Weather in Cusco, Peru by Month
Weather in Cusco, Peru by Month
Cusco, the ancient capital of Peru, sits at 3,400 meters (11,150 feet) in the Andes — and the altitude defines everything. The average temperature in Cusco varies less than you’d expect across the entire year, but the swing between daytime highs and cold nights is dramatic in every season. Days can feel warm and sunny while nights drop close to 0 °C (32°F).
Understanding the weather in Cusco before you go is one of the most practical things you can do. The climate in Cusco splits cleanly into two seasons: a rainy season running roughly November to March, and a cusco dry season from May to October. This monthly weather forecast for Cusco will help you plan your trip to Cusco with confidence — whether you’re a first-timer, a family, or a solo traveler. Once you’ve settled on timing, see our full guide on where to stay in Cusco.
Average Weather in Cusco: Monthly Snapshot
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Avg Rainfall | Season | Crowds | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 20°C / 68°F | 8°C / 46°F | 145mm | Wet | Moderate | Low |
| February | 20°C / 68°F | 8°C / 46°F | 135mm | Wet | Low | Low |
| March | 20°C / 68°F | 8°C / 46°F | 107mm | Late Wet | Low | Low–Moderate |
| April | 21°C / 70°F | 7°C / 45°F | 46mm | Shoulder | Low–Mod | Good |
| May | 21°C / 70°F | 5°C / 41°F | 15mm | Dry | Moderate | Very Good |
| June | 21°C / 70°F | 4°C / 39°F | 3mm | Dry | High | Very Good |
| July | 21°C / 70°F | 0–2°C / 32–36°F | 4mm | Dry | Peak | Good–Cold |
| August | 21°C / 70°F | 2°C / 36°F | 4mm | Dry | High | Good |
| September | 21°C / 70°F | 5°C / 41°F | 22mm | Shoulder | Moderate | Good |
| October | 20°C / 68°F | 6°C / 43°F | 43mm | Shoulder | Moderate | Good |
| November | 21°C / 70°F | 7°C / 45°F | 57mm | Early Wet | Low–Mod | Moderate |
| December | 21°C / 70°F | 8°C / 46°F | 120mm | Wet | Mod–High | Low–Mod |
Data compiled from Weather Atlas, Climates to Travel, and Climate-Data.org
Cusco Weather: What the Climate Is Actually Like
Cusco experiences a pleasant climate by altitude standards — daytime highs hover around 20–21°C (68–70°F) nearly year-round. The high temperature never really climbs, and minimum temperatures stay cold every single month.
The average daily sunshine hours tell part of the story. The cusco dry season (May to October) delivers 7–9 hours of sunshine per day. The sky is clear most mornings, UV is intense, and precipitation is near zero. The cusco rainy season flips that picture: sun hours drop, clouds build by midday, and afternoon rain showers become routine.
What makes peru weather in Cusco unusual is the night-to-day temperature gap. A 20°C (68°F) afternoon can fall to 3°C (37°F) by midnight. Layering isn’t optional — it’s essential regardless of when you go.
Cusco Weather by Month
Cusco in January
January is the rainiest month — the peak of the rainy season in Cusco. Precipitation reaches around 145mm across roughly 18 wet days, making it the wettest and most disruptive month of the year. The average high temperature is 20°C (68°F) and the average low temperature stays around 8°C (46°F).
Mornings often start clear, giving a short sightseeing window before rain showers roll in by midday. The Inca Trail is closed in February, which affects late January planning too.
Best for: Budget travelers and those happy with lush, green scenery. Avoid if trekking is a priority.
February
February is the quietest and cheapest month to go to Cusco. The Inca Trail closes entirely for maintenance. Precipitation averages 135mm with frequent heavy afternoon storms.
Average high: 20°C / 68°F. Average low: 8°C / 46°F. The coldest month of the year it is not — but it is the dampest.
Best for: Low-budget travelers visiting Machu Picchu by train. Avoid for trekking.
March
March marks the beginning of the transition out of the wet season. Average rainfall drops to around 107mm — still significant, but mornings clear more reliably. Temperatures mirror January and February: highs 20°C (68°F), lows 8°C (46°F).
The Inca Trail reopens after the February closure, making early March a reasonable budget window for hikers.
Best for: Shoulder-season travelers who want green scenery and improving odds. Not reliable if you need clear days.
April and May: The Shoulder Sweet Spot
April is one of Cusco’s most underrated months. Average rainfall drops sharply to around 46mm. Skies clear noticeably, daytime average high reaches 21°C (70°F), and the landscape is still lush from the wet season. This is the beginning of the dry season in terms of feel, even if May to October is the technical window. Crowds are low, prices are favorable.
May locks in the cusco dry season properly. Average daily precipitation falls to just 15mm. Daily sunshine hours climb to 8–9. The accurate monthly weather forecast for this window is the most reliable of the year — clear, cool, and dry. Lows dip to 5°C / 41°F, so evenings are cold.
Best for: Almost everyone. Families, couples, solo travelers, hikers. April and May offer the best balance of weather, value, and access across the entire year.
June and July: Peak Season
June is Cusco’s most culturally significant month. The sky is clear, precipitation is virtually zero (around 3mm average), and daily sunshine hours peak. Lows drop to 3–4°C (37–39°F). Inti Raymi on June 24th draws enormous crowds — book accommodation 3+ months ahead.
July is the coldest month of the year in Cusco and also the busiest. The average low temperature can fall to 0–2°C (32–36°F). Frost is possible at higher elevations. Average high stays at 21°C / 70°F with strong, direct UV exposure. June and July together represent the most reliable and most crowded stretch of the entire dry season.
Best for: Festival travelers (June), hikers wanting guaranteed dry conditions (both). Budget travelers should look elsewhere — peak pricing applies.
August and September
August mirrors July’s weather: minimal precipitation (around 4mm), cold nights around 2°C / 36°F, and strong sunshine hours. Crowds are still high but begin easing in the second half of the month.
September is a strong shoulder month. Average rainfall increases slightly to around 22mm as the dry season begins to wind down, but conditions remain largely clear. Average low temperature climbs back to 5°C / 41°F. Good availability and pricing with good-to-excellent weather. May to september is often cited as the core trekking window — September sits right at its edge.
Best for: Travelers who want dry-season conditions without peak-season pricing or crowds.
October and November
October is a transition month. Average rainfall rises to around 43mm — light showers return, but mornings stay clear. Average temperature in Cusco holds steady: highs 20°C (68°F), lows 6°C (43°F). Good value, manageable weather.
November marks the start of the rainy season in cusco. Precipitation averages 57mm with afternoon showers becoming regular. November to March is the full wet-season span. The sky is less predictable and trekking starts to require flexibility.
Best for: Budget and flexible travelers. October is better than November for weather reliability.
December
December brings the wet season back in force alongside holiday crowds. Average rainfall hits around 120mm. Weather changes daily — a pleasant morning can give way to heavy rain by early afternoon. Lows around 8°C / 46°F make nights warmer than July, but dampness makes the cold feel sharper.
Events: Santuranticuy market (December 24) fills Cusco’s Plaza de Armas with handcrafted artisan goods.
Best for: Holiday travelers who accept rain. Not suitable for trekking-focused trips.
Plan Your Trip to Cusco: Best Time to Visit
- Best overall weather: May, June (early), August, September
- Best for festivals: Mid–late June (Inti Raymi)
- Best value: April, September, October
- Best for budget: February–March (expect heavy rain and closed Inca Trail)
- Avoid for outdoor plans: January, February, December
Things to Do in Cusco by Season
Dry season (May to October)
- Trek the Inca Trail (book 3–6 months ahead)
- Hike Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and Humantay Lake
- Explore the Sacred Valley: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray
- Visit Sacsayhuamán, Qorikancha, and the historic city center
- Attend Inti Raymi (June 24)
Rainy season (November to March)
- Visit Machu Picchu by train — smaller crowds, lush green scenery
- San Pedro Market, Cusco’s museums, and covered mercados
- Photography: dramatic clouds and vivid green landscapes
- Cooking classes, food tours, and indoor cultural experiences
Weather Hazards in Cusco
Altitude sickness: The biggest year-round risk. At 3,400m, headaches, fatigue, and nausea are common in the first 24–48 hours. Acclimatize before trekking. See the CDC altitude illness guide before you travel.
0 °C nights in July–August: Minimum temperatures reach or breach freezing. Hypothermia risk is real on high-altitude treks without proper gear.
UV radiation: Extreme throughout the entire year. Sunscreen is essential even on cloudy days.
Flooding and landslides: Heaviest risk from January through March along the Urubamba River valley. The Inca Trail closes in February for this reason.
Flash storms: Transitional months (October–November, March–April) bring fast-moving storms with little warning. Always carry a waterproof jacket.
What to Pack for Cusco
Dry season (May–October)
- Lightweight layers for warm afternoons
- Fleece or down jacket — cold nights demand it
- Hat and gloves for June and July
- High-SPF sunscreen and UV-rated sunglasses
- Lip balm (dry air causes cracking fast)
- Waterproof hiking boots for trekking routes
Rainy season (November–April)
- Waterproof jacket — a rain poncho alone isn’t enough
- Quick-dry clothing layers
- Waterproof boot covers or sealed hiking boots
- Dry bags for electronics
- High-SPF sunscreen (UV persists through cloud cover)
Key Takeaways
- Cusco weather splits into two seasons: dry (May to October) and wet (November to March). Most travelers prefer the dry season.
- The warmest month of the year in terms of comfort is May or early June — dry, sunny, and not yet at peak crowds.
- July is the coldest month, with average low temperatures near 0 °C (32°F) and the largest tourist numbers.
- April and September are the best value months: solid weather, lower prices, fewer crowds.
- The Inca Trail closes every February — book dry-season permits 3–6 months in advance.
- Altitude sickness affects visitors year-round. Build in 1–2 acclimatization days.
- UV radiation is intense throughout the entire year. Sunscreen is non-negotiable.
FAQs: Monthly Weather Forecast for Cusco
What is the best month to visit Cusco for good weather?
May and early June offer the most reliable weather in Cusco — dry skies, strong sunshine, and manageable crowds. July and August are drier but colder at night, with the heaviest tourist traffic of the year.
Does it rain every day during the rainy season in Cusco?
Not every day, but heavy afternoon rain showers are the norm from December through March, with January being the rainiest. Mornings usually start clear — plan outdoor activities before midday.
Is Cusco cold in July?
Yes. July is the coldest month of the year. Daytime highs reach around 21°C / 70°F with strong sun, but the average low drops to 0–2°C (32–36°F). Frost is possible at altitude. Pack gloves, a warm hat, and a proper down layer.
When is Inti Raymi and how does it affect travel?
Inti Raymi falls on June 24th every year. It’s Cusco’s largest annual festival and drives peak tourism throughout June. Book hotels and event access at least 2–3 months in advance. Peru’s official tourism board has current event details.
Can I visit Machu Picchu during the rainy season?
Yes — Machu Picchu is open year-round and reachable by train from Cusco in any month. The Inca Trail itself closes in February. Outside that window, the site is accessible but wetter and muddier. Book entry via the official Machu Picchu ticket portal as timed slots sell out quickly.
