Weather in Cusco: Complete Guide by Seasons, Zones and Practical Tips

Cusco is not only the gateway to Machu Picchu or the heart of the ancient Inca empire. It is also a city of extreme weather, changeable and full of surprises. If you are planning a trip to Cuscounderstanding its climate is not a luxury: it is a necessity. Because here, in a single day, you can experience all four seasons. And that can make the difference between a comfortable trip… or unnecessary suffering.

This blog explains everything you need to know about the weather in Cusco: how it changes by month, by zone, what to wear, how to acclimatize and why the weather here is unlike anything you’ve experienced before. No technicalities, no lists, no emojis. Just clear, useful information to help you prepare for your trip with peace of mind.

What is the weather like in Cusco? A city of extreme contrasts

Cusco is 3,400 meters above sea level. That already tells you a lot: the air is thinner, the sun is stronger and the cold, when it comes, penetrates to the bone. But what really defines the climate in Cusco is its location in the Andes. There are no humid summers or mild winters here. There are two distinct seasons: dry and rainy. And within each one, there are daily surprises.

During the day, even in winter, the sun can get so hot that you walk around in short sleeves. But as soon as it hides behind the hills, the temperature drops fast. Sometimes even below zero. That’s why they say here: “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes”.

Stations in Cusco: when to go and what to expect

Dry season (April to October): the best time for travel

This is the most popular time to visit Cusco. The skies are almost always clear, the roads are firm, and the mountains are seen in all their majesty. It is ideal for trekking, visiting ruins, or simply walking around the city without worrying about the rain.

The coldest months are June, July and August. At night and in the early morning, the temperature can drop to -3°C or -5°C, especially in high areas such as Pisac or Chinchero. But during the day, with the Andean sun, it can be 20°C or more.

Advantages of traveling in dry season:

• Less chance of rain
• Blue skies and spectacular photos
• Dry and safe hiking trails
• Important festivals such as Inti Raymi (June)

Disadvantage:

• More tourists and higher prices
• Intense cold at night

Rainy season (November to March): green, lively… but wet.

At this time, Cusco becomes greener, softer, quieter. There are fewer tourists, prices go down and the landscape shines brightly. But there is also a big “but”: it rains. And it is not a gentle drizzle. It’s heavy downpours, which can last for hours or even all day. Sometimes with hail or thunderstorms.

January and February are the rainiest months. In February, many trekking routes – such as the Inca Trail – close for maintenance and safety. Some roads become muddy, rivers rise and there is a risk of landslides.

Advantages of traveling during the rainy season:

• Fewer people, more tranquility
• Lush green landscapes
• Lower prices on hotels and tours

Disadvantages:

• Sudden heavy rains
• Some closed or dangerous routes
• Cloudy skies that may block spectacular views

Weather month by month in Cusco: what to expect each month

January: Heavy rain, low clouds. Average day: 18°C, night: 6°C. Many cloudy days.
February: The rainiest month. Some roads closed. Temperatures similar to January.
March: The rains begin to diminish. Green is at its maximum splendor.
April: Transition to dry. Less rain, more sun. Ideal for avoiding crowds.
May: Almost no rain. Sunny days, cool nights. Perfect for trekking.
June: Andean winter. Intense cold at night, sunny days. Inti Raymi Festival.
July: Similar to June. High season. Book everything months in advance.
August: Last cold month. Starts to warm up a bit at the end of the month.
September: Andean spring. Warmer in the daytime, nights less cold.
October: End of dry season. Stable weather, good time to travel.
November: Rains begin. Still pleasant days, but with more clouds.
December: Intermittent rains. Christmas in Cusco is magical, but with umbrellas.

Climate depending on the area: it is not the same in the city as in the mountains.

Cusco is not only the city. It includes sacred valleys, mountains, highland villages and archaeological ruins. And the climate changes a lot depending on where you go.

In the city of Cusco (3,400 m.a.s.l.):
Cold at night, warm at noon. Strong wind in the afternoons. Always wear a coat, even if it is sunny at dawn.

In the Sacred Valley (Urubamba, Pisac, Ollantaytambo – between 2,800 and 3,000 m.a.s.l.):
Warmer than Cusco. Less cold at night, more protection from the wind. Ideal for sleeping if you are acclimatizing.

In high areas (Chinchero, Moray, Salineras – above 3,500 m.a.s.l.):
Much colder, especially at dawn and dusk. Cutting wind. You need thermal clothing and windbreaker.

In Machu Picchu (2,400 m.a.s.l.):
Tropical mountain climate. Warmer and more humid. It can rain at any time. Bring a raincoat at all times.

What to wear to Cusco: the layering rule

In Cusco, the key is to dress in layers. Because in the morning it is cold, at noon it is hot, in the afternoon it is windy and at night, cold again.

The essentials in your suitcase:

• Base layer: Thermal or cotton T-shirts (for sweat and cold).
• Middle layer: Polar fleece shirts, alpaca wool sweaters (they sell them there and they are ideal).
• Outer layer: Waterproof and windproof jacket. Yes or yes.
• For the evening: thick pants, wool socks, hat and gloves.
• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes, waterproof if traveling in rainy season.
• Accessories: Sun hat, UV sunglasses, strong sunscreen (the sun at high altitude burns more), and a scarf or bandana for dust and cold.

Don’t underestimate the cold. Even in the middle of the “Andean summer”, a night in Cusco can leave you shivering if you are not prepared.

How the climate affects your acclimatization in Cusco

The weather doesn’t just affect your clothes. It also affects how your body adapts to the altitude. On sunny days, you feel more energetic. On cloudy or rainy days, your body feels heavier, more headachy or tired.

Tips for better acclimatization according to the climate:

• Arrive in dry season if it is your first time at altitude. Sun and good spirits help.
• Hydrate more on sunny days. The sun dehydrates without you even realizing it.
• On rainy days, rest more. Your body expends more energy to keep warm.
• Avoid alcohol the first few days, especially if it is cold. It affects more at high altitude.
• Drink coca tea. It is traditional, helps with altitude sickness and gives you warmth.

Weather and activities: what to do according to the season

In dry season (April-October):

• Trekking (Inca Trail, Salkantay, Ausangate, Lares)
• Visit open-air ruins (Sacsayhuaman, Pisac, Ollantaytambo).
• Outdoor Festivals (Inti Raymi, Qoyllur Rit’i)
• Bicycle or horseback riding in the Sacred Valley.

In rainy season (November-March):

• Visiting museums and covered markets in Cusco
• Do gastronomic tours or cooking workshops.
• Going to Machu Picchu (still open, although with more clouds and light rain)
• Enjoying green landscapes and dramatic atmospheric photography

Common misconceptions about the weather in Cusco (and how to avoid them)

Mistake 1: “I’m going in summer, I don’t need warm clothes.”
→ In Cusco there is no summer like on the coast. You always need warm clothes for the night.

Mistake 2: “If it rains, I stay at the hotel.”
→ Rain is usually in the afternoon or evening. Mornings are ideal for going out.

Mistake #3: “Sunscreen is not necessary because it’s cold.”
→ The sun at high altitude is stronger. It burns even on cloudy days.

Mistake #4: “I’m going to buy everything there.”
→ You can buy alpaca clothing and ponchos, but you don’t always find your size or quality. Bring the essentials from home.

Final tips: live the climate of Cusco, don’t suffer it.

The weather in Cusco is not an enemy. It is part of the experience. It teaches you to adapt, to respect nature, to enjoy the sun as a gift and the cold as an embrace that makes you appreciate the warmth of a campfire, a mate de coca or a hot soup.

Always carry it with you:

• A bottle of water
• A small raincoat or poncho (they sell them on every corner, but it is better to have your own).
• One hat for the sun and one for the cold
• A flexible attitude: the climate changes, and so can you.

When is the best time to visit Cusco?

There is no single answer. It’s up to you:

• If you want sun, blue skies and festivals: June, July, August
• If you are looking for peace and quiet, green nature and low prices: November, March, April
• If you want to avoid crowds and don’t mind some drizzle: October or May.
• If you plan serious trekking: April to September

But wherever you go, one thing is for sure: Cusco will welcome you with its unpredictable climate, its Andean beauty and its ancestral magic. Be well prepared, respect its rhythms… and let yourself be surprised.