The weather in January
The official climate normals for the Machu Picchu station (SENAMHI, 1991–2020) give January an average high of 21 °C, an average low of 12 °C and 341 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 January
This is low season for the sanctuary: the daily capacity is 4,500 and it is rarely reached outside holidays. Hotels and trains are cheaper and easier to find, and the city routes can be booked days ahead instead of months. 1 January is a high-season date on the Ministry's calendar; from the 2nd the month is low season.
Which ticket to book in January
- 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 January
From January to April the trains run the rainy-season timetable: PeruRail and Inca Rail services from Cusco become bus to Ollantaytambo plus train, and Poroy and San Pedro stations are not used. Plan the day from Ollantaytambo and allow the extra hour. The full timetable logic is in the train guide and the January-to-April trains page.
What to pack for January
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 January
Is January a good time to visit Machu Picchu?
Yes, if you accept afternoon rain in exchange for the greenest terraces, the fewest people and easy tickets. Take the first entry; mornings are the drier half of the day.
Does it rain at Machu Picchu in January?
341 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 January?
This is low season for the sanctuary: the daily capacity is 4,500 and it is rarely reached outside holidays. Hotels and trains are cheaper and easier to find, and the city routes can be booked days ahead instead of months.
How far ahead should I book Machu Picchu for January?
City routes a week or two ahead; Huayna Picchu and the Mountain two to four weeks ahead. Holidays inside the month are the exception: book those dates as if they were high season.
Is the Inca Trail open in January?
Yes. The trail closes only in February. Permits for January 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 January 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.