Cusco (and nearby Machu Picchu) has two distinct seasons, but it’s actually possible and sometimes advisable to visit during some parts of the rainier or off-season. While June through August are fail-safe months for dry weather, you may actually prefer to visit in May, September, October or November.
The weather in the Andean highland city of Cusco can be influenced by great masses of air coming in from the rainforest, the rainforest and occasionally from from Patagonia. What does this mean for you? Not a lot. The temperature doesn’t fluctuate that much seasonally on average; in the daytime, you’ll have highs between 62 and 69 degrees fahrenheit all year round. However, the temperature and weather can bounce around during one day; so if you’re trekking, be prepared for a variety of seasons in one day.
The average daytime highs range from around 62 F in the “dry season” (May to September) to 69 F in the rainy season (October to April). The average lows range from 32 F in the dry season to 43 F in the rainy season. Our favorite months to visit are mid-April through November.
- October is the average warmest month.
- May is (unscientifically) the prettiest month since rainy season has essentially ended so the flowers are blooming and the landscape is greener. October and November have the same thing going on essentially.
- June – August are the least rainy months and also the busiest months. Late-June is exceptionally busy due to Inti Raymi on the 24th.
- On average, the coolest (and driest) month is June.
- The maximum average precipitation occurs in January, but it’s really late-January through early-March that you should avoid.
If you want to read more about the rainy season in Cusco and Machu Picchu, check out our “Just How Rainy Is the Rainy Season In Cusco?” blog post.
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