Cusco weather month by month
Cusco has two seasons that matter — dry and wet — and knowing which month you are traveling changes everything from what you pack to whether the Inca Trail is even open. Here is the year, month by month.
The two seasons
The dry season (roughly May–September) brings sunny days, cold nights and the clearest mountain views. The wet season (November–March) is greener and quieter but with afternoon rain; February is the wettest, and the Inca Trail closes for maintenance.
Month by month
| Month | Weather | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apr | Drying out, green | Great shoulder month, fewer crowds |
| May–Sep | Dry, sunny days, cold nights | Peak season, best views |
| Jun | Dry; Inti Raymi festival | Busiest and most festive |
| Oct | First rains, still good | Quiet shoulder month |
| Nov–Jan | Wetter, green | Afternoon showers, lower prices |
| Feb | Wettest; Inca Trail closed | Choose alternative treks |
Best months for the big experiences
For the Inca Trail and Rainbow Mountain, the dry season is ideal. For fewer crowds, target April or October. See our best-time-to-visit guide for the full picture.
Pick your month and book
See live availability for your travel dates.
Cusco's two seasons, explained
Cusco has just two real seasons: a dry season (roughly May–September) and a wet season (roughly November–March), with April and October as transitions. Because of the altitude, temperatures stay fairly constant year-round — the big variable is rain, not heat. Days are mild to warm; nights are cold in every month.
| Period | Weather | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| May–Sep (dry) | Clear skies, cold nights, peak crowds | Trekking, Rainbow Mountain, photography |
| Apr & Oct (shoulder) | Mostly dry, fewer crowds | Best balance of weather and quiet |
| Nov–Mar (wet) | Frequent afternoon rain, green landscapes | Lower prices, lush scenery, Inca Trail closed in Feb |
What each season means for your plans
The dry season is ideal for trekking and for seeing Rainbow Mountain's colours clearly, but it's also the busiest and priciest, so book ahead. The wet season brings lush green hillsides and lower prices, but afternoon downpours and the risk of clouds over Machu Picchu — and note the Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance. The shoulder months of April and October are a sweet spot: largely dry, noticeably quieter.
Packing for the climate
Whatever the month, pack for big daily temperature swings: warm sun by day, near-freezing nights. Layers, a warm jacket, sun protection (the high-altitude sun is fierce) and — in the wet season — a good rain layer are essential. See our Cusco packing list and, for the citadel specifically, the best time to visit Machu Picchu.
Frequently asked questions
Roughly November to March, with February the wettest. Expect green landscapes and afternoon showers rather than all-day rain.
May to September for the clearest weather; April and October for fewer crowds with still-good conditions.
Snow is rare in the city but common on the high passes and peaks, especially in the wet season — which can briefly cover sites like Rainbow Mountain.
