Golden Hour at Machu Picchu
Cusco, Peru — Inca citadel set high in the Andes above the Urubamba River.
Golden hour at Machu Picchu varies from 31 minutes in the morning to 31 minutes in the evening during peak months (June, December, January). Sunrise ranges from 05:35 in January to 05:18 in December. Inca citadel set high in the Andes above the Urubamba River. This guide shows computed sunrise, sunset, and golden hour times for every month of the year, with compass bearings to help you plan your composition. Milky Way core visibility data is included for astrophotography planning. All times are calculated with a precision astronomical engine. Use Heliora to see terrain-adjusted times from any exact vantage point.
Monthly Sun Times & Golden Hour
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Gold AM | Gold PM | Sunrise ° | Sunset ° |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 05:35 | 18:24 | 30m | 30m | 112° ESE | 248° WSW |
| Feb | 05:48 | 18:19 | 29m | 29m | 103° ESE | 257° WSW |
| Mar | 05:53 | 18:04 | 28m | 28m | 92° E | 268° W |
| Apr | 05:56 | 17:44 | 29m | 29m | 80° E | 280° W |
| May | 06:01 | 17:31 | 30m | 30m | 71° ENE | 289° WNW |
| Jun | 06:10 | 17:31 | 31m | 31m | 66° ENE | 294° WNW |
| Jul | 06:13 | 17:38 | 30m | 30m | 68° ENE | 292° WNW |
| Aug | 06:04 | 17:44 | 29m | 29m | 76° ENE | 284° WNW |
| Sep | 05:44 | 17:46 | 28m | 28m | 87° E | 273° W |
| Oct | 05:24 | 17:47 | 28m | 28m | 99° E | 261° W |
| Nov | 05:13 | 17:56 | 30m | 30m | 109° ESE | 251° WSW |
| Dec | 05:18 | 18:12 | 31m | 31m | 114° ESE | 246° WSW |
Best months for golden hour: June, December, January. Times shown for the 15th of each month.
See the sun's path with real terrain horizon for any date
Milky Way Visibility at Machu Picchu
Hours of Milky Way core visibility per month (galactic center above horizon during astronomical darkness). Peak: June
| Month | Dark Sky Hours with MW Core |
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| Jan | |
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| Jun | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
- When is golden hour at Machu Picchu?
- Golden hour at Machu Picchu varies by season. The longest golden hour sessions are in June, December, January. Morning golden hour lasts 31m and evening 31m during the peak month.
- What time is sunrise at Machu Picchu?
- Sunrise ranges from 05:35 in January to 05:18 in December.
- What direction does the sun rise and set at Machu Picchu?
- Sunrise bearing shifts from 114° ESE in winter to 66° ENE in summer. Sunset shifts from 246° WSW to 294° WNW.
- What is the best time of year to photograph Machu Picchu?
- For golden hour photography, the best months are June, December, January when golden hour is longest. For Milky Way photography, the best months are June, July, August.
- What time should I arrive to photograph sunrise at Machu Picchu?
- Arrive 30-45 minutes before sunrise to catch blue hour and set up. In January, that means arriving by 04:55. Use Heliora to check terrain-adjusted sunrise, as mountains may delay the actual moment the sun appears.
- Does the terrain affect sunrise or sunset times at Machu Picchu?
- Yes. Mountains, ridges, and buildings can delay sunrise or bring sunset earlier than flat-earth calculations show. Use Heliora to see the real terrain horizon from any exact viewpoint and get terrain-adjusted sun times.
- Can you see the Milky Way from Machu Picchu?
- Yes, the Milky Way core is visible from Machu Picchu during June, July, August. Best visibility requires clear skies and minimal light pollution. Use Heliora to check exact times for your visit date.
- Is Machu Picchu good for astrophotography?
- Machu Picchu has up to 7 hours of dark sky with the Milky Way core visible during peak months (June, July, August). Check local light pollution conditions and plan around the new moon for best results.
Nearby Locations
- Salar de Uyuni 944 km
- Atacama Desert 1288 km
- Iguazú Falls 2350 km
- Monte Fitz Roy 4015 km
- Torres del Paine 4236 km