Best time to visit · Cusco · Peru
The best time to visit Cusco
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
The best time to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu is the dry season from May to September, with sunny days and clear mountain views, though June to August is the busiest and coldest at night. April and October are good shoulder months with fewer crowds. The wet season, from November to March, brings frequent rain, and February is the wettest month, when the classic Inca Trail usually closes.
Key facts
- Best months
- May–September
- Shoulder season
- April and October
- Warmest month
- September (avg high 21°C (70°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 19°C (66°F))
- Rainiest month
- January (~18 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- February
Seasons
Cusco has a highland climate with sunny days of around 19–21°C year-round but cold nights. The dry season from May to September has clear skies and frosty nights; the wet season from November to March brings frequent afternoon rain.
May–September
Dry season
Sunny days, clear skies and freezing nights; peak season for Machu Picchu and treks, with festivals in June.
April and October
Shoulder season
Mostly dry with occasional showers, green landscapes in April and fewer crowds.
November–January
Wet season
Frequent afternoon rain, green valleys and lower prices; mornings are often clear.
February–March
Peak rains
The wettest months, with muddy trails, possible landslides and the Inca Trail usually closed in February.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19°C | 7°C | 18 | 12.8 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| February | 19°C | 7°C | 15 | 12.6 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| March | 19°C | 6°C | 14 | 12.2 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| April | 20°C | 5°C | 8 | 11.8 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 20°C | 2°C | 3 | 11.5 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| June | 19°C | 0°C | 1 | 11.3 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| July | 19°C | 0°C | 1 | 11.4 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| August | 20°C | 1°C | 2 | 11.7 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| September | 21°C | 4°C | 5 | 12 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| October | 21°C | 5°C | 8 | 12.4 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| November | 21°C | 6°C | 11 | 12.8 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| December | 20°C | 6°C | 15 | 12.9 h | 2/5 | 3/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| February | Carnival celebrations (February or early March) |
| March | Señor de los Temblores procession (Holy Monday, March or April) |
| April | Semana Santa (March or April) |
| May | Qoyllur Rit'i pilgrimage in the mountains (late May or June) |
| June | Inti Raymi — Inca festival of the sun at Sacsayhuamán (24 June); Corpus Christi (May or June) |
| July | Virgen del Carmen festival in Paucartambo (around 16 July); Fiestas Patrias — Independence holidays (28–29 July) |
| August | Pachamama offerings — traditional Mother Earth ceremonies (August) |
| December | Santurantikuy — Christmas craft market in the Plaza de Armas (24 December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in February, and the sights are quietest in February. Many visitors avoid February.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Dry season | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Shoulder season | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Wet season | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Peak rains | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Cusco?
The best time to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu is the dry season from May to September, with sunny days and clear mountain views, though June to August is the busiest and coldest at night. April and October are good shoulder months with fewer crowds. The wet season, from November to March, brings frequent rain, and February is the wettest month, when the classic Inca Trail usually closes.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Cusco?
Usually in February. The wettest month; the classic Inca Trail usually closes for maintenance in February.
+What is the rainiest month in Cusco?
January, with about 18 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Cusco get?
The warmest month, September, averages highs of 21°C (70°F) and lows of 4°C (39°F).