Planning a trip to Cusco and wondering what the weather is really like?
One of the most important things travelers should know before visiting Peru is that Cusco weather can change dramatically during the same day. In the morning, temperatures can feel warm and sunny, reaching up to 25°C (77°F), while at night they can drop to 3°C (37°F) or even colder.
Because Cusco is located high in the Peruvian Andes at 3,400 meters (11,150 ft), the climate is very different from other destinations in Peru.
This guide explains:
The dry season in Cusco is considered the best time to visit Machu Picchu and hike the famous trails around the region.
During these months, travelers enjoy:
This is also the busiest tourism season in Peru.
During the day, temperatures in Cusco usually range between: 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F)
The sun at high altitude feels very strong, especially around midday. Even when temperatures are not extremely hot, the direct Andean sun can feel intense.
At night, temperatures drop quickly: 3°C to 7°C (37°F to 44°F)
Cold mornings and freezing nights are common during June and July.
In higher-altitude destinations like:
Rain is uncommon during the dry season, but light showers can still happen occasionally.
Typical dry-season weather includes:
This is why May, June, July, and August are considered the best months for:
The rainy season in Cusco transforms the Andes into green and beautiful landscapes.
Although rain becomes more frequent, many travelers still visit Peru during this time because:
Daytime temperatures usually stay between: 17°C to 22°C (62°F to 71°F)
However, because of clouds and humidity, it often feels cooler than during dry season.
Rain in Cusco commonly arrives during:
A typical rainy-season day in Cusco may start sunny and end with heavy rain at night.
January and February are usually the wettest months in Cusco and Machu Picchu.
