Month guide · Cusco · Peru
Cusco in January
What January is really like in Cusco: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Chalisimo5, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
January is a quieter month with trade-offs. Expect average highs of 19°C (66°F), lows of 7°C (45°F), about 18 rainy days and roughly 12.8 hours of daylight. Rainy season, with frequent afternoon downpours; trails are muddy and landslides can disrupt travel.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 19°C (66°F) / 7°C (45°F)
- Rainy days
- About 18
- Daylight
- About 12.8 hours
- Crowds
- Quiet
- Hotel prices
- Low
Weather in January
January is the 8th-warmest month in Cusco: days average 19°C (66°F) against a yearly average high of 20°C (68°F), and nights fall to about 7°C (45°F). Rain falls on roughly 18 of its 31 days. Compared with December (20°C (68°F)), January is about as warm; by February highs stay near 19°C (66°F).
- Sunrise (15 January)
- About 05:32
- Sunset (15 January)
- About 18:22
- Daylight
- About 12.8 hours
Shoulder season (April and October). Mostly dry with occasional showers, green landscapes in April and fewer crowds.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, January rates 2 for crowds (the peak is June at 5) and 2 for hotel prices (highest in June). That makes January one of the better-value months to book.
Events in January
January has no major recurring festival in Cusco, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in January
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
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
Historic site · Historic Centre
Qorikancha and Santo Domingo
The Inca Empire's most important temple, dedicated to the sun god Inti, was once covered with sheets of gold.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- History
- Architecture
- Rainy day
Museum · Historic Centre
Museo de Arte Precolombino (MAP)
A compact, high-quality museum for an hour on a rainy afternoon; the courtyard restaurant is a calm place for lunch.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Art
- History
- Rainy day
Museum · Historic Centre
Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco
This non-profit centre on Avenida El Sol works with weaving communities around Cusco.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Art
- Shopping
- Rainy day
What to pack
For highs near 19°C, lows near 7°C and 18 wet days: layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is January a good time to visit Cusco?
A quieter month with trade-offs. If your dates are flexible, May–September are better overall. Compare every month.
Cusco in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is January a good time to visit Cusco?
It is a quieter month with trade-offs. Rainy season, with frequent afternoon downpours; trails are muddy and landslides can disrupt travel.
+How warm is Cusco in January?
Average highs are around 19°C (66°F) and lows around 7°C (45°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Cusco in January?
Expect rain on about 18 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.