Cusco has a high-altitude climate characterized by mild daytime temperatures, cold nights and two clearly defined seasons. The dry season generally runs from April to October, while the rainy season extends from November to March.

However, the weather in Cusco can change quickly at any time of year. A sunny morning may be followed by clouds, wind or an afternoon shower. Temperatures can also vary significantly between direct sunlight and shaded areas.

Understanding Cusco’s weather month by month can help travelers choose the best time for Machu Picchu, trekking, cultural tours and high-altitude excursions.

Understanding Cusco’s Climate

Cusco is located approximately 3,400 meters above sea level in the Peruvian Andes.

Because of its elevation, the city has:

Strong ultraviolet radiation
Cool mornings
Mild or warm afternoons
Cold evenings
Rapid temperature changes
Seasonal rainfall
Lower temperatures in shaded areas
Occasional hail or thunderstorms

The temperature difference between day and night can be considerable. Travelers may need sunscreen and a sun hat during the afternoon, followed by a warm jacket after sunset.

Cusco’s Two Main Seasons

Dry Season

The dry season generally extends from April to October.

Travelers can usually expect:

Clearer skies
More sunshine
Lower rainfall
Cold nights
Good trekking conditions
High demand during peak months

June, July and August are usually the driest and busiest months.

Rainy Season

The rainy season generally extends from November to March.

This period commonly brings:

Greener landscapes
More clouds
Afternoon showers
Occasional heavy rain
Warmer nights
Muddy hiking trails
Fewer visitors during some weeks

Rain does not necessarily continue throughout the day. Many mornings remain clear or partially cloudy before rainfall develops later.

Cusco Weather in January

January is one of the wettest months in Cusco.

Rainfall is frequent, especially during the afternoon and evening. Mornings may begin with sunshine, but clouds can develop quickly.

Typical conditions include:

Mild daytime temperatures
Cool evenings
Frequent rain
High humidity
Green valleys and mountains
Cloudy skies
Occasional thunderstorms

Approximate temperatures may range from:

Daytime: 17°C to 20°C
Nighttime: 6°C to 8°C

Is January a Good Time to Visit Cusco?

January can be a good month for travelers who prefer green landscapes and fewer visitors.

The surrounding mountains, terraces and agricultural fields become especially vibrant.

However, visitors should prepare for:

Wet streets
Muddy trails
Reduced mountain visibility
Transportation delays
Rain during outdoor tours

Recommended January Activities

Good options include:

Cusco historic center
Museums
Qorikancha
Cusco City Tour
Sacred Valley
Machu Picchu by train
South Valley
Cultural workshops

Mountain excursions remain possible, but visibility and trail conditions may vary.

What to Pack in January

Bring:

Waterproof jacket
Quick-drying trousers
Shoes with good traction
Small umbrella
Backpack rain cover
Warm evening layer
Sunscreen
Extra socks

Cusco Weather in February

February is usually one of the rainiest months of the year.

Heavy showers, cloudy conditions and wet trails are common. The countryside becomes intensely green, but trekking conditions can be challenging.

Approximate temperatures may range from:

Daytime: 17°C to 19°C
Nighttime: 6°C to 8°C

Important February Considerations

The regulated Inca Trail network normally closes throughout February for annual maintenance and conservation.

Machu Picchu generally remains open and can still be reached by train through Aguas Calientes.

Travelers should expect:

Frequent rainfall
Muddy roads and paths
Possible transportation delays
Cloudy mountain views
High humidity
Occasional landslides in vulnerable areas

Recommended February Activities

Consider:

Machu Picchu by train
Cusco museums
Historical walking tours
Sacred Valley
Qorikancha
South Valley
Cooking classes
Chocolate workshops
Local markets

Travelers should maintain a flexible itinerary.

What to Pack in February

Essential items include:

Strong waterproof jacket
Waterproof footwear
Quick-drying clothing
Backpack rain cover
Extra socks
Warm layers
Waterproof document pouch
Portable umbrella

Cusco Weather in March

March is still part of the rainy season, but rainfall may gradually begin to decrease toward the end of the month.

The region remains green, and rivers and waterfalls usually carry more water.

Approximate temperatures may range from:

Daytime: 17°C to 20°C
Nighttime: 5°C to 8°C

Is March Good for Trekking?

Trekking routes may reopen and operate, but travelers should still prepare for:

Mud
Rain
Wet stone steps
Cloudy viewpoints
Slower walking conditions

The Inca Trail normally reopens in March after the February maintenance period, subject to official confirmation.

Advantages of Visiting in March

Advantages may include:

Green landscapes
Fewer visitors than in peak season
More accommodation availability
Attractive waterfalls
Atmospheric photography
Gradually improving weather

What to Pack in March

Bring both rainy-season and cooler-weather equipment:

Waterproof jacket
Hiking shoes
Quick-drying trousers
Warm fleece
Sun protection
Rain cover
Extra socks

Cusco Weather in April

April is a transitional month between the rainy and dry seasons.

Rain may still occur, particularly at the beginning of the month, but conditions usually become drier as the month progresses.

Approximate temperatures may range from:

Daytime: 18°C to 21°C
Nighttime: 4°C to 7°C

Why Visit Cusco in April?

April is often considered one of the best months to visit because it combines:

Green landscapes
Improving weather
Fewer visitors than June or July
Good trekking conditions
Better mountain visibility
Moderate daytime temperatures

The vegetation remains lush after the rainy season.

Recommended April Activities

April is suitable for:

Machu Picchu
Inca Trail
Salkantay Trek
Sacred Valley
Humantay Lake
Rainbow Mountain
Palcoyo
Maras and Moray
City tours

What to Pack in April

Bring:

Light rain jacket
Warm evening clothing
Hiking shoes
Sun hat
Sunscreen
Quick-drying layers
Small daypack

Cusco Weather in May

May marks the beginning of more consistently dry conditions.

Days are often sunny, skies become clearer and nighttime temperatures begin to fall.

Approximate temperatures may range from:

Daytime: 18°C to 21°C
Nighttime: 2°C to 5°C

Why Visit Cusco in May?

May is one of the best months for:

Trekking
Photography
Machu Picchu
Outdoor archaeological tours
Mountain excursions
Sacred Valley visits

The landscapes may still retain some green color from the rainy season.

May Travel Advantages

Travelers may experience:

Clear views
Lower rainfall
Comfortable daytime walking
Good trail conditions
Fewer visitors than in June and July

Nights can be cold, especially outside the city.

What to Pack in May

Bring:

Warm jacket
Fleece
Hiking trousers
Sun hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Comfortable walking shoes
Light rain protection

Cusco Weather in June

June is one of the driest and most popular months in Cusco.

Days are generally sunny, while mornings and nights can be very cold.

Approximate temperatures may range from:

Daytime: 17°C to 21°C
Nighttime: 0°C to 3°C

Temperatures outside the city or at high-altitude campsites may fall below freezing.

Why Is June Popular?

June combines good weather with important cultural celebrations.

The city becomes especially active because of:

Cusco festivities
Traditional dances
Parades
Religious celebrations
Inti Raymi
Regional cultural events

June is an excellent month for outdoor travel, but it is also one of the busiest.

Recommended June Activities

Ideal activities include:

Inca Trail
Salkantay Trek
Machu Picchu
Rainbow Mountain
Humantay Lake
Palcoyo
Sacred Valley
Ausangate
Choquequirao
City tours

What to Pack in June

Bring:

Thermal clothing
Warm jacket
Gloves
Warm hat
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Lip balm
Hiking shoes
Light daytime clothing

The difference between sunny afternoons and cold nights can be significant.

Cusco Weather in July

July is typically one of the coldest and driest months in Cusco.

Rainfall is uncommon, and daytime skies are often clear. However, nighttime temperatures can be very low.

Approximate temperatures may range from:

Daytime: 17°C to 21°C
Nighttime: -1°C to 3°C

Temperatures in rural areas, mountain camps and high-altitude locations may fall well below freezing.

Is July a Good Time to Visit?

July offers excellent conditions for:

Trekking
Archaeological tours
Mountain views
Photography
Machu Picchu
High-altitude excursions

However, July is also a peak tourism month.

Travelers should reserve in advance:

Machu Picchu tickets
Inca Trail permits
Train tickets
Hotels
Guided tours
Domestic flights

What to Pack in July

Pack for strong sunlight and cold nights:

Insulated jacket
Thermal base layers
Gloves
Warm hat
Hiking socks
Sun hat
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Moisturizing lip balm

Cusco Weather in August

August remains dry and sunny, with cold mornings and evenings.

The weather is generally favorable for outdoor tours, although strong winds may occur in exposed mountain areas.

Approximate temperatures may range from:

Daytime: 18°C to 22°C
Nighttime: 1°C to 4°C

August Travel Conditions

Travelers can usually expect:

Clear skies
Strong sunlight
Dry trails
Cold nights
Good mountain visibility
Busy tourist attractions

The landscape may appear drier and more golden than during April or May.

Recommended August Activities

August is ideal for:

Machu Picchu
Classic Inca Trail
Salkantay Trek
Lares Trek
Choquequirao
Rainbow Mountain
Humantay Lake
Sacred Valley
Ausangate

What to Pack in August

Bring:

Warm jacket
Wind-resistant outer layer
Sun protection
Hiking shoes
Warm socks
Gloves for high-altitude tours
Reusable water bottle
Lip balm

Cusco Weather in September

September is a transitional month between the dry season and the return of wetter conditions.

Days remain mostly sunny, but occasional rain showers become more likely toward the end of the month.

Approximate temperatures may range from:

Daytime: 19°C to 22°C
Nighttime: 3°C to 6°C

Why Visit Cusco in September?

September can provide a good balance of:

Pleasant daytime temperatures
Mostly dry conditions
Fewer visitors than July and August
Good trekking weather
Increasing vegetation
Excellent photography opportunities

Recommended September Activities

Suitable activities include:

Machu Picchu
Inca Trail
Salkantay Trek
Sacred Valley
Rainbow Mountain
Palcoyo
Humantay Lake
Maras and Moray
Cusco City Tour

What to Pack in September

Bring:

Light rain jacket
Warm fleece
Hiking shoes
Sun protection
Quick-drying clothing
Light gloves for early departures

Cusco Weather in October

October is another transitional month.

The weather is generally warmer, and afternoon showers become more common. Mornings can still be sunny and clear.

Approximate temperatures may range from:

Daytime: 19°C to 22°C
Nighttime: 5°C to 7°C

Is October a Good Time to Visit?

October can be an excellent month for travelers who want:

Warmer daytime temperatures
Fewer visitors than peak season
Mostly manageable rainfall
Good trekking possibilities
Increasingly green landscapes

Rain is more likely than in September, but conditions are usually less intense than in January or February.

Recommended October Activities

October is suitable for:

Machu Picchu
Sacred Valley
Inca Trail
Salkantay Trek
Maras and Moray
Rainbow Mountain
Humantay Lake
City tours

What to Pack in October

Bring:

Waterproof jacket
Quick-drying trousers
Hiking shoes
Warm evening layer
Sunscreen
Backpack rain cover
Extra socks

Cusco Weather in November

November marks the beginning of the rainy season.

Rainfall becomes more frequent, especially during the afternoon, but travelers can still experience sunny mornings.

Approximate temperatures may range from:

Daytime: 19°C to 22°C
Nighttime: 6°C to 8°C

Advantages of Visiting in November

November may offer:

Greener scenery
Fewer visitors
Mild temperatures
Good hotel availability
Attractive cloud formations
A quieter atmosphere

November Travel Challenges

Travelers should prepare for:

Afternoon showers
Muddy trails
Variable visibility
Occasional thunderstorms
Changes to mountain-tour conditions

Outdoor tours should ideally begin early.

What to Pack in November

Bring:

Waterproof jacket
Rain cover
Quick-drying clothes
Shoes with traction
Warm layer
Umbrella
Sun protection

Cusco Weather in December

December is firmly within the rainy season.

The city and surrounding valleys become green, while Christmas celebrations create a lively cultural atmosphere.

Approximate temperatures may range from:

Daytime: 18°C to 21°C
Nighttime: 6°C to 8°C

What Is December Like in Cusco?

Travelers may experience:

Sunny mornings
Cloudy afternoons
Frequent showers
Occasional heavy rain
Green mountain landscapes
Mild daytime weather
Christmas markets and festivities

The final weeks of December can become busy because of Christmas and New Year travel.

Recommended December Activities

Good options include:

Historic center
Santurantikuy fair
Cusco museums
Sacred Valley
Machu Picchu by train
Maras and Moray
South Valley
Cultural activities

Mountain excursions remain possible but depend on visibility and trail conditions.

What to Pack in December

Bring:

Waterproof jacket
Umbrella
Quick-drying trousers
Shoes with good grip
Backpack rain cover
Warm evening layer
Extra socks
Waterproof document pouch

Cusco Weather Month-by-Month Summary

January

Rainy and green
Frequent afternoon showers
Good for cultural tourism
Flexible planning required

February

One of the wettest months
Inca Trail normally closed
Machu Picchu accessible by train
Strong waterproof equipment needed

March

Rain gradually begins to decrease
Very green landscapes
Trails may remain muddy
Good for travelers seeking fewer crowds

April

Transition toward dry weather
Green scenery
Improving trekking conditions
One of the best balanced months

May

Dry and increasingly clear
Cold nights
Excellent trekking conditions
Good visibility

June

Very dry
Cold nights
Major cultural celebrations
High tourism demand

July

Coldest and driest period
Clear skies
Excellent trekking conditions
Peak tourism season

August

Dry, sunny and occasionally windy
Good mountain visibility
Busy attractions
Dry golden landscapes

September

Mostly dry
Warmer days
Fewer visitors than peak season
Excellent for trekking

October

Warmer with occasional showers
Transitional weather
Good outdoor conditions
Increasingly green scenery

November

Beginning of rainy season
Green landscapes
Frequent afternoon showers
Lower visitor numbers

December

Rainy and festive
Christmas traditions
Green mountain scenery
Busy holiday period

Best Months to Visit Cusco

The best month depends on the type of experience you want.

Best Months for Dry Weather

Choose:

June
July
August

These months normally provide the lowest rainfall and clearest mountain conditions.

Best Months for Trekking

Recommended months include:

April
May
June
July
August
September
October

May and September often provide a good balance between weather and visitor numbers.

Best Months for Green Landscapes

Choose:

December
January
February
March
April

These months provide greener valleys, terraces and mountains.

Best Months for Fewer Visitors

Consider:

January
February
March
April
November
Early December

Visitor numbers may still increase during holidays and special events.

Best Month for Cusco Festivals

June is the principal month for major cultural celebrations.

Travelers can experience:

Traditional dances
Public parades
Religious events
Regional costumes
Inti Raymi
Cusco anniversary activities

Accommodation and tours should be reserved well in advance.

Weather in Cusco vs Machu Picchu

Cusco and Machu Picchu do not have identical climates.

Cusco is located at a higher altitude and generally has:

Colder nights
Drier air during the dry season
Strong temperature differences
High ultraviolet exposure

Machu Picchu is lower and located within a cloud-forest environment.

It generally has:

Greater humidity
Warmer temperatures
More cloud cover
More frequent mist
Dense vegetation

Clear weather in Cusco does not guarantee clear weather in Machu Picchu.

Weather in Cusco vs the Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley is generally lower and warmer than Cusco.

Places such as Pisac, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo may offer:

Milder nights
Warmer afternoons
Easier acclimatization
Less intense cold than Cusco

The valley can be an excellent place to spend the first days of a trip.

Weather at Rainbow Mountain

Rainbow Mountain is located at a much higher elevation than Cusco.

Conditions may include:

Freezing temperatures
Strong wind
Snow
Hail
Intense sunlight
Rapid weather changes
Reduced visibility

The weather at Rainbow Mountain can be severe even when Cusco is sunny.

Bring:

Warm jacket
Gloves
Warm hat
Waterproof layer
Sun protection
Hiking shoes

Weather at Humantay Lake

Humantay Lake is also located at high altitude.

Travelers may experience:

Cold mornings
Strong sunlight
Wind
Rain
Snow or hail
Cloudy mountain views

Weather can change rapidly during the hike.

What to Wear in Cusco Throughout the Year

Layering is the best strategy in every month.

A practical outfit may include:

Breathable base layer
Light sweater or fleece
Warm jacket
Waterproof outer layer
Comfortable trousers
Walking or hiking shoes

Always carry:

Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Reusable water bottle
Small backpack
Warm layer
Rain protection

Does It Get Cold in Cusco?

Yes. Cusco can become cold, particularly at night and during the dry season.

The coldest months are generally:

June
July
August

Hotels do not always have central heating, so travelers sensitive to cold should confirm whether their accommodation provides:

Room heating
Extra blankets
Hot water
Heated bedding
Insulated rooms

Does It Rain All Day in Cusco?

Rain does not usually continue throughout every day.

During the rainy season, a typical pattern may include:

Sunny or cloudy morning
Increasing clouds
Afternoon shower
Evening rain
Clear periods between showers

However, some weather systems can produce several hours of continuous rain.

Beginning outdoor tours early is generally recommended during the wet season.

Sun Protection in Cusco

Sun protection is essential throughout the year.

Cusco’s high elevation increases exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Use:

High-protection sunscreen
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Long sleeves
Lip balm with sun protection

Apply sunscreen even on cloudy days.

How Weather Can Affect Tours

Weather may affect:

Mountain visibility
Hiking speed
Road conditions
Train schedules
Trail safety
Photography
Outdoor activities
Flight schedules

Travelers should avoid extremely tight connections, especially during the rainy season.

Final Recommendations

Cusco can be visited throughout the year, but each month provides a different experience.

Choose the dry season when you prefer:

Clearer skies
Better trekking conditions
Lower rainfall
Mountain photography

Choose the rainy season when you prefer:

Green landscapes
Fewer visitors
Dramatic clouds
Cultural and indoor activities

For the best balance between scenery, weather and visitor numbers, consider April, May, September or October.

Regardless of the month:

Dress in layers.
Carry sun protection.
Keep a rain jacket nearby.
Prepare for cold evenings.
Check conditions before mountain tours.
Allow time to acclimatize.
Maintain a flexible itinerary.

Cusco’s changing weather is part of the Andean travel experience. With suitable clothing and realistic expectations, every month can offer a memorable journey through the historic capital of the Inca Empire.