1.- MACHU PICCHU’S CLIMATE OVERVIEW
The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is located in the high Peruvian Andes, to this day is considered one of the most incredible and unique tourist styles in the world being recognized for its extensive historical and cultural heritage that for generations even made it one of the wonders of the world, Among all the months of the year, August is one of the main and most popular when travelers decide to organize their trip even though it is the middle of the dry season, the Weather at Machu Picchu in August is characterized by being quite suitable for many activities in the surroundings and during the visit to Machu Picchu.
1.1.- Climatic factors
The Weather at Machu Picchu in August is always influenced by the geographical location in which the citadel is located, being on an eastern slope of the mountain range is located at 2430 m above sea level presenting mainly reliefs characterized by mountains but also thanks to the proximity to the jungle region can present a unique microclimate. This variation of altitudes and regions directly influences the climate that can be expected in Machu Picchu during the month of August. Due to this location it is also like that the thermal sensation can vary since in the Andean region it presents a temperate climate while in the jungle region it adds the aspect of humidity and eventual rains.
It is also important to mention that the climate of Machu Picchu is altered due to the orientation that have the mountains that not only surround the citadel but all of the extensive Urubamba valley, it is in this way that during the day you can get to feel a much warmer temperature while in areas where the shadow is more intense experience a very intense cold, the same thing happens in terms of the wind chill between day and night.
1.2.- Importance of August
Many do not know that August is one of the most important months in the climatic cycle that occurs in the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu each year because it is considered the highest peak of the dry season and during this month is like a power to witness a much more stable climate than usual in this way allows you to have an impressive visibility of the entire citadel and the natural environment that surrounds it, Thanks to the Weather at Machu Picchu in August you can appreciate clear and sunny days that are appropriate for tourist activities as well as experiences like the Inca Trail, Salkantay and other hiking options that allow tourists to reach the Inca city of Machu Picchu through the mountains become favorites because the roads are safe and do not present a risk to visitors. It is also appreciated that the surrounding vegetation becomes more manageable as the humidity drops.
3.- STABLE FORECAST
“One of the main advantages of the Weather at Machu Picchu in August is undoubtedly the low probability of rainfall, thanks to meteorological studies conducted in the area has been determined that during the August season there is less than 10% in a month that there is presence of rain so activities such as hiking and quiet tours inside the wonder of the world are more pleasant and safe.”
Another essential and important aspect of the Weather at Machu Picchu in August is that the entire region can present a lower presence in terms of clouds so that the landscapes are cleaner and clearer making the visit to Machu Picchu unforgettable. The counterpart of this is that during the nights you can see the starry and clear being completely different in the rainy season where most of the day you can see clouds covering the mountains. Of course like the rest of the damage there is also the possibility of unexpected rain but that is the least likely, this occurs essentially during the early hours of the morning so if you choose that time to visit the city of the Inca it is better to be prepared in case it happens.
4.- AUGUST WEATHER CONDITIONS IN DETAIL
Now we know that August is one of the most favorable months to visit the Inca city of Machu Picchu because the weather conditions are quite stable and pleasant for many of the activities that take place, it should also be noted that during this month the Inca city can experience certain characteristics that are particular to the dry season presenting sunny days, being clear and even moderate temperatures where the probability of rain is really low.
4.1.- Temperature variations
It is like to feel a variation in temperature during the month of August because the days can be quite pleasant where the temperature can vary from 20 ° C to 25 ° C in addition to having a mild climate which is ideal for walking activities both inside the city there as in two surroundings without feeling fatigue or excessive heat, of course you should always be careful with solar radiation which is quite high due to the altitude at which it is located in the citadel. On the other hand at night they come to represent a notorious challenge as the temperature can drop considerably and due to a lack of clouds during this time of year the heat that has accumulated is not maintained and dissipates easily causing night temperatures can reach 5 ° C or less depending on the dates. This added to the presence of winds is like that represents the challenge for visitors because despite having sunny days and quite candid must also know that the cold at night is remarkable.
This also occurs in other nearby places within the Andes region, the August Peru weather is quite pleasant during the day but at night it becomes icy, this is essentially occurs because the month of August has a great intensity in winds which causes the clouds dissipate easily, the clouds act as a natural insulator of the heat concentrated during the day and being absent causes the temperature can drop quickly and easily.
4.2.- Presence of humidity
Another of the essential characteristics that Machu Picchu has during the damage is the presence of humidity due to the proximity it has with the jungle region, however during the month of August this presence is moderated since it is directly affected by the dry season, The combination of pleasant temperature during the day and the little presence of rains causes that this little percentage of humidity does not represent an oppression for people as it happens during the rainy months where you can get to feel 60% or 70% humidity during the day so during the month of August the whole environment becomes really comfortable for travelers and do not get to have the feeling of embarrassment that is quite characteristic of some tropical regions of Peru and the world. On the other hand, during the night when the temperature drops, it is common that the humidity is not perceived in a fast way and in this way a sensation of freshness is achieved.
4.3.- Strength of the wind
During this month the presence of winds is constant and notorious throughout the region and depending on the hour can change between mild to very intense, however occasional gusts are felt mainly in the high mountains that are in the surroundings of the citadel. The speed at which the wind can be perceived varies between 10 km / h and 15 km / h because of this it is not expected that this is a factor that affects the visit of travelers arriving to the city of the Inca, of course during the early hours of the day or in the late afternoon due to the low temperature is common to feel that the wind is colder, it is for this reason that travelers who perform activities such as the Inca Trail or climb the mountain Huayna Picchu may come to feel that the wind has increased its intensity.
5.- HOW AUGUST WEATHER IMPACTS YOUR VISIT
The Weather at Machu Picchu in August is one of the most important factors that travelers should consider during their trip to the Inca city since this month as we have already known represents the highest peak within the dry season so it offers quite ideal weather conditions to enjoy the visit to the Inca city but also influences in a different way for those looking to experience trekking activities or looking for unique photography opportunities.
5.1.- Experiences for visitors
August is considered a month when the dry season is at its peak, representing sunny days, completely clear skies and pleasant temperatures throughout the day. For hiking enthusiasts this is undoubtedly the most popular time of the year when they seek to enjoy experiences that allow them to reach the city of the Inca and enjoy these experiences safely taking into consideration that the days can be sunny while the nights can turn icy and cold forcing visitors to constantly wear warm clothes. Thanks to the low rainfall, this season is also ideal to be able to walk the trails safely since there are no slippery areas and the risks of interruptions, landslides or temporary closures due to weather conditions are reduced.
Mainly during this season it is remarkable to see how most visitors opt to choose the four-day trail known as the Inca Trail that allows them to cross an extensive path through the mountains and forests knowing different microclimates until finally reaching the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu. Along the way you can appreciate diverse ecosystems, local fauna and of course a natural environment that surrounds everything. Throughout the month it is common to feel a fairly dry climate with sunny days so the hikes are less demanding and the same humidity is minimal because the rain is very low. It is also ideal because due to the dry season the density of vegetation is less which offers a much wider visibility of the entire Urubamba valley and the surrounding mountains, naturally being so ideal causes the availability is exhausted quickly so it is always recommended to book well in advance.
It is possible that when you make the decision there is no longer availability to access the Inca Trail is for this reason that alternative routes have been designed that allow visitors to also enjoy a spectacular hiking experience and finally reach the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu some of the versions are more demanding as they start at the base of a high as in the case of the Salkantay, others allow you to have a cultural immersion with Andean communities like the Lares Valley and finally some combine experiences with adventure making adrenaline the most important thing, like the Inca Jungle. All of these alternate routes can be enjoyed safely during the month of August without any problems.
5.2.- Photographic opportunities
Thanks to the weather conditions that occur during the month of August, photography-oriented activities and trips are ideal, but in Machu Picchu even more so since the skies are clear and there is a low presence of cloud cover, which allows you to capture very clear images of the citadel and also of the landscapes that can extend across the horizon, which offers a very unique contrast with natural landscapes that become a paradise for photography lovers. Essentially the recommended times for this activity are the early hours of the morning when as the hours pass and the fog that usually envelops Machu Picchu gradually dissipates creating a mystical atmosphere and becoming a unique shot. It also stands out and that by the intense sunlight that is notorious during the month of August lighting that can have the Inca citadel is greater, also thanks to the altitude produces a dramatic effect and warmer light which somehow better presents the buildings and architectural centers making it something magical in a photo.
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6.- FAQS ABOUT THE WEATHER AT MACHU PICCHU IN AUGUST
- Is August a good time to visit Machu Picchu?
Yes, for those seeking to enjoy a pleasant visit without complications due to the weather, August is undoubtedly the best time of the year to delight this experience.
- How crowded is Machu Picchu in August?
Considered as part of the high season, it represents a high level in the flow of visitors arriving to Machu Picchu.
- What are the average temperatures at Machu Picchu in August?
Throughout the day you can feel an average of 20 °C due to the weather conditions that occur during the month of August.
- Does it rain in Machu Picchu during August?
There is less than 10% probability during the whole month of August for the presence of rain so it is an opportune month for activities such as trekking.
- Do I need to pack rain gear for Machu Picchu in August?
It is not necessary to bring warm clothing as the nights can be difficult due to the low temperatures.
You already have the important information about the weather in Machu Picchu during the month of August, it is time to start planning your trip now as availability may run out at any time. Fortunately Auri Peru designs experiences in a personalized way and we can create with you a unique adventure that you will remember for a lifetime, just contact us now to take the first step.
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