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Lima vs Cusco: which is better, and when to go
Lima is at its best in March and Cusco in May. Below, the two cities side by side: weather, crowds and prices in every month, and what each does better across the year.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
Lima and Cusco
At a glance
| Lima | Cusco | |
|---|---|---|
| Best month | March (7.4/10) | May (7.3/10) |
| Warmest month | February, 28°C | August, 22°C |
| Coolest month | August, 19°C | January, 20°C |
| Quietest month | May (Low-Moderate) | February (Low) |
| Busiest month | January (High) | July (Very High) |
| Cheapest month | June ($$) | February ($$) |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Cusco for
- a gentler warmest month (August highs around 22°C, against 28°C)
Little difference between them in: how cold the coolest month gets, crowds across the year, events through the year.
Month by month
Average high, crowds and prices for each month, and which city comes out ahead overall. Open a month for the full comparison.
| Month | Lima | Cusco | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 27°C · High · $$$ | 20°C · Low-Moderate · $$$ | Lima |
| February | 28°C · High · $$$ | 20°C · Low · $$ | Lima |
| March | 28°C · Moderate · $$$ | 20°C · Low-Moderate · $$$ | Lima |
| April | 25°C · Moderate · $$$ | 21°C · Moderate · $$$ | Lima |
| May | 23°C · Low-Moderate · $$ | 21°C · Moderate · $$$ | Cusco |
| June | 20°C · Low-Moderate · $$ | 21°C · High · $$$$ | Cusco |
| July | 20°C · Moderate · $$ | 21°C · Very High · $$$$$ | Cusco |
| August | 19°C · Low · $$ | 22°C · High · $$$$$ | Cusco |
| September | 20°C · Low · $$ | 22°C · Moderate-High · $$$$ | Cusco |
| October | 21°C · Moderate · $$$ | 22°C · Moderate · $$$ | Cusco |
| November | 22°C · Moderate · $$$ | 22°C · Low · $$$ | Lima |
| December | 24°C · Moderate-High · $$$ | 21°C · Moderate · $$$ | Lima |
FAQ
Lima or Cusco?
Is Lima or Cusco better?
It depends on when you go. Lima is at its best in March and Cusco in May. The month-by-month table shows which city comes out ahead in each month.
When is the best time to visit Lima and Cusco?
Lima: March. Cusco: May.
Which is cheaper, Lima or Cusco?
Lima is cheaper on average across the year.