The weather in November
The official climate normals for the Machu Picchu station (SENAMHI, 1991–2020) give November an average high of 23 °C, an average low of 12 °C and 173 mm of rain over the month. It is the transition into the rains: afternoon showers return, mornings are still mostly clear, and the sanctuary turns green again. Recent years have started the rains later, so the first half is often still dry.
Crowds, capacity and holidays in November
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. High season ends on 2 November (1 November is a public holiday); from the 3rd the capacity drops to 4,500 and the month is quiet. In 2026 November had no Circuit 2 left as early as mid-October, so the low-season label does not mean last-minute tickets for every route.
Which ticket to book in November
- 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 November
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 November
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 November
Is November 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 November?
173 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 November?
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 November?
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 November?
Yes. The trail closes only in February. Permits for November 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 November 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.