Peru (Cusco)
Peru · South America
The best time to visit Peru (Cusco) is April, May, June, July, August, and September. In summer, daytime highs average 22°C (72°F), with peaks around 25°C (77°F); in winter, nights average 2°C (36°F), dropping to around -2°C (28°F) on the coldest. All climate data are based on historical monthly averages (2005–2025) to help you plan the optimal travel time.
Peru (Cusco) – What you should know
Cusco sits at around 3,400 metres (11,155 ft), and that dominates everything else. Temperatures barely change across the year — between 19°C (66°F) and 21°C (70°F) by day — but nights drop to 2°C (36°F) in June and July. This near twenty-degree day-night range is typical of the tropical high Andes: the sun is intense, and the shade is immediately cold.
What separates the seasons is rainfall. December to March bring 102 to 140 mm (4.0 to 5.5 in) a month across twelve to fourteen days, while May to August deliver 4 to 8 mm (0.2 to 0.3 in) across a single one. The dry season from May to September is therefore the clear travel window for Machu Picchu and the Salkantay trek. The Inca Trail itself closes every February for maintenance.
Altitude is the factor travellers most often underestimate. Altitude sickness strikes regardless of fitness, and the standard advice — two to three days acclimatising in Cusco, take it slowly, drink plenty — is not a formality. Anyone flying in directly from Lima at sea level should deliberately leave the first days empty and place demanding hikes at the end of the trip.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 20° (68°)15– (59–)23 (73) | 19° (66°)15– (59–)23 (73) | 20° (68°)15– (59–)22 (72) | 20° (68°)16– (61–)23 (73) | 21° (70°)15– (59–)23 (73) | 21° (70°)16– (61–)22 (72) | 21° (70°)15– (59–)23 (73) | 21° (70°)16– (61–)24 (75) | 21° (70°)16– (61–)25 (77) | 21° (70°)15– (59–)25 (77) | 22° (72°)15– (59–)25 (77) | 20° (68°)15– (59–)24 (75) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 9° (48°)5– (41–)10 (50) | 9° (48°)5– (41–)10 (50) | 8° (46°)4– (39–)10 (50) | 7° (45°)3– (37–)9 (48) | 4° (39°)1– (34–)7 (45) | 3° (37°)-1– (30–)6 (43) | 2° (36°)-2– (28–)6 (43) | 4° (39°)0– (32–)8 (46) | 6° (43°)2– (36–)9 (48) | 7° (45°)4– (39–)10 (50) | 8° (46°)5– (41–)11 (52) | 8° (46°)5– (41–)10 (50) |
☀️Sunshine | 5h UV 7 | 4h UV 7 | 6h UV 8 | 7h UV 8 | 7h UV 7 | 8h UV 7 | 7h UV 7 | 7h UV 8 | 6h UV 8 | 6h UV 7 | 5h UV 7 | 4h UV 5 |
🌧Rain Days | 14d140mm (5.5") | 14d120mm (4.7") | 12d102mm (4.0") | 5d44mm (1.7") | 1d8mm (0.3") | 1d4mm (0.1") | 1d7mm (0.3") | 1d8mm (0.3") | 2d21mm (0.8") | 7d78mm (3.1") | 8d83mm (3.3") | 14d139mm (5.5") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
October offers great weather in Peru (Cusco) with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Peru (Cusco)?
- The best time to visit Peru (Cusco) is April, May, June, July, August, and September. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Peru (Cusco)?
- In summer, daytime highs in Peru (Cusco) average 22°C (72°F), with peaks around 25°C (77°F); in winter, nights average 2°C (36°F), dropping to around -2°C (28°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Peru (Cusco) get?
- Peru (Cusco) has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 7 rain days per month. The driest months are June, July, and August.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
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City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
MayAugSep
