Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit Cusco
🇵🇪 Cusco, Peru · South America
Based on 30-year climate data (1991-2020) from Open-Meteo
Recommended Travel Months
Jan
15°
8°
Good
Feb
15°
8°
Good
Mar
15°
8°
Good
Apr
15°
7°
Good
May
15°
6°
Great
Jun
15°
5°
Great
Jul
15°
5°
Great
Aug
16°
5°
Great
Sep
16°
6°
Good
Oct
17°
8°
Good
Nov
17°
8°
Good
Dec
16°
8°
Good
Month-by-Month Weather in Cusco
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sunshine | Humidity | UV | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15°C | 8°C | 29 | 9h | 82% | 8 | Good | View |
| February | 15°C | 8°C | 26 | 9h | 82% | 8 | Good | View |
| March | 15°C | 8°C | 28 | 9h | 82% | 6 | Good | View |
| April | 15°C | 7°C | 18 | 10h | 82% | 6 | Good | View |
| MayRecommended | 15°C | 6°C | 8 | 10h | 82% | 3 | Great | View |
| JuneRecommended | 15°C | 5°C | 3 | 10h | 82% | 3 | Great | View |
| JulyRecommended | 15°C | 5°C | 3 | 10h | 82% | 3 | Great | View |
| AugustRecommended | 16°C | 5°C | 7 | 10h | 82% | 3 | Great | View |
| September | 16°C | 6°C | 13 | 11h | 82% | 6 | Good | View |
| October | 17°C | 8°C | 21 | 10h | 82% | 6 | Good | View |
| November | 17°C | 8°C | 23 | 10h | 82% | 8 | Good | View |
| December | 16°C | 8°C | 28 | 9h | 82% | 8 | Good | View |
Data source: Open-Meteo ERA5 reanalysis archive, 30-year historical normals (1991-2020). Temperatures in Celsius. Sunshine hours are daily averages.
Seasonal Guide to Cusco
Spring (September to November)
Avg: 17°C high, 7°C low
The spring equivalent in Cusco brings gradually mild temperatures. Daytime highs reach around 17°C (63°F) while nights cool to 7°C (45°F). This is one of the wetter periods, so waterproof gear is recommended.
Summer (December to February)
Avg: 15°C high, 8°C low
Summer is the warmest season in Cusco, with temperatures reaching 15°C (59°F). Temperatures remain moderate, offering comfortable conditions for outdoor activities. Long daylight hours and abundant sunshine provide plenty of time to explore.
Fall (March to May)
Avg: 15°C high, 7°C low
Fall in Cusco is one of the best times to visit. Temperatures settle around 15°C (59°F) during the day and 7°C (45°F) at night. Rainfall picks up during this period, so waterproof clothing is advisable.
Winter (June to August)
Avg: 15°C high, 5°C low
Winter in Cusco brings the coolest weather of the year. Layers are essential, and some outdoor attractions may have reduced hours. However, hotel prices typically drop and popular sites are less crowded.
When to Avoid Cusco
The least favorable time to visit Cusco is January and February. During this period, you can expect heavy rainfall, high humidity.
January
Challenges: heavy rainfall, high humidity
February
Challenges: heavy rainfall, high humidity
March
Challenges: heavy rainfall, high humidity
Note: visiting during off-peak months often means lower prices, fewer crowds, and a more authentic experience. Consider your priorities when planning your trip.
What to Pack for Cusco
Packing recommendations for visiting Cusco during the best travel months (June, July, May), when temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C:
- +Medium-weight layers and a warm jacket
- +Long pants and closed-toe shoes
- +A compact umbrella or light rain jacket
- +A light sweater or cardigan for evening temperature drops
- +Reusable water bottle
- +Universal power adapter
Cusco Year-Round Climate Overview
Cusco has a subtropical climate (Koppen classification: Cwb). The warmest month is November with highs of 17°C, while the coldest month is July at just 15°C. Annual rainfall averages 1189mm across approximately 207 rain days.
| Metric | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 16 |
| Low °C | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Rain Days | 29 | 26 | 28 | 18 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 13 | 21 | 23 | 28 |
| Rain mm | 232 | 213 | 167 | 77 | 25 | 11 | 11 | 22 | 38 | 85 | 117 | 191 |
| Sun h/day | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 |
| Humidity % | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 |
| UV Index | 8 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 8 |
Compare Nearby Destinations
Considering alternatives to Cusco? Compare the best travel months for nearby cities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Cusco?+
The best time to visit Cusco is June, July, May. During these months, temperatures average 15°C (59°F) with 10 hours of daily sunshine and only 5 rain days per month. These conditions offer the most comfortable weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
What is the worst time to visit Cusco?+
The least ideal time to visit Cusco is January and February. During this period, you can expect heavy rainfall, high humidity. While Cusco can still be visited during this time (often with fewer crowds and lower prices), the weather may limit outdoor activities.
Is Cusco good to visit in winter?+
Winter in Cusco (December to February) brings temperatures of 15°C (59°F) highs and 8°C (46°F) lows, with about 9 hours of sunshine and 28 rain days per month. Consider visiting during the recommended months instead for better weather.
What is the rainy season in Cusco?+
The rainy season in Cusco runs from January to December, when average rain days increase to 26 days per month. Total monthly precipitation during this period averages 168mm.
What should I pack for Cusco?+
When visiting Cusco during the best travel months (June, July, May), pack medium-weight layers, a warm jacket, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Bring a compact umbrella just in case. Sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended.
Is June a good time to visit Cusco?+
Yes, June is one of the best months to visit Cusco. Expect average highs of 15°C (59°F), 10 hours of daily sunshine, and only 3 rain days. The weather is ideal for exploring the city, visiting outdoor attractions, and enjoying local activities.
Detailed Monthly Weather for Cusco
For a complete day-by-day weather breakdown including packing lists, activities, and local events, explore each month individually:
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
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