Cusco in January
Rainy season, green valleys
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
The short answer
January is one of the weakest months in Cusco.
January is in the rainy season; the city is quieter, but treks and roads can be disrupted.
January in detail
What January actually feels like
- Weather
- 8–20°C
- Mild days with regular afternoon rain.
- Crowds
- Low-Moderate
- Fairly relaxed, with busier moments at the headline sights.
- Prices
- $$$
- Mid-range hotel rates.
+Lush landscapes and low prices.
–Frequent rain and slippery trails.
My tip for January
Keep rain gear and check conditions for Machu Picchu transport.
- Cultural sights
- Food
- Markets
How January compares
Against the other eleven months
11th of 12 overall in Cusco, 11th for weather, 3rd for space, 2nd for value. The emptiest month is February; the best value is February.
See all twelve months for CuscoNot set on January?
Months I'd choose over January
Also good in January
Weather
Weather in Cusco in January
In January Cusco averages a high of 21°C (70°F) and a low of 8°C (46°F), with about 153 mm of rain or snow over 20 wet days. The warmest month is August (around 22°C) and the coolest is February (around 20°C); the wettest month is January.
- Average high
- 21°C
- 70°F
- Average low
- 8°C
- 46°F
- Precipitation
- 153 mm
- Wet days
- 20
Climate data: NOAA. Temperatures are averages of daily highs and lows.
Quick answers
Cusco in January: the questions people ask
- Is January a good time to visit Cusco?
- January is one of the weakest months in Cusco. It ranks 11 of 12 months in Cusco overall (11 for weather, 3 for space, 2 for value). The main upside: Lush landscapes and low prices. The main downside: Frequent rain and slippery trails.
- What is the weather like in Cusco in January?
- Average highs are around 21°C and lows around 8°C. Expect about 153 mm of rain or snow over roughly 20 wet days. Mild days with regular afternoon rain. For comparison, the warmest month is August (around 22°C) and the coolest is February (around 20°C).
- Is Cusco crowded in January?
- Crowds are low-moderate. Fairly relaxed, with busier moments at the headline sights. The quietest month is February.
- How expensive is Cusco in January?
- Prices are at level 3 of 5 ($$$). 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 (January ranks 11 of 12). The quietest month is February and the best value is February.
Still going to Cusco in January?
Book early and plan around the busiest hours — frequent rain and slippery trails.
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