Weather in Cusco, Colombia in December
Weather in Cusco in December
December in Cusco is a trade-off. The rainy season is underway, cloudy skies are routine by afternoon, and rain showers interrupt most days. But the city of Cusco is far quieter than peak season, the Andes are lush and green, and the festive energy around Christmas and New Year is genuine.
Visiting Cusco in December works well if you’re flexible. It’s the start of the rainy season — not the worst weather in Cusco, but not the most predictable either. Weather can be unpredictable in the mountains, and this month is no exception. For help planning where to sleep before you arrive, see this guide to where to stay in Cusco.
Quick Cusco Weather Snapshot: December
- Average high: 20–21°C (68–70°F)
- Average low: 6–8°C (43–46°F)
- Rainfall level: Moderate to heavy (~123mm over ~16 days)
- Humidity: ~59–65%
- Season: Wet season (start)
- Crowd level: Low to moderate (rises sharply around Christmas and New Year)
- Overall comfort rating: 6/10 — manageable with the right gear, but not ideal for trekking
What December in Cusco Feels Like
December marks the start of the rainy season in Cusco. Mornings often bring sunny days with clear skies and direct Andean sun. By early afternoon, clouds build quickly. Most rain falls between noon and early evening — brief, intense showers rather than all-day drizzle. Understanding average temperatures in Cusco by month is crucial for planning a visit. The temperatures can vary significantly, with warmer days in November and December, while the cooler months typically range from June to August. Visitors should prepare for fluctuations, especially during the transition between wet and dry seasons. April weather conditions in Cusco can also be unpredictable, with sunny mornings sometimes giving way to sudden afternoon downpours. Tourists should come equipped with layers and rain gear to adapt to the changing climate throughout the day. This time of year makes for vibrant scenery, as the surrounding hills become lush and alive with blooming flora.
Evenings clear fairly often, making the Plaza de Armas and San Blas walkable after dinner. Cobblestones become muddy and slippery when wet, so footwear matters. Sightseeing is still very doable — you just need to plan around the afternoon window.
The weather throughout December follows this pattern consistently. Unlike previous months such as October and November — when the wet season begins gradually — December is solidly in the wet season, with rain arriving more frequently and heavily as the month progresses.
Temperatures in December in Cusco
Average daily highs sit around 20–21°C (68–70°F), which feels mild to warm in the sun. High in the Andes at 3,400 metres, UV exposure is intense — even overcast skies don’t block radiation at altitude. The low temperature at night drops sharply to 6–8°C (43–46°F), and wind adds to the chill.
Temperature changes between midday and midnight can span 12–15 degrees. Pack layers you can strip off by 10am and add back by sunset. December is slightly cooler than November but warmer than the deeper wet-season months ahead.
Rainfall in Cusco in December
Expect rain throughout December on roughly 15–16 days, totalling around 120–123mm. Showers are typically short and intense — a 30–45 minute downpour in the afternoon is more common than grey, sustained bad weather. The second half of the month is wetter than the first.
Rain rarely cancels plans entirely, but it can delay outdoor excursions and leave trails along the Inca Trail and day hikes around Cusco muddy and slippery. A waterproof jacket or packable poncho is non-negotiable — umbrellas are awkward on cobblestones.
Humidity in Cusco in December
Average humidity runs around 59–65% — higher than the Cusco dry season but not oppressive. The season in the Andes feels different from coastal humidity. The air is thinner, so dampness doesn’t carry the same sticky weight you’d feel in Lima.
That said, cold evenings combined with damp air can feel raw. People sensitive to cold and wet conditions may find December tiring after a few days.
Is December a Good Time to Visit Cusco?
December is low season in Cusco — until the final week. The month starts quietly with fewer crowds than the popular time of year from May to September, making it an appealing time to explore Cusco and the Sacred Valley without the peak-season crush. Accommodation is easier to find and prices are lower.
Then Christmas and New Year arrive. From December 24 onward, both domestic Peruvian travellers and international visitors fill the city. Hotels in the historic centre book out and prices spike. The first three weeks offer an uncrowded, affordable trip to Cusco. The final week is busy — book well in advance if you’re arriving for the festivities.
Peru in December: Context Beyond Cusco
Weather throughout Peru in December varies significantly by region. Lima is overcast and grey but dry — a sharp contrast to the wet conditions inland. The Amazon basin is fully in its wet season. Cusco and the Sacred Valley experience moderate to heavy rain.
This context matters if you’re planning a broader Peru itinerary. A few days in Lima before flying to Cusco is a common buffer that also helps with acclimatisation logistics.
Best Places to Visit and Things to Do Around Cusco in December
- Explore the historic centre — Plaza de Armas, Qorikancha, and the Cathedral are best in the morning before rain arrives
- Visit Sacsayhuamán — the Inca fortress above the city is quiet in December; bring a waterproof jacket
- Day trip to Cusco and the Sacred Valley — Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero sit at lower altitudes with often better afternoons
- Visit Machu Picchu — crowds are thin; trails may be wet but the site is dramatic in mist; book tickets early (Peru’s official tourism site)
- Walk the Inca Trail — the classic route requires advance permits year-round; December hikers face muddy conditions along the trails but far fewer people
- Browse Santurantikuy (December 21–24) — one of South America’s oldest artisan markets, a genuine festivity held in the Plaza de Armas
- Eat at a traditional restaurant — rainy afternoons are ideal for cuy, chicharrón, and chupe de camarones
- Acclimatise first — a slow morning walk with coca leaf tea is the sensible first activity in any month in Cusco
Events & Festivities in December
- Feast of the Virgen de la Inmaculada Concepción (December 8) — processions, traditional music, and street food in the Plaza de Armas; a significant religious festivity for the city
- Santurantikuy Artisan Market (December 21–24) — centuries-old fair selling nativity figures, ceramics, and textiles; one of the most authentic cultural festivities in the region
- Christmas Eve, December 24 — midnight mass at Cusco Cathedral, street celebrations, and traditional Andean food; the square is lively and crowded
- New Year’s Eve (December 31) — fireworks, burning of effigies representing the old year, and Andean ceremonies for good fortune
What to Pack for Cusco in December
Clothing:
- Lightweight base layers
- Mid-layer fleece or wool sweater
- Waterproof jacket (essential — not optional)
- Long trousers (jeans dry slowly when wet — avoid)
- Warm layer for cold evenings
Footwear:
- Waterproof walking shoes or hiking boots with good grip
- Avoid sandals or canvas sneakers — trails and streets get muddy and slippery
Day pack essentials:
- A day pack with a rain cover for day hikes and excursions
- Sun protection: SPF 50+, sunglasses, wide-brim hat — UV index regularly hits 12+ high in the Andes
- Packable poncho as backup
Other:
- Altitude medication (consult your doctor — see CDC guidance on altitude illness)
- Rehydration salts
- Portable phone charger
Plan Your Trip to Cusco: Seasonal Travel Tips for December
- Go early. Weather changes fast. Schedule outdoor ruins and day hikes for 7am–11am before rain arrives.
- The Inca Trail books out regardless of season. December permits are easier to get than peak months, but book at least 2–3 months ahead.
- Stone streets get slick. Cusco’s cobblestones need footwear with good grip — especially on San Blas slopes.
- Coca leaf tea helps. Widely available in hotels and cafés, it genuinely supports altitude adjustment.
- Book holiday accommodation early. The last 10 days of December are the only time Cusco fills up during the Cusco rainy season.
- Layers outperform bulk. A base layer, mid-layer, and waterproof jacket is more practical than one heavy coat.
- Book Machu Picchu in advance. Entry is capacity-controlled year-round. Use the official Machu Picchu ticketing portal.
Weather Hazards in Cusco in December
Altitude sickness (soroche) is the primary risk. Cusco sits at 3,400 metres. Symptoms — headaches, fatigue, nausea — appear within 6–24 hours of arrival. Rest on day one, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and delay strenuous activity for 48 hours. This applies whether you arrive from Lima or anywhere else in Peru.
Muddy and slippery trails around Cusco and along the Inca Trail are a real hazard throughout December. Boots with good grip are essential along the trails.
Flash flooding can affect roads in the Sacred Valley during heavy rain. Delays are uncommon in December but increase later in the wet season.
UV radiation is extreme at altitude — cloud cover doesn’t protect you. Apply sun protection daily.
Cold nights catch travellers off guard. The gap between a warm afternoon and a 6°C night is significant. Don’t underestimate it.
Key Takeaways
- December is the start of the rainy season in Cusco — expect rain on roughly half the days, mostly in the afternoon
- Mornings are generally clear with sunny days; weather can be unpredictable by noon
- Average daily temperatures are pleasant (20–21°C), but the low temperature at night drops sharply to 6–8°C
- Fewer crowds than peak season (May to September) for most of the month — except the final week around Christmas and New Year
- The Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, and Cusco and the Sacred Valley are all accessible, but prepare for muddy conditions
- Altitude sickness is the top health risk — plan for at least one rest day on arrival
- December works best for budget travellers, those wanting fewer crowds, and visitors with flexible plans
FAQs
Is December a good time to visit Cusco?
It depends on your tolerance for rain. December in Cusco offers lower prices, fewer crowds, and lush landscapes. The trade-off is afternoon rain on roughly half the month. If you can plan around the weather, it’s a practical and underrated time to visit.
What is the average temperature in Cusco in December?
The average temperature in December ranges from a daytime high of 20–21°C (68–70°F) to a low temperature of around 6–8°C (43–46°F) at night. Temperature changes between afternoon and evening can reach 12–15 degrees, so layers are essential.
Is December the best time to visit Cusco?
Not if predictable weather is a priority — the best time to visit Cusco for dry conditions is May to September, during the Cusco dry season. But December is a good choice for fewer crowds, lower prices, and an authentic festivity calendar including Santurantikuy and Christmas celebrations.
Can I walk the Inca Trail in December?
Yes, but trails are muddy and slippery throughout December. The Inca Trail remains open, though conditions are harder than the dry season. Permits are easier to secure than in peak months. Waterproof gear and boots with good grip are essential along the trails.
How does Cusco weather compare to Lima in December?
Lima in December is grey and overcast but largely dry — the coastal mist keeps temperatures mild with little rain. Cusco weather in December is warmer during the day but significantly colder at night, with much more rainfall. They’re two very different climates within Peru in December.
