+51 953 086 836 |

| Blog | English Language Option en Dropdown Arrow Icon
Weather Guide

Salkantay Trek Weather

Month-by-month climate guide for the Salkantay Trek. The route crosses 3 climate zones — from icy glacier pass to tropical jungle — in just 5 days.

4,638 mSalkantay Pass
−15 °CMin Night Temp
28 °CMax Day (Jungle)
Year-roundOpen
Salkantay Trek Weather
Key fact: The Salkantay Trek crosses three completely different climate zones — high alpine glacier (4,638 m), cloud forest (2,800–3,500 m), and subtropical jungle (1,500–2,000 m). You can experience all four seasons in a single day. Unlike the Inca Trail, it never closes.

Month-by-Month Weather

JanuaryRainy
🌨️
10 °CPass Day
−10 °CPass Night
Very HighRain/Snow
Precipitation~200 mm

Heavy snow at pass possible. Jungle sections very lush. Challenging but doable with proper gear. Fewer hikers.

FebruaryRainy
🌨️
9 °CPass Day
−12 °CPass Night
Very HighRain/Snow
Precipitation~220 mm

Wettest month. Heavy snow at pass. Inca Trail is closed but Salkantay remains open — great alternative. Expert gear required.

MarchRainy
🌦️
11 °CPass Day
−8 °CPass Night
HighRain/Snow
Precipitation~170 mm

Rain easing by end of March. Glacier at its most dramatic. Jungle in full bloom. Good availability and prices.

AprilShoulder
12 °CPass Day
−5 °CPass Night
ModerateRain
Precipitation~90 mm

Transitioning to dry season. Clear mornings, some afternoon showers. Wildflowers blooming. Excellent choice.

May✓ Dry
☀️
13 °CPass Day
−5 °CPass Night
LowRain
Precipitation~45 mm

Start of best season. Clear glacier views. Cold nights at pass. Growing demand — book in advance.

June✓ Dry
☀️
12 °CPass Day
−8 °CPass Night
Very LowRain
Precipitation~25 mm

Peak season. Spectacular glacier views. Very cold nights — best sleeping bag essential. Clear skies most days.

July✓ Dry
☀️
12 °CPass Day
−10 °CPass Night
Very LowRain
Precipitation~18 mm

Driest month. Coldest nights of the year at the pass. Crystal clear Salkantay glacier views. Busiest period.

August✓ Dry
🌤️
13 °CPass Day
−8 °CPass Night
LowRain
Precipitation~25 mm

Excellent conditions continue. Slight warming vs July. Wind can pick up near the pass. Still peak season.

September✓ Dry
🌤️
13 °CPass Day
−6 °CPass Night
LowRain
Precipitation~38 mm

End of peak season. Slightly fewer hikers with equally superb conditions. Highly recommended.

OctoberShoulder
12 °CPass Day
−5 °CPass Night
ModerateRain
Precipitation~70 mm

First rains returning. Jungle turns green. Still good mornings at the pass. Great value.

NovemberRainy
🌦️
11 °CPass Day
−7 °CPass Night
ModerateRain
Precipitation~105 mm

Rains increasing. Lush jungle. Fewer trekkers. Good value. Waterproof gear essential.

DecemberRainy
🌧️
10 °CPass Day
−9 °CPass Night
HighRain/Snow
Precipitation~155 mm

Rainy season begins. Snow possible at pass. Spectacular glacier atmosphere. For experienced trekkers.

Temperature by Climate Zone

Remember: Unlike the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek descends from 4,638 m to 1,500 m — a drop of over 3,000 m in just 3 days. You'll go from Arctic-like conditions at the pass to tropical heat in the jungle. Pack for both extremes.
Zone / Camp Altitude Day Temp (Dry) Night Temp (Dry) Night Temp (Rainy)
Soraypampa Camp (Night 1)3,900 m12–15 °C−3–0 °C0–3 °C
Salkantay Pass (Day 2 summit)4,638 m5–10 °C−15–−8 °C−10–−5 °C
Chaullay Camp (Night 2)2,900 m18–22 °C8–12 °C10–14 °C
La Playa / Colpapampa (Night 3)2,050 m22–26 °C12–16 °C14–18 °C
Lucmabamba / Llactapata (Day 4)1,800 m24–28 °C14–17 °C16–19 °C
Aguas Calientes (Night 4)2,040 m22–25 °C12–15 °C14–17 °C
Machu Picchu (Day 5 arrival)2,430 m20–24 °C
Rainy Season Trekkers: The Salkantay Trek is possible year-round but rainy season brings real risks near the pass — possible snowfall, icy paths, and reduced visibility. Always go with an experienced guide and ensure your sleeping bag is rated to at least −10°C in the wet season.

Ready to start packing?

Now that you know the weather, check our complete gear list for every season.

Certifications and Credentials

AATC member travel agency in Cusco Peru
Registered travel agency in Cusco Peru
GERCETUR authorized tour operator in Cusco
Municipality of Cusco licensed travel agency
ESNNA commitment safe tourism Peru
Peru tourism official brand
Footer Machu Picchu Explorators - Travel Agency in Cusco Peru