The weather in December
The official climate normals for the Machu Picchu station (SENAMHI, 1991–2020) give December an average high of 21 °C, an average low of 12 °C and 275 mm of rain over the month. It is the heart of the rainy season: showers most afternoons, cloud sitting on the peaks at dawn and lifting by mid-morning, the greenest terraces of the year and the fewest people. Mornings are usually the drier half of the day.
Crowds, capacity and holidays in December
Demand is moderate: well below the June-to-August peak, with busy pockets around holidays. Most routes are available a few weeks ahead; Huayna Picchu still goes first. Quiet until mid-month, then Christmas and New Year fill Cusco; 8 and 9 December are public holidays, and 30 and 31 December are high-season dates with 5,600 capacity.
Which ticket to book in December
- Circuit 2A, the safe choice: The designed route through the whole Inka city, 2 h 30, no exposed climbs. Stone steps get slippery in the rain and the mountain trails can close on days of heavy rain, so 2A is what we book most in the wet months.
- Circuit 1B for the photo: The postcard from the Guardian's House platform, 2 h 30, one short climb. Take the first entry: the cloud usually lifts between 07:00 and 09:00 and the view appears. 1B.
- Huayna Picchu, with a caveat: 3A stays on sale, and the lower demand means dates are easy to get, but the steps are steep and wet and the summit is often inside cloud. Book it for a second day if the first was clear.
Trains and getting there in December
The trains run the full May-to-December timetable: departures from Ollantaytambo all day on both PeruRail and Inca Rail, plus PeruRail's direct services from Poroy and San Pedro in Cusco. Standard seats from $62 one way; the entry sells out long before the train does, so book the entry first. Every class and fare is in the train guide.
What to pack for December
A real rain jacket, not a poncho from the station (umbrellas are not allowed inside); shoes with grip for wet stone; a dry layer in a plastic bag; sunscreen anyway, the sun between showers is fierce at this altitude. Mornings are mild, around 12 °C at dawn.
Frequent questions about December
Is December a good time to visit Machu Picchu?
Yes; it is one of the best-balanced months: acceptable weather, no high-season crowds and tickets available a few weeks ahead.
Does it rain at Machu Picchu in December?
275 mm on average over the month in the official normals, against about 50 mm in June and over 320 mm in January to March. Expect afternoon showers most days and plan the visit for the morning.
Is Machu Picchu crowded in December?
Demand is moderate: well below the June-to-August peak, with busy pockets around holidays. Most routes are available a few weeks ahead; Huayna Picchu still goes first.
How far ahead should I book Machu Picchu for December?
City routes two to four weeks ahead; Huayna Picchu six to eight weeks ahead; the first entry hours go first. Around holidays, double it.
Is the Inca Trail open in December?
Yes. The trail closes only in February. Permits for December are sold through licensed operators and go months ahead in the dry season; see our Inca Trail guide for the rules and the plan B without a permit.
Circuit 2A Classic
The iconic postcard photo of Machu Picchu
Pick your December date on the live calendar
Every route shows its real availability by entry hour. Choose the circuit first; the dates that are left are right there, and the train and the night in Aguas Calientes follow.