All about the climate in Cusco

Cusco is in the heart of the Andes Mountains. It is found in the south-eastern region of Peru. It includes a large part of mountains as well as a strip of the Amazon rainforest. From its capital, the city of Cusco, it starts with the different tourist attractions, the main one being Machu Picchu. Learn details about the weather during your trip to this wonderful geography.

How is the climate in Cusco?

Cusco has thirteen provinces: Cusco, Acomayo, Anta, Calca, Canas, Canchis, Chumbivilcas, Espinar, La Convencion, Paruro, Paucartambo, Quispicanchi and Urubamba.

The climate varies according to the province or tourist destination that is visited. However, the prevailing temperature is between 18ºC. and 5 ° C. Except in the tropical region (province of La Convencion) where the climate varies between 18ºC. and 26ºC.

There are two seasons during the year: the dry season (from April to October) and the rainy season (from November to March). During the first season, the lowest temperatures (at night) and the least frequency of rains are recorded. On the other hand, during the second season, the heaviest rains and the least cold nights are recorded.

This is the climate all year long

This is the climate in Cusco according to its province and throughout the year:

The rainy season

The rainy season in Cusco is throughout the months of November, December, January, February and March.

On those days the rains are more constant, especially in January, February and March. All the provinces of Cusco receive heavy rains and storms.

On the other hand, the night cold is less intense during those days.

The dry season

The dry season in Cusco happens throughout the months of April, May, June, July, August, September and October.

On those days the rains are scarce, especially in the months of June, July and August. In all the provinces of Cusco, the landscape becomes drier.

On the other hand, the nighttime cold increases until reaching, in some cases, temperatures below 0ºC.

The climate in Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is part of the Urubamba province. Due to its proximity to the Cusco jungle, its climate is warm with a maximum temperature of 24ºC. and a minimum of 8ºC.

The rains are intense in the months of January, February and March. Due to this, throughout February, the hiking route called Inca Trail to Machu Picchu remains closed.

The climate in other tourist attractions of Cusco

The mountain of the 7 colors – Natural landscape whose mineral-rich soil has several colors. It is located above 5,000 meters in height. Its maximum temperature 13ºC. The minimum is -5ºC.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas – An immense natural area full of beautiful landscapes, Andean towns and Inca archaeological sites such as Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Maras or Moray. Its maximum temperature reaches 23ºC. The minimum can drop to 4ºC.

Humantay Lagoon – Beautiful lagoon with turquoise waters located under the imposing Salkantay snow-capped mountain. It is located about 4,200 meters above sea level. The maximum temperature reaches 15ºC. The minimum temperature can drop to 0ºC.

Questions and answers

• 1) In which month to enjoy the best climate in Cusco?
  For many people, the month of April is the one with the best climate of the year in Cusco. Temperatures are not so cold at night (average 8ºC).
  

• 2) What to wear to endure the cold of Cusco?
  To withstand the cold nights of Cusco, it is best to wrap yourself in layers: first a polo shirt, a sweater and finally a down jacket or a material that better withstands the cold. Afterwards it is a good idea to wear gloves, a chullo, thermal pants and cotton socks.
  

• 3) Is there snow in Cusco?
  Snow or hail is rare in Cusco. Only in the highest areas (above 4 thousand meters above sea level) does snow usually appear. This natural phenomenon causes a lot of cold and damages agricultural products.
  

• 4) Is the solar radiation strong in Cusco?
  Yes. Solar radiation (ultraviolet rays) can reach level 12 (extremely high). For this reason, it is recommended to wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
  

• 5) What is the coldest month in Cusco?
  July and August are the coldest months of the year in most of the provinces of Cusco. The city of Cusco, for example, at night supports colds of up to 2ºC.
  

By Machupicchu Terra – Last updated, August 28, 2023