Best time to visit Cusco

April to May and September to October. Month by month below, with the weather, what's on and what it costs to fly there from your city.

April to May and September to October

The shoulder months, April to May and September to October, mix dry-season weather with smaller crowds. Dry season is roughly April or May to October.

“it is recommended to visit Cusco during the shoulder season, which runs from April to May and September to October” comeseeperutours.com
“the best time to visit would be in the shoulder seasons of April to May, and September to November” cntraveler.com
“But we actually prefer April through May, and September through November, for reliable weather without peak crowds.” cntraveler.com

5 of the 9 travel guides we read name these months.

Cusco month by month

Average high and low in Cusco, and days with rain

January69°F / 46°F · 20 rainy daysChecking fares…Heavy rains especially in January and February; daytime highs 7 to 19°C, nights can drop to 0°C.Quieter at Machu Picchu from January to March, with special rates reported.
February69°F / 46°F · 17 rainy daysChecking fares…February is the month the Inca Trail closes for maintenance.February is typically the wettest month and has the lowest tourist numbers of the year.
March69°F / 46°F · 16 rainy daysChecking fares…March marks the end of the rainy season, with reduced rain, mostly afternoon showers.Holy Week in late March is a visitor surge period at Machu Picchu.Señor de los Temblores
Best timeApril70°F / 43°F · 7 rainy daysChecking fares…April to May is shoulder season: pleasant weather, little rain and smaller crowds.April to early May is a sweet spot, with mountains still green and space between tour groups.
Best timeMay70°F / 39°F · 2 rainy daysChecking fares…Dry season runs April to October, with clear days and pleasant temperatures.In Cusco, smaller community solstice celebrations begin in late May.Corpus Christi in Cusco
June69°F / 35°F · 1 rainy daysChecking fares…Inti Raymi festival takes place June 24 with big crowds and peak prices.Early mornings in June and July can drop well below freezing at camps above 3,800 meters.Q'eswachaka Bridge Renewal
July69°F / 34°F · 1 rainy daysChecking fares…June, July and August are the busiest months.Fiestas Patrias national celebrations run to July 28.Virgen del Carmen of Paucartambo
August71°F / 37°F · 2 rainy daysChecking fares…June to August rainfall is virtually nonexistent, about 5 mm a month.
Best timeSeptember71°F / 41°F · 4 rainy daysChecking fares…September to October is shoulder season with smaller crowds.One expert prefers September through November for reliable weather without peak crowds.
Best timeOctober71°F / 44°F · 9 rainy daysChecking fares…April and October are shoulder months with stable weather and fewer tourists.The low season, October to March, coincides with the rainy season.
November72°F / 46°F · 10 rainy daysChecking fares…November is the official arrival of the rainy season in Cusco.Rainy season is November to March; rain falls mostly in the afternoon.
December70°F / 46°F · 17 rainy daysChecking fares…December is a full rainy-season month, with Christmas festivities in Cusco.December through February are the damper months, about 150 mm of rain a month.Santurantikuy market

Weather: Cusco averages from NOAA (long-term averages), as listed in its climate table on Wikipedia.

Every date to Cusco from your city

Live fares from your airport. Watch them and we alert you when they drop.

What's on in Cusco

Festivals and seasons through the year

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

June to AugustWarm, sunny weather draws the most visitors.
April to SeptemberHigh tourist season: hotels fill up quickly and Machu Picchu is crowded.

Quietest

November to MarchRainy season; fewer visitors and easier availability.
January to MarchQuieter at Machu Picchu; hotel specials may be available.

Watch for

FebruaryThe Inca Trail closes for maintenance; avoid these dates if hiking it.
Any timeCusco sits at about 3,399 m, so altitude sickness is a risk; drink water and eat lightly the first day.
January and FebruaryHeavy rain can make roads slippery and fog can limit visibility.

Questions people ask

Is it rainy season in Cusco right now?: Rainy season runs November to March; January and February are heaviest, with rain mostly in the afternoon or evening.
When to not visit Machu Picchu?: February is the rainiest month and some trekking routes, including the Inca Trail, close then.
How likely is it to get altitude sickness in Cusco?: One source says the altitude is a challenge for some visitors, and suggests water, light meals and coca tea on day one.

Best time to visit Cusco

April to May and September to October

Cusco month by month

Every date to Cusco from your city

What's on in Cusco

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

Quietest

Watch for

Questions people ask

Best time to visit other places

Best time to visit Cusco

April to May and September to October

Cusco month by month

Every date to Cusco from your city

What's on in Cusco

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

Quietest

Watch for

Questions people ask

Best time to visit other places