What is the weather like in Cusco?
Cusco, Peru’s historic capital, has a dry and temperate Andean climate during the day, but cold at night. The city is the heart of tourism in the region, where visitors usually acclimatize before leaving for other destinations at a higher altitude of 3,400 meters above sea level, has a temperate-cold climate with two distinct seasons:
- Dry season: April to October – Sunny days (15-20°C) and cold nights (0-5°C).
- Rainy season: November to March – Frequent rains (5-18°C)
Expert advice
The best time to visit Cusco is from May to September, when there is less rain and the skies are clearer to enjoy the landscapes.
Weather in Cusco month by month
January
12°C
/ 4°C 🌧️
Rains: Intense (15 days)
Inca Trail closed
Mandatory raincoat, trekking boots, raincoat and boots. Intense (15 days)
February
12°C
/ 4°C🌧️
Rainfall: Peak (18 days)
Carnivals with water
Best to visit Sacred Valley
March
14°C
/ 5°C🌦️
Rains: 10 days
Busy Easter week
Clear mornings, rainy afternoons
April
16°C
/ 5°C⛅
Rains: 5 days
Festival of the Lord of the Tremors
Excellent for trekking
May
17°C
/ 3°C☀️
Rains: 2 days
Feast of the Crosses
Ideal for hiking
June
17°C
/ 0°C☀️
Rains: 1 day
Inti Raymi (June 24)
Reserve in advance
July
17°C
/ -1°C☀️
Rainfall: 0 days
Better visibility
Extreme night shelter
August
18°C
/ 0°C☀️
Rains: 1 day
Pachamama Festival
Strong winds at high altitudes
September
18°C
/ 2°C☀️
Rains: 4 days
Spring Festival
Last month ideal for trekking
October
17°C
/ 5°C🌦️
Rainfall: 8 days
Climatic transition
Good month to avoid crowds
November
15°C
/ 5°C🌧️
Rainfall: 12 days
Greener landscapes
Light raincoat
December
13°C
/ 4°C🌧️
Rainfall: 15 days
Andean Christmas
Festive markets, fewer tourists
Weather in Cusco’s main attractions
Machu Picchu
2,430 masl – Subtropical climate
🌞 12-25°C
💧 80% average humidity
Morning mist in rains (Nov-Mar). Dry season (May-Oct) with clear skies but more crowded.
Laguna Humantay
4,200 masl – Cold Andean climate
❄️ 0-12°C
💨 Winds after noon.
Best to visit early. Dry season (May-Oct) for crystal clear waters. Rains Dec-Mar can make trekking difficult.
Montaña de Colores (Vinicunca)
5,200 masl – Cold climate extreme
🌬️ -5 a 10°C
❄️ Lower thermal sensation
More vibrant colors in dry season (May-Sept). In the rainy season (Dec-Mar) it may snow. Always wear warm clothes.
Curiosities about the weather in Cusco
Sunny season
In June, during Inti Raymi, Cusco experiences its sunniest and clearest days of the year, with temperatures that can reach 20°C during the day.
Rainbows in the rainy season
Between December and February, it is common to see impressive double rainbows in the Sacred Valley after the afternoon rains.
Record thermal amplitude
In July-August, the difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures can exceed 25°C, going from 19°C to -5°C in some high areas.
Microclimates in Cusco
While in the Plaza de Armas it is 15°C, in Sacsayhuamán (3700 masl) it can be 5°C cooler, and in the Sacred Valley (2800 masl) 3-5°C warmer.
Tips to face the weather in Cusco
🧥 Appropriate clothing
- Layering system (t-shirt, fleece, jacket).
- Hat and gloves for cold nights
- Comfortable, non-slip shoes
🌦️ For the rainy season
- Compact raincoat or poncho
- Waterproof cover for backpack
- Waterproof trekking boots
☀️ For the dry season
- Sunscreen factor 50+
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Lip balm with SPF
