Salkantay Trek Weather

Things to know

If you’re planning to trek the Salkantay Trail in Peru, it’s important to know what to expect weather-wise during each month of the year. The Salkantay Trek is a popular alternative to the Inca Trail and takes you through a diverse range of landscapes, including high-altitude passes, remote Andean villages, and lush tropical forests.

Best time to do Salkantay trek

The best time to embark on the Salkantay Trek is during the dry season, which typically runs from April through October. During these months, the weather is generally clearer and drier, providing better conditions for hiking and clearer views of the spectacular scenery.

May to September is considered the peak season for the Salkantay Trek, with July and August being the busiest months. These months offer the most stable weather conditions, but also attract the most trekkers.

Salkantay Weather by Mounth

April

April marks the start of the dry season in the Andes, making it a popular time to trek the Salkantay Trail. You can expect mostly clear skies, warm days, and cool nights with temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) during the day to 0°C (32°F) at night. There may be occasional rainfall towards the end of the month, so it’s important to bring rain gear. Salkantay Trek in April.

May

May is one of the best months to trek the Salkantay Trail as the weather is still dry and the crowds are smaller than during peak season. However, temperatures can drop significantly, especially at higher elevations, with daytime temperatures ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 20°C (68°F) and nighttime temperatures below freezing. Salkantay Trek in May.

June – July

June and July are peak months for trekking the Salkantay Trail, with the driest and most stable weather conditions. Days are sunny and warm, with temperatures ranging from 18°C (64°F) to 23°C (73°F) and nighttime temperatures around freezing. However, be prepared for the crowds as this is the most popular time of year to visit.

• Salkantay Trek in June
• Salkantay Trek in July

August

August is still a popular month for trekking the Salkantay Trail, with dry weather and slightly cooler temperatures than in June and July. Daytime temperatures range from 15°C (59°F) to 20°C (68°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing. more information for Salkantay Trek in August

September

September marks the end of the dry season and the start of the rainy season in the Andes. Days are still mostly sunny, but rainfall can be expected towards the end of the month. Temperatures during the day range from 15°C (59°F) to 20°C (68°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing. more information about  Salkantay Trek in September

October – November

October and November are characterized by wetter weather conditions, with occasional rain and snow. Daytime temperatures range from 12°C (54°F) to 18°C (64°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing. However, these months can still be a good time to trek as the crowds are smaller than during peak season.

• Salkantay weather in October
• Salkantay weather in November

December – March

December to March is the wettest and coldest time of year to trek the Salkantay Trail. Heavy rain and snow can be expected, especially at higher elevations, making the trail more challenging and potentially dangerous. Daytime temperatures range from 10°C (50°F) to 15°C (59°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing.

In conclusion, the best time to trek the Salkantay Trail is during the dry season from April to September. However, be prepared for varying weather conditions and bring appropriate clothing and gear to ensure a safe and enjoyable trekking experience.

• Salkantay weather in December
• Salkantay weather in January
• Salkantay weather in February
• Salkantay weather March

Salkantay Trek Weather forecast

As an AI language model, I do not have real-time access to weather forecasts. However, there are several online resources that can provide you with the most up-to-date weather information for the Salkantay Trek. Some useful websites include:

• Accuweather.com: AccuWeather provides daily and hourly weather forecasts for Machu Picchu, which is near the start of the Salkantay Trek. You can also check the 15-day weather forecast to help plan your trekking schedule.
• Weather.com: Weather.com provides detailed weather forecasts for Cusco, which is the nearest major city to the Salkantay Trail. You can also check the weather forecast for Mollepata, which is the starting point for many Salkantay Trek itineraries.

It’s important to check the weather forecast before embarking on the Salkantay Trek and to prepare for a range of weather conditions. The weather in the Andes can be unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to bring appropriate clothing and gear for both warm and cold weather, as well as rain and snow. Additionally, it’s recommended to consult with a reputable trekking company for advice on the best time to trek based on current weather conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How cold is the Salkantay Trek?

In general, the Salkantay Trek passes through diverse ecosystems and altitudes ranging from around 1,900 meters (6,200 feet) to over 4,600 meters (15,100 feet) above sea level. As you ascend to higher altitudes, the temperature tends to drop.

During the day, temperatures can range from mild to warm, especially at lower elevations. You might experience temperatures between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) during the daytime in areas like Mollepata or Soraypampa.

However, as you reach higher altitudes and during the nights, temperatures can significantly drop. At campsites located around 3,800 meters (12,500 feet) or above, the nighttime temperatures can dip below freezing, with temperatures ranging from -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F) or even colder.

It’s important to note that these are approximate temperature ranges, and weather conditions can vary. It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast for the specific time of your trek and pack appropriate clothing to stay warm, especially during the nights and at higher elevations.

How cold is it in the Salkantay Pass?

The temperature in the Salkantay Pass, a key section of the Salkantay Trek, can be quite cold, especially at night. During the day, the weather can be sunny, but the temperature typically falls below 0°C (32°F) at night, particularly during the peak trekking months of June to September​​. The specific temperature in the Salkantay Pass area can vary significantly due to its high altitude and the diverse ecozones it traverses.

For instance, on one specific forecast, the temperatures were predicted to be below freezing, with a maximum of 23°F (-5°C) in the afternoon and a minimum of 18°F (-8°C) at night​​. Moreover, it’s noted that the climate in Salkantay Pass can reach as low as -10°C (14°F), especially at night​​. In the highland areas of the trek, daytime temperatures may reach up to 68°F (20°C), but at night, temperatures can drop significantly, ranging from 14 to 23°F (-10 to -5°C)​​.

What months can you trek Salkantay?

The best months for trekking the Salkantay Trail are typically from April to October, which corresponds to the dry season in the region. During these months, you can expect more stable weather conditions with less rainfall and clearer skies.