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Best time to visit Cusco: month by month
Short answer
May to September, the dry season, is the best time: sunny days with highs of 17–19°C, almost no rain in June and July, but nights near 4–5°C and the most crowds. April and October–November are quieter. December to March is the rainy season with 24–28 rainy days a month.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 16°C | 8°C | 28 | low |
| Feb | 16°C | 8°C | 25 | low |
| Mar | 16°C | 7°C | 27 | low |
| Apr | 17°C | 7°C | 17 | medium |
| May | 17°C | 6°C | 10 | high |
| Jun | 17°C | 4°C | 0 | very high |
| Jul | 18°C | 5°C | 2 | very high |
| Aug | 19°C | 5°C | 7 | very high |
| Sep | 19°C | 6°C | 13 | high |
| Oct | 19°C | 8°C | 20 | medium |
| Nov | 18°C | 8°C | 24 | medium |
| Dec | 18°C | 8°C | 25 | low |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Autumn (Mar–May)
Rain eases from about 27 days in March to 10 in May; highs of 16–17°C and green valleys.
Winter (Jun–Aug)
The dry season: clear skies, highs of 17–19°C and cold nights around 4–5°C; peak crowds at Machu Picchu and Inti Raymi on 24 June.
Spring (Sep–Nov)
Highs of about 18–19°C; rain returns from October, with 13–24 rainy days, and fewer crowds.
Summer (Dec–Feb)
The rainy season with afternoon storms and 25–28 rainy days; the Inca Trail closes in February.
Events worth planning around
- Inti Raymi, the Inca festival of the sun at Sacsayhuamán (24 June)
- Corpus Christi processions (May or June)
- Qoyllur Rit'i pilgrimage (May or June, before Corpus Christi)
- Santurantikuy Christmas craft market on the Plaza de Armas (24 December)
When to avoid
February is the wettest month and the Inca Trail is closed. Late June to August is crowded and pricey, so book Machu Picchu tickets and trains early if you travel then.
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Common questions
When is the best time to visit Cusco?
May to September for dry, sunny days; April and October for fewer crowds.
Is the rainy season a bad time?
December to March brings afternoon storms and landslide risks, and the Inca Trail closes in February. Mornings are often clear, and prices are lower.
When is Inti Raymi?
Every 24 June at Sacsayhuamán. Hotels fill weeks ahead; seats in the stands are paid, but you can watch from the hillsides.