Climate in Cusco month by month: rain, cold and seasons

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Climate in Cusco month by month: rain, cold and seasons

Many travelers planning to visit Cusco wonder what the weather is like throughout the year and when the best time to travel is. The good news is that each month has different characteristics. In this guide, you’ll discover Cusco’s weather month by month, rainy seasons, temperatures, and useful tips to plan your perfect trip.

🧭 What is the Weather Like in Cusco Throughout the Year?

Cusco’s climate is influenced by its altitude of 3,399 meters (11,152 ft) above sea level and is mainly divided into two seasons:

Dry season (April – October)
Rainy season (November – March)

Temperatures in Cusco usually range between 5°C and 20°C (41°F – 68°F) depending on the time of year and time of day.

During the day the weather is generally mild, while nights can be quite cold, especially during the dry season.

☀️ Dry Season in Cusco

The dry season occurs between April and October and is considered the best time to visit Cusco.

Characteristics:

Sunny days
Clear skies
Lower chance of rain

This makes it the ideal season for:

Visiting Machu Picchu
Doing treks such as the Inca Trail
Exploring the Sacred Valley

🌧️ Rainy Season in Cusco

The rainy season takes place between November and March.

Characteristics

Frequent rainfall
Greener landscapes
Fewer tourists

Although rain is more common, many travelers take advantage of this season due to lower travel prices.

📊 Comparison: Dry Season vs Rainy Season

Feature	Dry Season	Rainy Season
Months	April – October	November – March
Weather	Sunny	Rainy
Tourism	High	Medium
Prices	Higher	More affordable
Trekking	Excellent	Limited

💰 Travel Costs Depending on the Season

The weather can also influence travel prices.

Dry Season (High Season)

Approximate costs:

Hotels: $70 – $200 USD per night
Machu Picchu tours: $250 – $450 USD
Tourist trains: $70 – $200 USD

Rainy Season (Low Season)

Approximate costs:

Hotels: $40 – $150 USD
Tours: $200 – $350 USD

✅ What a Machu Picchu Tour Usually Includes

Transportation Cusco – Ollantaytambo
Round-trip train tickets
Entrance to Machu Picchu
Bus up and down the mountain
Professional guide

❌ What Is NOT Included

Full meals
Travel insurance
Tips
Additional mountain tickets

🎒 Pro Tips for Travelers

1. Acclimatize to the altitude

Cusco is located at 3,399 meters above sea level, which may cause altitude sickness (soroche).

Tip:

Spend 1–2 days in Cusco before doing intensive tours.

2. Bring clothing for different weather conditions

The weather in Cusco can change quickly.

Recommended packing list:

Waterproof jacket
Thermal clothing
Sunscreen
Trekking shoes

3. Book tickets in advance

During the dry season, Machu Picchu tickets often sell out quickly.

It is recommended to book at least one month in advance.

4. Visit early for the best views

Early entry times offer:

Fewer tourists
Better lighting for photography
A greater chance of seeing the famous mist over Machu Picchu

The weather in Cusco month by month varies between dry and rainy seasons, which directly affects the travel experience. If you prefer clear skies and better trekking conditions, the dry season between May and September is ideal. If you prefer fewer tourists and lower prices, the rainy season can be a great alternative.

Recomendaciones de nuestros pasajeros

Gimena Rojas

Doing the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu was one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life, and a big part of that was thanks to the outstanding service and care provided by Marvelous Peru. From the very first contact, their team was professional, friendly, and informative. They answered all of our questions quickly and gave us clear, detailed information about the itinerary, what to pack, and what to expect on the trail. The logistics were flawless — every transfer was on time, the campsites were well set up, and the support team was incredibly kind and helpful throughout the journey. A special mention goes to our guide, who was not only knowledgeable about Inca history, the local flora and fauna, and the geography of the Andes, but also passionate and deeply connected to the region's culture. His insights truly enriched our experience. The trek itself was absolutely breathtaking. Each day brought new landscapes: from the snow-capped peaks of the mighty Salkantay Mountain to lush cloud forests, turquoise glacial lakes, and ancient Inca trails. The route was well-paced, with plenty of breaks, and we always felt safe and supported. It’s a physically challenging trek, but Marvelous Peru made sure everyone was comfortable and well taken care of. One of the highlights was definitely the food. Considering we were in remote mountain areas, the meals exceeded all expectations. Every dish was fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared. There were generous portions, local flavors, and even vegetarian options — a huge plus for some of us in the group. Our camp chef deserves a medal! Reaching Machu Picchu on the final day felt incredibly rewarding. After five days of hiking through such diverse and awe-inspiring terrain, standing before one of the world's wonders felt even more magical. It was the perfect end to a journey that tested us physically and rewarded us spiritually. I wholeheartedly recommend Marvelous Peru to anyone considering the Salkantay Trek. Their passion, organization, and genuine care for their travelers truly set them apart. If you want to discover the beauty of the Andes and Machu Picchu in a way that’s immersive, authentic, and unforgettable, go with Marvelous Peru. You won’t regret it.

Sergio Prado

The guide had so much knowledge and heart-he brought the trail to life

Marilyn Astudillo

I didn’t expect to enjoy the food on a mountain trek so much. Every meal was amazing.

yosgali rebeca boza carpio

Exelente

Noce Tampoco ce

Everything was so well organized, and the views were absolutely unforgettable.

Alexander Quispe R.

Reserve el tour de Salkantay de 5D/4N fui con el el mejor Guía Pablo tube una experiencia Maravillosa y en nuestra visita a Machupicchu tuvimos un clima espectacular recomiendo la compañía 🥳😃😃😃buena organización 🤗

nilton abelardo ccopa lopez

Una excelente experiencia recomendamos hacer los viajes con la compañía, servicio de calidad

Ivn_ Nghtmr

The Salkantay Trek with Marvelous couldn't have been better thanks to our incredible guide, Daniel. Honestly, I've never had such a great guide. Daniel is so warm, cheerful, and energetic. He wasn't just a guide, but part of our trekking family—many guides could learn something from him! Aside from that, our group was very personable, young, and motivated. The private cooks traveling with us prepared amazing food, and there was always enough of it. I've never eaten so well on a trek. Only in the last few days, when the cooks left and provided us with food at the restaurant, did the quality of the food really suffer compared to before. The accommodations were good, the sleeping bags provided were sufficient, and Daniel, our guide, tailored the route to our group's needs so everyone was satisfied.