Cusco in the Rainy Season: What to Expect and How to Plan
The rainy season in Cusco has a worse reputation than it deserves. It rarely rains all day, the valleys turn a deep green, and Machu Picchu is far quieter than in July. There are real trade-offs — cloudy viewpoints, muddy trails and the Inca Trail closure in February — but with a little planning, it can be a very good time to travel.
What the rainy season is really like
Rain falls mainly from December to March, with November as a transition month. A typical day starts dry and often sunny, clouds build up around midday, and showers or thunderstorms arrive in the afternoon. Daytime temperatures stay around 19–20 °C, the same as in the dry season, and nights are actually milder, around 6–7 °C instead of near freezing.
| Month | Rain | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| November | Some showers | A transition month, often excellent for travel |
| December | Frequent | Green landscapes and Christmas celebrations |
| January | Frequent, heavier | One of the wettest months |
| February | Frequent, heavier | Wettest month; the Inca Trail is closed |
| March | Frequent, easing | Very green, few visitors |
The advantages
- Green landscapes: the terraces, valleys and mountains are at their most beautiful.
- Fewer visitors: Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and Cusco’s streets are much quieter.
- Easier bookings: Machu Picchu tickets and train seats are easier to find than in the dry season.
- Atmosphere: mist drifting over Machu Picchu and the mountains has a magic of its own.
- Festivities: the Santurantikuy Christmas market fills the Plaza de Armas on 24 December, and Carnival brings water fights and music in February or March.
Plan a green-season trip
Machu Picchu in one day by train, with tickets, guide and transport arranged — quieter and easier to book from November to March. From US $375.
What changes
- The Inca Trail closes in February for maintenance. Machu Picchu stays open all year.
- High viewpoints are often cloudy. At Rainbow Mountain, snow can cover the colours from December to March, and Humantay Lake may be hidden in cloud.
- Trails get muddy, and Inca stone steps become slippery.
- Roads can be slower: long mountain routes, such as the road to Hidroeléctrica or to Manu, are sometimes affected by landslides.
How to plan a rainy-season trip
- Do the important things in the morning, when skies are clearest. Most of our tours start early for that reason.
- Keep a spare day in case weather spoils a high-altitude excursion.
- Choose lower, sheltered plans for wet days: the Cusco city tour, museums, the Sacred Valley or a cooking class.
- For trekking, avoid February for the Inca Trail and consider alternatives such as Salkantay or Lares; read the best time to hike the Inca Trail.
- Know our weather policy: if weather or road conditions make a tour unsafe, we offer you a new date or a full refund.
What to pack for the rain
- A good waterproof jacket and a light poncho that covers your backpack (umbrellas are awkward at Machu Picchu).
- Waterproof walking shoes with grip, and a spare pair of socks.
- Quick-dry clothes and warm layers for the evenings.
- A dry bag or plastic bags for your phone, camera and documents.
- Sun protection: even in the rainy season, the sun at 3,400 m is strong between showers.
Full list in our Cusco packing list.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, for many travellers. You get green landscapes, fewer visitors and easier bookings, in exchange for afternoon rain and cloudy viewpoints.
Rarely. Mornings are often dry and sunny, with showers or storms in the afternoon. January and February are the wettest months.
Yes, Machu Picchu and the train run all year. Only the Inca Trail closes, in February.
Yes, tours run all year, but from December to March snow or cloud may hide the colours. Go early and keep a spare day if you can.
If weather or road conditions make the tour unsafe, we offer you a new date or a full refund.
