Month guide · Cusco · Peru
Cusco in August
What August is really like in Cusco: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
August is one of the best months to visit Cusco. Expect average highs of 20°C (68°F), lows of 1°C (34°F), about 2 rainy days and roughly 11.7 hours of daylight. Dry and busy, with windy afternoons; offerings to Pachamama are made throughout the month.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 20°C (68°F) / 1°C (34°F)
- Rainy days
- About 2
- Daylight
- About 11.7 hours
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in August
August is the 6th-warmest month in Cusco: days average 20°C (68°F) against a yearly average high of 20°C (68°F), and nights fall to about 1°C (34°F). Rain falls on roughly 2 of its 31 days. Compared with July (19°C (66°F)), August is about as warm; by September highs stay near 21°C (70°F).
- Sunrise (15 August)
- About 06:03
- Sunset (15 August)
- About 17:42
- Daylight
- About 11.7 hours
Peak rains (February–March). The wettest months, with muddy trails, possible landslides and the Inca Trail usually closed in February.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, August rates 5 for crowds (the peak is June at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in June). Book accommodation early: August is one of the pricier months.
Events in August
- Pachamama offerings — traditional Mother Earth ceremonies (August)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in August
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
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Historic site · Pisac
Pisac archaeological site
High above the town of Pisac, a sweep of agricultural terraces climbs the mountainside to Inca temples, baths and residential quarters, with one of the largest known Inca cemeteries carved into the cliffs opposite.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- History
- Views
- Active
- Outdoors
Historic site · Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo archaeological site
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon, before or after the tour buses from Cusco.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- History
- Views
- Iconic
- Active
Landmark · Historic Centre
Plaza de Armas
Cusco's main square was the Inca city's ceremonial plaza, Huacaypata.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- History
- After dark
- Photo spot
Religious site · Historic Centre
Cusco Cathedral
Use the audio guide to find the Last Supper painting and the Señor de los Temblores, Cusco's patron crucifix.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- History
- Art
- Architecture
- Rainy day
What to pack
For highs near 20°C, lows near 1°C and 2 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; shoes with good grip for icy pavements; comfortable walking shoes.
Is August a good time to visit Cusco?
One of the best months to visit Cusco, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are May–July and September. Compare every month.
Cusco in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is August a good time to visit Cusco?
It is one of the best months to visit Cusco. Dry and busy, with windy afternoons; offerings to Pachamama are made throughout the month.
+How warm is Cusco in August?
Average highs are around 20°C (68°F) and lows around 1°C (34°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Cusco in August?
Expect rain on about 2 days of the month, so it is usually dry.