The weather in Cusco is relatively mild, with cold nights and sunny days. The weather is very changeable: it can go from bright sunshine to torrential rain in just minutes. Temperatures range from 13ºC (55.4ºF) to 15 ºC (59ºF), and this is the case in almost all of the southern region of Peru. In general, the Cusco region enjoys a climate that varies in 2 seasons a year: the dry season (from April to October) and the rainy season (from November to March).
What is the weather like in Cusco?
The city of Cusco (capital of the region of the same name and former capital of the Incas) has a temperate climate. Its geography is marked by the presence of the Andes Mountains, close to the imposing snow-capped mountains such as Salkantay. The average temperature varies between 13ºC. (55.4ºF) and 15ºC. (59ºF).
The maximum temperature during the day can reach 23ºC. (73.4ºF). At night, the cold can drop to 2ºC. (35.6ºF).
There are two well-defined seasons during the year: the rainy season (which runs from November to March) and the dry season (which runs from April to October).
February is the rainiest month. July and August are the coldest months at night although they are also the hottest during the day.
When to go to Cusco?
According to people who have already visited the city of Cusco, they know that the dry season is a good time to visit the city of Cusco. April, May and June are good months (especially June when the famous Inti Raymi festival is celebrated).
Rainy season
The rainy season in Cusco runs from November to March. As its name suggests, this is the rainy season. Annual rainfall ranges from 600 millimeters to 1,000 millimeters.
The heavy rains generally occur in the afternoons. On those days, the city of Cusco is filled with rainbows. Machu Picchu is dressed in its most intense green and this is truly fabulous in such an incredible setting as Machu Picchu.
Dry season
The dry season in Cusco runs from April to October. During those days the weather is sunny during the day and cold at night. Rain is very rare during those months. June, July and August are the driest days.
These months also see the peak tourist season, when more visitors come to Cusco and Machu Picchu.
During those days the dry and clear weather is ideal for hiking in Cusco.
What to bring?
If you visit Cusco during the rainy season, don't forget to bring waterproof clothing. Also shoes that allow you to walk safely on wet and slippery surfaces. Above all, don't forget to bring a rain poncho everywhere. Rains don't happen all day long but can happen at any time.
If you visit Cusco in the dry season, bring sun protection (cap, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen). Wear light, comfortable clothing for the day and warm clothing for the evenings. A windbreaker and a jacket will suffice.
And what is the weather like in Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu has a warmer climate compared to the city of Cusco. The maximum temperature can reach 25ºC. (77ºF). The minimum temperature can drop to 8ºC. (46.4ºF).
Just like in the city of Cusco, the rainy season in Machu Picchu runs from November to March. The dry season runs from April to October.
Questions and answers about the weather in Cusco
1) What is the weather like in Cusco?
The climate in the city of Cusco is relatively mild, with cold nights and sunny days. The weather is very changeable: it can go from bright sunshine to torrential rain in just minutes. During the day temperatures normally range between 13ºC. (55.4ºF) and 15ºC. (59ºF).
2) What is the weather like in Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu has a warmer climate compared to the city of Cusco. The maximum temperature can reach 25ºC. (77ºF). The minimum temperature can drop to 8ºC. (46.4ºF).
3) When does the rain start in Cusco?
The rainy season begins in December. However, the heaviest rains occur in January, February and March.
4) When does it rain the least in Cusco?
Cusco has night temperatures ranging from 8ºC. to a minimum of 0ºC. June, July and August have the coldest night temperatures.
5) Is it very cold in Cusco?
Cusco has night temperatures ranging from 8ºC to a minimum of 0ºC. June, July and August have the coldest night temperatures.
6) What is the maximum temperature in Cusco?
During the day Cusco can record maximum temperatures of up to 23ºC.
7) What is the weather like on the 7-color mountain?
The 7-color mountain (Vinicunca) has temperatures that vary from a maximum of 14ºC to a minimum of -10ºC (at night).
8) What is the weather like in the Sacred Valley of the Incas?
The weather in the Sacred Valley of the Incas varies depending on the town and its altitude. In general it ranges from a maximum of 23ºC to a minimum of -2ºC at night.
9) What clothes should I bring on my trip to Cusco?
When traveling to Cusco, it is recommended to bring light clothing for the day (with a windbreaker jacket) as well as warm clothing for the evening. Don't forget to bring thick socks, a windbreaker jacket, sports pants, ponchos, chullos and gloves.
10) What is the month with the best weather in Cusco?
For tourism in Cusco, the best weather is May, June and July because it does not rain frequently during these months. This is ideal for hiking as well as visiting different archaeological sites outdoors.
