Climate Overview
Cusco has a subtropical-highland climate with spring-like 20–22°C highs year-round and cold nights dropping to 1–3°C Jun–Aug. Dry season Jun–Sep sees under 15mm rain — the prime Machu Picchu window — while Dec–Mar brings heavy rain (100–120mm) and landslide risk on the Inca Trail.
Monthly Climate
Temperature range, rainfall, and humidity by month
Monthly Data
| Month | High | Low | Rainfall | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 19.9° | 8.6° | 107mm | 79% |
| Feb | 19.4° | 8.1° | 126mm | 81% |
| Mar | 19.3° | 8.1° | 97mm | 84% |
| Apr | 20.1° | 6.9° | 18mm | 78% |
| May | 20.8° | 5.3° | 14mm | 72% |
| Jun | 20.2° | 2.3° | 4mm | 66% |
| Jul | 21.5° | 0.3° | 0mm | 59% |
| Aug | 21.3° | 2.8° | 8mm | 65% |
| Sep | 22.1° | 5.9° | 3mm | 67% |
| Oct | 21.9° | 7.7° | 44mm | 75% |
| Nov | 23.5° | 7° | 46mm | 72% |
| Dec | 22.7° | 8° | 116mm | 76% |
When to Visit
Experiences to seek out and peak periods to plan around
Experiences & Highlights
Near-zero rainfall (3–6 mm/month) and 21°C daytime highs make the Inca Trail, Sacsayhuamán, and Ollantaytambo reliably walkable; nights drop near freezing (1°C), so pack layers.
The Inca Festival of the Sun on 24 June fills Sacsayhuamán with costumed reenactments; pair with shoulder-dry weather (low humidity, clear skies) before July peak crowds arrive.
Andean snow-star pilgrimage to the Sinakara glaciers below Ausangate; late-May timing sits between the Mar rains tapering off and the Jun dry-season chill.
Rain rebuilds to 62–89 mm as the altiplano turns green; 22°C highs and thinner crowds suit Rainbow Mountain day hikes and Pisac market visits before December downpours.
Peak Periods & Travel Advisories
Inca Trail permits sell out 5–6 months ahead; Machu Picchu tickets and Cusco hotels hit annual price peaks around Inti Raymi (24 Jun).
Classic Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance; wet-season rainfall tops 105 mm and landslides disrupt rail service. Machu Picchu itself stays open — use Salkantay or train alternatives.
Rainfall peaks Jan (123 mm) with humidity near 80%; afternoon thunderstorms are common above 3,400 m. Mornings often stay clear — plan sites early, indoor plans after lunch.
Peru Destination Comparison
Compare climate across destinations in Peru
| City | Avg High | Avg Low | Annual Rain | Season Overview |
|---|---|---|---|---|
🇵🇪 Cusco | 21° | 6° | 583 mm | |
🇵🇪 Lima | 22° | 18° | 10 mm |
Official Resources
Government portals and tourism boards for Cusco, Peru