Weather in Cusco

Planning your day in Cusco? Check out the latest weather data, forecasts, and visual charts right here to ensure your trip is as comfortable as possible.

The climate in Cusco, located in the highlands of Peru, can be described as temperate high-altitude with cool weather year-round. Average monthly temperatures here are quite stable, fluctuating mainly between 8.6°C (June) and 10.7°C (November). Maximum daytime temperatures throughout the year stay in the range of 13-15.5°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop to 3-6°C, especially during the dry season.

Two main seasons are clearly distinguished in Cusco: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season, which usually lasts from May to October, is characterized by minimal precipitation – only about 1 mm per month from May to August – and a prevalence of clear days (from 4 to 11 rainy days during this period). This time is considered the most favourable for visiting. Conversely, the rainy season falls between November and April. During these months, the amount of precipitation increases noticeably (up to 7-8 mm in January-February), and the number of rainy days can reach 27-29 per month, especially from December to March.

Thus, when planning a trip to Cusco, it is worth being prepared for cool weather regardless of the time of year. If you prefer sunny days and minimum rainfall, the best time to visit is from May to October. From November to April, you should expect more frequent rains, although the air temperature remains relatively comfortable for excursions, provided you have appropriate clothing to protect against moisture and the chill, especially in the evening and at night.

The climate in Cusco is characterized by relatively stable average monthly temperatures throughout the year, but with noticeable daily fluctuations. The annual range of average temperatures is small: from approximately 8.6°C in June to 10.7°C in November. Looking at maximum daytime temperatures, the peak occurs in October (averaging 15.5°C) and September-November (around 15.2°C). The coolest months, based on monthly averages, are June and July, when the average temperature holds at 8.6°C - 8.7°C. It is in July that the lowest average nighttime temperatures are recorded, dropping to 3.0°C.

During the so-called "summer" months for the Southern Hemisphere (November to February), Cusco experiences moderately warm weather during the day and cool weather at night. Average daytime highs during this period range from 13.5°C to 15.2°C, while nighttime lows are approximately 5.8°C - 6.2°C. The "winter" months (June-August) bring cooler weather, especially at night. During the day, the thermometer may rise to 13.7°C - 14.8°C, but after sunset, the temperature drops significantly, reaching minimums of 3.0°C to 3.8°C. A characteristic feature of the Cusco climate is significant diurnal temperature variations, particularly pronounced in the dry season (roughly from May to October), when the difference between day and night readings can exceed 10-11°C. This means that days can be quite comfortable, but nights are noticeably cold.

Cusco experiences distinct seasonality in precipitation, dividing the year into wet and dry periods. Understanding these cycles will help you better plan your trip and choose suitable clothing.

The rainy season in Cusco typically lasts from November to March, peaking in January, February, and December. These months see the highest amount of rainfall: for example, an average of 8 mm in February, and 7 mm each in January and December. Rains during this period are very frequent – occurring almost daily, with the number of rainy days reaching 28-29 per month. Although the total amount of precipitation is not extremely high, their frequency makes these months the wettest of the year. April and October are transitional months when the amount of rainfall and rainy days gradually decreases or increases respectively.

The dry season falls on the period from May to August, and sometimes extends into September. At this time, precipitation is minimal. The driest months are June and July, when only about 1 mm of precipitation falls, and there are only about 4 rainy days in the entire month. May and August are also very dry, with 1 mm of precipitation, but with slightly more days with precipitation (11 and 10 days respectively). September marks a gradual transition to wetter weather, with an increase in rainfall to 2 mm and approximately 16 rainy days.

When preparing for a trip to Cusco, located in the Peruvian highlands, it is important to consider its specific climate. The temperature here remains cool throughout the year, with averages around 8-11°C, and noticeable daily fluctuations. Therefore, the key principle when packing is layering: light t-shirts, long-sleeved tops, a warm fleece or sweater, and a windbreaker. Regardless of the season, be sure to bring comfortable closed-toe shoes for walking, high SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as UV radiation in the mountains is very intense.

Two main seasons stand out in Cusco. The rainy season lasts roughly from October to April, and during this time, the number of rainy days can reach 29 per month, bringing frequent precipitation. For this period, you will need a waterproof jacket or a high-quality raincoat, possibly an umbrella, and clothes made of quick-drying fabrics. The dry season, from May to September, is characterized by less rainfall and clearer weather. However, it is during these months (especially in June-July) that nighttime and morning temperatures can drop to +3°C, so warm clothes, including a warm hat, gloves, and a warm jacket, will be absolutely necessary, especially for early morning excursions.