Destination
When should you visit Cusco?
Cusco is the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, and the dry season (May to September) brings the clearest skies and the biggest crowds. The wet season (November to March) is greener, quieter and cheaper, but with a higher risk of disruption. The city sits at about 3,400 metres, so plan for altitude. Here is how all twelve months compare.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
My recommendation
May
May comes right after the rains, with clear skies, green valleys and lighter crowds than July and August. It is ideal for Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
Best weather
May–September
Dry, sunny days.
Least crowded
January–March
Wet season, fewer travellers.
Best for festivals
June
Inti Raymi on 24 June.
Best value
November–March
Lower prices and quieter sights.
May scores
Plan around
What to know before you book
- Inca Trail closure
- The Inca Trail closes for annual maintenance.
- Inti Raymi
- Crowds and prices rise sharply.
- Altitude
- Cusco is about 3,400 m, so allow time to acclimatise.
February
24 June
Year-round
Cusco travel tip
Give yourself one or two days to adjust to the altitude before any big hikes, and book Machu Picchu entry well ahead, especially from May to September.
Founder note
“For my favourite Cusco view, climb up to the San Blas neighbourhood or the Cristo Blanco viewpoint at golden hour. The red rooftops and the Andes behind them are unforgettable.”
Month by month
All twelve months, at a glance
Tap any month for full scores, temperatures and planning notes.
- Temperature
- 8–20°C
- Mild days with regular afternoon rain.
- Crowds
- Low-Moderate
- Fairly relaxed, with busier moments at the headline sights.
- Prices
- $$$
- Mid-range hotel rates.
Keep rain gear and check conditions for Machu Picchu transport.
- Cultural sights
- Food
- Markets
- Temperature
- 8–20°C
- Mild days with heavy rain and cloud.
- Crowds
- Low
- Light crowds, and most sights can be visited without booking far ahead.
- Prices
- $$
- Good-value hotel rates.
Check Machu Picchu access rules and flexible bookings.
- Museums
- Food
- Cultural sights
- Temperature
- 8–20°C
- Mild with frequent showers.
- Crowds
- Low-Moderate
- Fairly relaxed, with busier moments at the headline sights.
- Prices
- $$$
- Mid-range hotel rates.
Plan for flexible travel days.
- Cultural sights
- Food
- Temperature
- 6–21°C
- Mild and drying with occasional showers.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Steady visitor numbers; the main sights are busiest around midday.
- Prices
- $$$
- Mid-range hotel rates.
Book Holy Week early.
- Holy Week
- Sightseeing
- Temperature
- 4–21°C
- Sunny days and cold nights.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Steady visitor numbers; the main sights are busiest around midday.
- Prices
- $$$
- Mid-range hotel rates.
Book Machu Picchu tickets well ahead.
- Machu Picchu
- Sacred Valley
- Hiking
- Temperature
- 2–21°C
- Sunny days and very cold nights.
- Crowds
- High
- Expect queues at the headline sights and full terraces in the evening.
- Prices
- $$$$
- Higher rates, especially for central and view rooms.
Book accommodation months ahead for Inti Raymi.
- Inti Raymi
- Machu Picchu
- Hiking
- Temperature
- 1–21°C
- Dry, sunny days and near-near-near-near-near-freezing nights.
- Crowds
- Very High
- One of the busiest periods of the year; book ahead and go early.
- Prices
- $$$$$
- Peak pricing for hotels and flights.
Book tickets and tours early.
- Machu Picchu
- Treks
- Temperature
- 3–22°C
- Dry, sunny and cold at night.
- Crowds
- High
- Expect queues at the headline sights and full terraces in the evening.
- Prices
- $$$$$
- Peak pricing for hotels and flights.
Book well in advance.
- Treks
- Machu Picchu
- Temperature
- 5–22°C
- Sunny with warming days.
- Crowds
- Moderate-High
- Popular sights fill up at peak hours, so book timed entries ahead.
- Prices
- $$$$
- Higher rates, especially for central and view rooms.
Book Machu Picchu entry early and visit sites mid-week.
- Machu Picchu
- Sacred Valley
- Hiking
- Temperature
- 7–22°C
- Warm, with occasional rain.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Steady visitor numbers; the main sights are busiest around midday.
- Prices
- $$$
- Mid-range hotel rates.
Plan outdoor activities in the morning.
- Sacred Valley
- Sightseeing
- Temperature
- 8–22°C
- Mild with afternoon showers.
- Crowds
- Low
- Light crowds, and most sights can be visited without booking far ahead.
- Prices
- $$$
- Mid-range hotel rates.
Allow flexibility for weather.
- Cultural sights
- Food
- Temperature
- 8–21°C
- Mild with regular rain.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Steady visitor numbers; the main sights are busiest around midday.
- Prices
- $$$
- Mid-range hotel rates.
Book Christmas and New Year stays early.
- Markets
- Food
- Cultural sights
Climate
Cusco weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Precipitation | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21°C / 70°F | 8°C / 46°F | 153 mm | 20 |
| February | 20°C / 68°F | 8°C / 46°F | 132 mm | 17 |
| March | 21°C / 70°F | 8°C / 46°F | 106 mm | 16 |
| April | 21°C / 70°F | 6°C / 43°F | 38 mm | 7 |
| May | 21°C / 70°F | 4°C / 39°F | 7 mm | 2 |
| June | 21°C / 70°F | 2°C / 36°F | 3 mm | 1 |
| July | 21°C / 70°F | 1°C / 34°F | 6 mm | 1 |
| August | 22°C / 72°F | 3°C / 37°F | 7 mm | 2 |
| September | 22°C / 72°F | 5°C / 41°F | 18 mm | 4 |
| October | 22°C / 72°F | 7°C / 45°F | 54 mm | 9 |
| November | 22°C / 72°F | 8°C / 46°F | 77 mm | 10 |
| December | 21°C / 70°F | 8°C / 46°F | 125 mm | 17 |
Climate data: NOAA. Temperatures are averages of daily highs and lows.
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FAQ
Planning a trip to Cusco
What is the best month to visit Cusco?
May is a strong choice for clear skies and lighter crowds.
When is the rainy season?
Roughly November to March.
When is Inti Raymi?
On 24 June each year.