Cusco Peru: How Is the Weather and What Type of Climate Does It Have?

Cusco Peru, the former capital of the former Inca Empire, is one of the most important places in Peru and is also an important starting point for travelers for exploration tours, hikes, small and large adventures. Not least because of the proximity to Peru's main attraction: Machu Picchu. Ubicated In the Southern Sierras, nestled in the fertile Andean highlands.

The charming colonial city have at an altitude of 3,416 meters is not only an absolute must-see, Cusco is also an ideal starting point for the numerous Inca cities in the near and far vicinity.

Cusco describes both the region and the city in Peru. So you can experience a lot in and around Cusco and easily spend several days there.

Machu Picchu Tours from Cusco

Cusco Peru: Weather

The Weather in Cusco Peru is relatively cool although it changes a lot, it can go from a radiant sun to a torrential rain, in just minutes.

In Cusco, the rainy season is overcast, the dry season is partly cloudy, and it is cool all year round.

“The Weather of the Andes is like the women of the Andes: changeable and unpredictable.”

– A popular Cusco saying

How is the Weather in Cusco Peru?

Although the mornings in Cusco are very sunny, so much that you need sun protection, the nights can be really frigid, especially in the months of June and July.

In general, the climate in Cusco region varies in 2 seasons per year; the dry season and the rainy season.

Average Weather in Cusco Peru

Rainy Season in Cusco Peru

The "Rainy Season" in Cusco Peru runs from November to March.

The intense rains are generally in the afternoon, Cusco is full of rainbows 2 or 3 at the same time, and the Inca city of Machu Picchu is dressed in its most intense green.

Although it is a Rainy Season in Cusco Peru, it is also summer in Cusco; So no matter how much it rains, the days are warm.

Precipitation: Less than 500 mm to 1000 mm / year.
Temperatures: Maximum up to 26 ° C. Average: From 18 ° C to 23 ° C.
Minimum: It descends to 4 ° C. although in the highest areas.

What to wear in Rainy Season

Don't forget to pack waterproof clothes, an umbrella and shoes that allow you to walk safely on wet and slippery surfaces. Sun protection (cap, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)

Dry season in Cusco Peru

The "Dry Season" in Cusco Peru runs from April to October.

Although the mornings are warm with an average temperature between 17 and 19 ° C; the nights are very frigid, and it is not uncommon for temperatures to fall under zero in the months of June and July.

During these months there is the high season of tourism, this causes that Machu Picchu tickets, train tickets, hotels and guides in the city of Cusco, must be booked in advance.

What to wear in Dry Season

The season force visitors to bring sunscreen (cap, sunscreen, glasses), repellent and a lot of water. The nights are frigid, so you better not forget your warm clothes.

Cusco Sacred Valley Machu Picchu

Temperature in Cusco Peru

Temperature: maximum: 20 ° C / minimum: 9 ° C

In Cusco, the month with the highest Temperature in Cusco Peru is October (21.7 ° C); the lowest Temperature in Cusco Peru occurs in the month of July (-1.6 ° C); and it rains with greater intensity in the month of January (156.32 mm / month).

Average Temperature in Cusco Peru

Cusco Peru Weather by Month

Cusco has a variable climate. Nights are usually cold, and during the dry season, the cold persists throughout the day. Even when the sun is shining, you may feel a chill. However, during the rainy season, the weather changes to be warmer. The average annual temperature in Cusco is 14°C, and it receives an annual rainfall of 517 mm. Here, we detail the weather in Cusco month by month and choose the best time to travel to Cusco Peru.

Weather of Cusco in January

The Weather of Cusco in January presents constantly rainfall, remaining at approximately 103 millimeters, and rarely exceeds 182 millimeters. The maximum daily temperatures are 19 ° C, the minimum temperature is 7 ° C. In January, weather of Cusco is cloudy 50% of the days.

What is the weather for Cusco in January?

On average, it is maximum 14° in january Cusco and at least around 6° degrees. In january there are 23 days of rainfall with a total of 80 mm and it will be dry 8 days this month.

Maximum temperature: 14°C
Minimum temperature: 6°C
Dry days: 8 days
Days with rain: 23 days
Days with snow: 0 days
Total rainfall: 80mm
Number of hours of sunshine: 11 hours
Average wind strength: 2 Bft
Average UV index: 3

Weather of Cusco Peru in February

The maximum daily temperatures are 19 ° C, the minimum temperature is 7 ° C. In February, weather of Cusco Peru is cloudy 93% of the days. The weather of Cusco Peru in the month of February presents average rainfall decreases, rarely exceeds 170 millimeters and is less than 32 millimeters.

What is the weather for Cusco in February?
On average, it is maximum 14° in February Cusco and at least around 6° degrees. There are 23 days of rainfall in February with a total of 90 mm. There are 4 dry days in Cusco and on average it snows 1 day in February.

Maximum temperature: 14°C
Minimum temperature: 6°C
Dry days: 4 days
Days with rain: 23 days
Days with snow: 1 day
Total rainfall: 90mm
Number of hours of sunshine: 10 hours
Average wind strength: 2 Bft
Average UV index: 3

Weather of Cusco Peru in March

The maximum daily temperatures are 19 ° C, the minimum daily temperatures are around 7 ° C. In March, weather of Cusco Peru is cloudy from 93% to 88% of the days. The weather of Cusco Peru in the month of March presents rainfall decreases rapidly, rarely exceeds 147 millimeters or is less than 13 millimeters.

What is the weather for Cusco in March?
On average, it is maximum 14° in march Cusco and at least around 5° degrees. There are 23 days of rainfall in March with a total of 70 mm. There are 6 dry days in Cusco and on average it snows 2 days in March.

Maximum temperature: 14°C
Minimum temperature: 5°C
Dry days: 6 days
Days with rain: 23 days
Days with snow: 2 days
Total rainfall: 70mm
Number of hours of sunshine: 10 hours
Average wind strength: 2 Bft
Average UV index: 3

Weather of Cusco Peru in April

The maximum daily temperatures are around 20 ° C, the minimum daily temperatures are 5 ° C. The month of April, Cuzco remains cloudy from 88% to 71% of the days. The average rainfall in April decreases rapidly, rarely exceeds 84 millimeters or falls to less than 11 millimeters.

What is the weather for Cusco in April?
On average, it is maximum 14° in April Cusco and at least around 4° degrees. There are 18 days of rainfall in April with a total of 36 mm. There are 11 dry days in Cusco and on average it snows 1 day in April.

Maximum temperature: 14°C
Minimum temperature: 4°C
Dry days: 11 Take
Days with rain: 18 Roofs
Days with snow: 1 Tag
Total rainfall: 36 mm
Number of hours of sunshine: 9 hours
Average wind strength: 2 Bft
Average UV index: 3

Weather of Cusco in May

The maximum daily temperatures are around 20 ° C, the minimum daily temperatures fall below 3 ° C. In May, weather of Cusco is cloudy from 71% to 63% of the days. The weather of Cusco in the month of May presents rainfall decreases gradually, rarely exceeding 22 millimeters.

What is the weather for Cusco in May?
On average, it is maximum 14° in May Cusco and at least around 3° degrees. There are 11 days of rainfall in May with a total of 17 mm. There are 19 dry days in Cusco and on average it snows 1 day in May.

Maximum temperature: 14°C
Minimum temperature: 3°C
Dry days: 19 days
Days with rain: 11 days
Days with snow: 1 day
Total rainfall: 17mm
Number of hours of sunshine: 9 hours
Average wind strength: 2 Bft
Average UV index: 3

Weather of Cusco Peru in June

The maximum daily temperatures are around 20 ° C, the minimum temperatures fall below 1 ° C. In June, weather of Cusco Peru is cloudy from 62% to 50% of the days. The weather of Cusco Peru in June presents constantly rainfall, rarely exceeding 14 millimeters.

What is the weather for Cusco in June?
On average, it is maximum 13° in June Cusco and at least around 2° degrees. In June there are 4 days of rainfall with a total of 6 mm. There are 25 dry days in Cusco and on average it snows 1 day in June.

Maximum temperature: 13°C
Minimum temperature: 2°C
Dry days: 25 days
Days with rain: 4 days
Days with snow: 1 day
Total rainfall: 6mm
Number of hours of sunshine: 7 hours
Average wind strength: 2 Bft
Average UV index: 3

Weather of Cusco in July

The maximum daily temperatures are around 20 ° C, the minimum temperature is around 0 ° C. The month of July, Cuzco remains cloudy from 50% to 44% of the days. The average rainfall in July is essentially constant, remaining at approximately 4 millimeters, and rarely exceeds 14 millimeters.

What is the weather for Cusco in July?
On average, it is maximum 13° in July Cusco and at least around 2° degrees. In July there are 6 days of rainfall with a total of 8 mm. There are 23 dry days this month in Cusco and on average it snows 2 days in July.

Maximum temperature: 13°C
Minimum temperature: 2°C
Dry days: 23 days
Days with rain: 6 days
Days with snow: 2 days
Total rainfall: 8mm
Number of hours of sunshine: 8 hours
Average wind strength: 2 Bft
Average UV index: 3

Weather of Cusco Peru in August

Maximum daily temperatures are around 20 ° C, minimum daily temperatures rarely fall below 2 ° C. In August, weather of Cusco Peru is cloudy from 44% to 58% of the days. The weather of Cusco Peru in August presents constantly rainfall, remaining at approximately 4 millimeters, and rarely exceeds 18 millimeters.

What is the weather like for Cusco in August?
On average, it is maximum 14° in August Cusco and at least around 3° degrees. In August there are 7 days of rainfall with a total of 11 mm. There are 23 dry days this month in Cusco and on average it snows 1 day in August.

Maximum temperature: 14°C
Minimum temperature: 3°C
Dry days: 23 days
Days with rain: 7 days
Days with snow: 1 day
Total rainfall: 11mm
Number of hours of sunshine: 9 hours
Average wind strength: 2 Bft
Average UV index: 3

Weather of Cusco in September

Maximum daily temperatures are around 21 ° C, minimum daily temperatures rarely fall below 4 ° C. During the month of September, Cuzco remains cloudy from 58% to 79% of the days. The average rainfall in September increases, rarely exceeds 48 millimeters or falls to less than 3 millimeters.

What is the weather for Cusco in September?
On average, it is maximum 15° in September Cusco and at least around 5° degrees. In September there are 12 days of rainfall with a total of 17 mm and it will be dry 18 days this month.

Maximum temperature: 15°C
Minimum temperature: 5°C
Dry days: 18 days
Days with rain: 12 days
Days with snow: 0 days
Total rainfall: 17mm
Number of hours of sunshine: 10 hours
Average wind strength: 2 Bft
Average UV index: 3

Weather of Cusco Peru in October

The maximum daily temperatures are around 21 ° C, the minimum daily temperatures rarely fall below 6 ° C. In October, weather of Cusco Peru is cloudy from 80% to 85% of the days. The weather of Cusco Peru in the month of October shows increases rainfall, rarely exceeds 78 millimeters or is less than 3 millimeters.

What is the weather for Cusco in October?
On average, it is maximum 15° in October Cusco and at least around 6° degrees. In October there are 19 days of rainfall with a total of 52 mm and it will be dry 12 days this month.

Maximum temperature: 15°C
Minimum temperature: 6°C
Dry days: 12 days
Days with rain: 19 days
Days with snow: 0 days
Total rainfall: 52mm
Number of hours of sunshine: 10 hours
Average wind strength: 2 Bft
Average UV index: 4

Weather of Cusco Peru in November

Maximum daily temperatures are around 21 ° C, minimum daily temperatures rarely fall below 7 ° C. In November, weather of Cusco Peru is cloudy from 85% to 91% of the days. The weather of Cusco Peru in October presents increases rainfall, rarely exceeds 78 millimeters or is less than 11 millimeters.

What is the weather for Cusco in November?
On average, it is maximum 15° in November Cusco and at least around 7° degrees. In November there are 21 days of rainfall with a total of 64 mm and it will be dry 9 days this month.

Maximum temperature: 15°C
Minimum temperature: 7°C
Dry days: 9 days
Days with rain: 21 days
Days with snow: 0 days
Total rainfall: 64mm
Number of hours of sunshine: 10 hours
Average wind strength: 2 Bft
Average UV index: 4

Weather of Cusco in December

The maximum temperatures are 20 ° C, the minimum daily temperatures rarely fall below 7 ° C. The month of December, Cuzco remains cloudy 92% of the days. The average rainfall during the month of December increases quickly, rarely exceeds 114 millimeters or is less than 26 millimeters.

Average Monthly Hours of Sunshine Over the Year

Average Monthly Precipitation Over the Yea

When to go to Cusco?

If you are planning an outdoor tourist activity in Cusco, the best time of year to visit Machu Picchu and Cusco is from late April to mid June and from early July to late September.

For hot-weather activities, the best time to visit Cusco is from late October to mid November.

So when’s the best time to visit Cusco? It depends. From May to October mornings are mostly sunshine and there are few rain, plus June is the most festival-packed month.

However, from June to August is the high tourism season and tourists are crowding in the attractions of the city more than any other time of the year. Rainy season is low season, so it won’t be as crowded and fees, especially for accommodation, tend to be lower.

Here are some average weather facts we collected from a historical climate data that you must have in account when visiting Cusco:

From September to December you are most likely to experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures that fall between 20 degrees Celsius (68°F) and 25 degrees Celsius (77°F).
During the months of January, February, March, November and December there are higher chance of rains.
Cusco has dry periods in May, June, July and August.
September is the warmest month on average.
July is the coolest month on average.
January is the wettest month. If you are not a big fan of rain, avoid travel to Cusco in this month.
June is the driest month.

Getting Heat in a Cold City

Although Cusco has between 30 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit during the night throughout the year, there are almost no heaters in accommodation or public places.

The Cusquenian solution for cold nights? Alpaca blankets. This handicrafts can be found in each bed of each home and shelter. These blankets are thick, patterned and highly effective.

Another option is to buy a "natural" heater. Some cusquenian people have large clay pots in which they put some alcohol and then light a fire. You can buy one of these clay pots at the Tupac Amaru Square, and alcohol can be bought at the San Pedro market.

Also, you will often see people sitting or standing outside their homes and businesses during the morning. That is his way of heating naturally with the sun's rays.

Other Tips on Weather in Cusco, Peru

The Cusco’s high altitude is 11,000+ feet!, so the sun is particularly intense. We recommend you be prepared for sunburn in Cusco. Take a effective sunscreen
No matter the time of the year, Cusco is cold at night (between 30° and 40°F).
The air is very dry, so bring moisturizing products to treat cracked hands and lips.

Additional Information of Cusco Peru

Cusco was the capital of the Incas and Peru's tourist hotspot. The place itself is worth seeing, not far from the center there is a large Inca construction and a great vantage point (Sacsayhuaman). Incidentally, Cusco has its own airport, and you can reach this high-lying place by flight 1 hr 20 min and bus in 22 hours from Lima- capital of Peru (plan enough time buffer for any altitude sickness that may occur!). Below you can find more information about Cusco Peru.