Cusco in December
Wet and festive
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
The short answer
December is a below-average month in Cusco.
December has Christmas and the Santurantikuy craft market, with rain increasing.
December in detail
What December actually feels like
- Weather
- 8–21°C
- Mild with regular rain.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Steady visitor numbers; the main sights are busiest around midday.
- Prices
- $$$
- Mid-range hotel rates.
+Festive atmosphere and the Santurantikuy market.
–Rain and holiday bookings.
My tip for December
Book Christmas and New Year stays early.
- Markets
- Food
- Cultural sights
How December compares
Against the other eleven months
10th of 12 overall in Cusco, 9th for weather, 5th for space, 5th for value. The emptiest month is February; the best value is February.
See all twelve months for CuscoNot set on December?
Months I'd choose over December
Also good in December
Weather
Weather in Cusco in December
In December Cusco averages a high of 21°C (70°F) and a low of 8°C (46°F), with about 125 mm of rain or snow over 17 wet days. The warmest month is August (around 22°C) and the coolest is February (around 20°C); the wettest month is January.
- Average high
- 21°C
- 70°F
- Average low
- 8°C
- 46°F
- Precipitation
- 125 mm
- Wet days
- 17
Climate data: NOAA. Temperatures are averages of daily highs and lows.
Quick answers
Cusco in December: the questions people ask
- Is December a good time to visit Cusco?
- December is a below-average month in Cusco. It ranks 10 of 12 months in Cusco overall (9 for weather, 5 for space, 5 for value). The main upside: Festive atmosphere and the Santurantikuy market. The main downside: Rain and holiday bookings.
- What is the weather like in Cusco in December?
- Average highs are around 21°C and lows around 8°C. Expect about 125 mm of rain or snow over roughly 17 wet days. Mild with regular rain. For comparison, the warmest month is August (around 22°C) and the coolest is February (around 20°C).
- Is Cusco crowded in December?
- Crowds are moderate. Steady visitor numbers; the main sights are busiest around midday. The quietest month is February.
- How expensive is Cusco in December?
- Prices are at level 3 of 5 ($$$). Mid-range hotel rates. The best-value month is February.
- When is the best time to visit Cusco?
- In the CrowdFreeViews month scores, May is the best month overall (December ranks 10 of 12). The quietest month is February and the best value is February.
Still going to Cusco in December?
Book early and plan around the busiest hours — rain and holiday bookings.
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