C (61°F). Nights are cool, with lows around 8°C (46°F).
Average temperatures in January
Daily Historical Precipitation
51-year average (1976-2026)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in January
Historical weather records for Machu Picchu in January
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 January
Based on 43 years of weather observations in Machu Picchu between 1982 and 2025, these are the recorded extremes.
- On January 2, 1999, temperatures climbed to 25°C (77°F), marking the warmest January day on record.
- On January 25, 1988, Machu Picchu saw its coldest January day with temperatures maxing out at 10°C (50°F).
- The coldest night in January in Machu Picchu was on January 20, 1986, with a minimum of 1°C (34°F).
Best Places in Peru in January
Find out more about the weather in Peru and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Peru in January →
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 January
The weather can be unpredictable in January, so pack clothes you can easily mix and match. You could bring jeans, other long pants, and a few t-shirts. A light jacket or light sweater will be pleasant for the cooler moments. Also bring a poncho, it will rain a lot! Waterproof everything you can. Bring sunglasses since you'll have some sunny periods throughout the month
What To Do in Machu Picchu in January
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 January
Where to go in January - average daytime high across popular destinations.
Iquitos
31°C (88°F) Trujillo
26°C (79°F) Lima
25°C (77°F) Arequipa
17°C (63°F) Puno15°C (59°F) Machu Picchu16°C (61°F) Cusco16°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.