Cusco is the historic heart of the Inca Empire, a breathtaking Andean city perched at 3,400 meters above sea level in southeastern Peru. The city blends ancient Inca stonework with Spanish colonial architecture, creating a unique urban landscape that has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. As the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, Cusco is one of South America's most visited and culturally rich destinations.
Cusco has a highland climate with two distinct seasons: a dry season (May-October) with clear sunny days, cool nights, and minimal rainfall, and a wet season (November-April) with afternoon rain showers, warmer temperatures, and lush green landscapes. At 3,400m altitude, temperatures are mild to cool year-round, with nights dropping near freezing even in summer. Expect dramatic weather changes throughout any single day.
Best time to visit
Best: May, June, July, August, September
Best Reason: The dry season (May-September) offers clear skies, sunny days, and optimal conditions for hiking the Inca Trail, visiting Machu Picchu, and trekking to Rainbow Mountain. May and September offer the best combination of good weather and manageable crowds.
Peak Season: June, July, August
Avoid: February
Avoid Reason: February is the wettest month and the Inca Trail closes for maintenance. Heavy rain can cause landslides, and many trekking routes are muddy and difficult. January and March are also quite wet.
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
January
High 19°C/66°F, Low 7°C/45°F
Wet season continues; afternoon showers most days. Green and lush. Fewer tourists than peak season.
February
High 18°C/64°F, Low 6°C/43°F
Wettest month of the year. Inca Trail closed for maintenance. Misty, atmospheric but challenging for outdoor activities.
March
High 19°C/66°F, Low 7°C/45°F
Rain begins to decrease. Landscapes still lush green. Fewer crowds. Inca Trail reopens end of month.
April
High 20°C/68°F, Low 6°C/43°F
Transitional month with mostly dry days and some afternoon showers. Good conditions begin. Shoulder season crowds.
May
High 20°C/68°F, Low 4°C/39°F
Dry season begins. Clear skies, excellent visibility. Great for hiking. Perfect weather begins.
June
High 19°C/66°F, Low 2°C/36°F
Peak dry season, cold nights. Inti Raymi festival on June 24 is spectacular. Very busy, highest hotel prices.
July
High 18°C/64°F, Low 1°C/34°F
Peak season - clearest skies of the year. Coldest nights. Maximum crowds and prices. Book everything far ahead.
August
High 19°C/66°F, Low 3°C/37°F
Still dry and excellent. Crowds begin to ease slightly late August. Spring wildflowers appear.
September
High 20°C/68°F, Low 5°C/41°F
Excellent shoulder season month. Good weather, diminishing crowds, reasonable prices. Often considered the best month to visit.
October
High 21°C/70°F, Low 7°C/45°F
Mostly dry with some afternoon cloud. Warmer days. Very good conditions. Lighter crowds and good value.
November
High 20°C/68°F, Low 8°C/46°F
Wet season beginning. Increasing afternoon showers. Landscapes green and beautiful. Budget season prices.
December
High 19°C/66°F, Low 8°C/46°F
Wet season in full swing. Reliable afternoon rain. Christmas and New Year busy. Green season beauty.
The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
Spring
Months: Sep-Nov
Late dry season transitioning to early wet season. September is arguably the best month to visit with dry conditions and lingering warmth. October stays mostly dry. November sees increasing rain.
Summer
Months: Dec-Feb
The height of the wet season with daily afternoon rain showers and sometimes all-day rain. The landscape is lushly green and Machu Picchu is surrounded by cloud forest mist. February is the wettest month and the Inca Trail is closed.
Fall
Months: Mar-May
Rain decreases significantly from March through May. April sees a mix of dry days and occasional showers. By May the dry season is fully established with excellent clear skies and ideal hiking conditions.
Winter
Months: Jun-Aug
The peak dry season with reliably clear blue skies, no rain, and excellent visibility for mountain views. Nights are cold, sometimes near freezing. June 24 is Inti Raymi - Cusco's biggest festival. Hotel prices are at their highest.
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- High Season
- June-August (peak dry season, Inti Raymi festival in June)
- Shoulder Season
- April-May and September-October (excellent weather with manageable crowds)
- Low Season
- November-March (wet season, cheapest prices, fewer travelers)
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Cusco Day (Día del Cusco)
City celebrations with parades and cultural events
Semana Santa
Elaborate religious processions through the historic center, one of the most dramatic in South America
Corpus Christi
Unique Cusco festival blending Catholic and Inca traditions with processions of 15 saints
Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun)
The most important annual Inca festival reenacted at Sacsayhuaman - book accommodation 6-12 months in advance
San Pedro y San Pablo
Saints' day celebrations around San Pedro neighborhood
Virgen de la Natividad
Major pilgrimage and festival in Chinchero with traditional dances