🇵🇪Lima
Forecast by:  | 10 Sep Thu | 11 Sep Fri | 12 Sep Sat | 13 Sep Sun | 14 Sep Mon | 15 Sep Tue | 16 Sep Wed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | 20° 7° | 21° 7° | 19° 5° | 21° 4° | 20° 5° | 20° 6° | 14° 5° |
| Precipitation | 95% | 96% | 98% | 82% | 95% | 96% | 94% |
| Humidity | 63% | 59% | 64% | 60% | 61% | 60% | 69% |
| Wind | 18 km/h | 20 km/h | 13 km/h | 19 km/h | 18 km/h | 15 km/h | 8 km/h |
Best time to visit Cusco
The best time to visit Cusco is May to October, when conditions are generally dry and clear for hiking, archaeological visits and highland sightseeing. June and July bring particularly cold nights, while April and October offer a mix of sunshine and showers. November to March is wetter, with February especially challenging for trekking as the Inca Trail is closed.
JanuaryTemp (°C)12°Rain (mm)159Sun Hours5Dry Days8
January is rainy, around 7-19°C, with frequent downpours that can disrupt hikes and outdoor sightseeing. Wet mountain trails make active itineraries challenging.
FebruaryTemp (°C)12°Rain (mm)135Sun Hours5Dry Days9
February is very wet, around 7-19°C, and the Inca Trail is closed. Heavy rain can make mountain trekking difficult and interrupt sightseeing.
MarchTemp (°C)12°Rain (mm)109Sun Hours6Dry Days10
March is rainy, around 5-20°C, with regular showers affecting hikes and outdoor visits. Mountain paths may be muddy and plans can require flexibility.
AprilTemp (°C)13°Rain (mm)45Sun Hours7Dry Days15
April is mild, around 4-20°C, with sunshine and showers. Hiking and archaeological sightseeing are possible, although rain can affect mountain trails.
MayTemp (°C)12°Rain (mm)7Sun Hours8Dry Days22
May is generally dry and sunny, around 2-20°C, with cold nights. Clear conditions suit hiking, archaeological visits and sightseeing around Cusco.
JuneTemp (°C)11°Rain (mm)2Sun Hours8Dry Days27
June is dry and sunny, around 0-20°C, with cold nights and occasional sub-zero temperatures. Clear weather suits hiking and coincides with major Cusco festivities.
JulyTemp (°C)11°Rain (mm)2Sun Hours9Dry Days29
July is dry and bright, around -2°C to 20°C, with very cold nights and occasional sub-zero temperatures. Clear mountain conditions favour hiking and sightseeing.
AugustTemp (°C)11°Rain (mm)9Sun Hours8Dry Days27
August is dry and sunny, around 4-21°C, with crisp nights. Clear mountain weather supports hiking and visits to Cusco's archaeological sites.
SeptemberTemp (°C)12°Rain (mm)22Sun Hours7Dry Days25
September is generally dry, around 4-21°C, with sunny spells and cool nights. The weather suits hiking, ruins and highland sightseeing.
OctoberTemp (°C)14°Rain (mm)45Sun Hours7Dry Days20
October is mild, around 5-22°C, with a mix of sunshine and showers. Hiking and sightseeing remain practical, though rain can interrupt mountain outings.
NovemberTemp (°C)14°Rain (mm)80Sun Hours6Dry Days14
November is mild, around 6-22°C, with regular rain and showers. Hiking and sightseeing are possible, but wet mountain paths may disrupt outdoor plans.
DecemberTemp (°C)13°Rain (mm)122Sun Hours5Dry Days8
December is mild, around 6-21°C, with regular rain and showers. The Santurantikuy Christmas Eve market adds a seasonal attraction in Cusco.
Sources: audleytravel.com, en.wikivoyage.org
Sacred Valley Full Day Tour
Cost: From 51 USD · Duration: 10 hours · ★ 5.0 (5,599 reviews)
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is one of Peru's most iconic destinations and one of the main gateways to discovering the history, culture, and traditions surrounding Machu Picchu. Amid mountains, ancient villages, and impressive archaeological remains, this region reveals different facets of the legacy left behind by the Incas. On this full-day exc
Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Full Day Optional Red Valley
Cost: From 23.75 USD · Duration: 12 hours · ★ 4.9 (3,935 reviews)
It is an impressive day of hiking in the Cordillera Vilcanota, "which is very close to the highest and sacred mountain in the South of Peru called the Ausangate (6,377mts). This "Apu" bearer of life is the Guardian of one of the most pristine ecosystems in the world. Thus, our walk will be accompanied by snow-capped peaks, glaciers, herds of llamas
Excursión to Humantay Lake Full Day from Cusco
Cost: From 23.75 USD · Duration: 15 hours · ★ 4.9 (3,142 reviews)
The Humantay Laguna Tour of 1 Day was for nature lovers who have a day off or visitors who arrive in Cusco and can not take the salkantay tour 5 days / 4 nights, during this walk you will appreciate the flora and wildlife throughout our trip to the Humantay Lagoon and the sacred mountains or sacred Apus as Salkantay.
Peruvian Cooking Class Cocktails and Market Tour in Cusco
Cost: From 65 USD · Duration: 4.2 hours · ★ 5.0 (2,751 reviews)
You will cook 3 Peruvian courses and 2 cocktails. Our Peruvian Cooking, cocktails and market tour starts at San Pedro Market (door number 1), with a visit to this historical market. We will try some of the most exotic fruits of Peru ( super foods) After that, we will walk to our bar studio, a traditional house from 1930. We start our experience pre
Cusco: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Premium Day Trip with Meals
Cost: From 39.2 USD · Duration: 12 hours · ★ 4.9 (2,401 reviews)
Beat the crowds with early access to Rainbow Mountain (Mt. Vinicunca) and Red Valley on this full-day guided tour from Cusco. Admire the vibrant colors of this Andean gem, and, for those seeking even more, opt for the scenic hike to Red Valley - an otherworldly expanse of crimson peaks and dramatic vistas. Along the way, enjoy warm hospitality with
Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco
Cost: From 336 USD · Duration: 14 hours · ★ 4.5 (1,711 reviews)
Board your selected train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo and enjoy the scenic journey to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, our staff will assist you with the bus ride to the legendary Lost City of the Incas , where impressive terraces, ceremonial sites and breathtaking views await. At the scheduled time, return by train and transfer to your hotel in Cusco.A
2-Day Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco by Train
Cost: From 449 USD · Duration: 48 hours · ★ 4.8 (1,291 reviews)
Discover the magic of Peru completely stress-free on our beautifully organized 2-day tour. Unlike basic, low-end options, we elevate your entire journey with premium inclusions, expert local care, and seamless private logistics from start to finish. What sets us apart: Smarter Altitude Acclimatization | We descend from Cusco into the lower Sacred V
Machu Picchu Full Day from Cusco on Panoramic Train
Cost: From 395 USD · ★ 4.8 (1,042 reviews)
Machu Picchu, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco, is considered one of the most important world attractions that you must visit in Peru. Spend a full day touring the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu during this day trip. Surround yourself with nature and immerse yourself in the fascinating mysteries held by this wonderful Inca citadel, accompanie
Rainbow Mountain Beat-the-Crowd, Small Group - 8:00 AM Departure
Cost: From 89 USD · ★ 4.9 (916 reviews)
Rainbow Mountain is Peru's second most visited destination after Machu Picchu. And with that popularity comes the crowds — large groups all rushing to reach the summit at the same time, often before sunrise. We do it differently. Our Early Bird Departure gets you to the summit among the first, returning to Cusco by early afternoon. Our Comfort Depa
Brief
- Cusco remains a high-altitude destination at about 3,400 m. Plan a gradual first few days before strenuous hikes or high-altitude excursions.
- The new Chinchero airport is not yet open. Flights still use Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, while Machu Picchu trains generally depart from Ollantaytambo or other Sacred Valley stations (
andeanmoments.com).
- Try local specialties such as chiri uchu, cuy al horno, pachamanca, alpaca dishes, and chicha morada. Coca tea is commonly served, but it should not be relied on as treatment for altitude illness.
- The dry season can still bring cold nights and sudden showers, especially on mountain excursions. Pack warm layers and rain protection.
Safety and health
- Altitude illness is a significant risk on arrival in Cusco. Take it easy for the first 24-48 hours, avoid heavy alcohol use, and seek medical help for severe headache, confusion, breathlessness at rest, or persistent vomiting. The Inca Trail and other treks require additional acclimatisation (
travelwarningcheck.com).
- Tap water is unsafe for drinking or brushing teeth unless boiled. Use sealed bottled or purified water, avoid questionable ice, and choose thoroughly cooked food. Be particularly cautious with raw produce and seafood (
wikivoyage.org).
- Mosquito-borne diseases including dengue, Zika, leishmaniasis and Chagas disease are more relevant in lower-elevation and jungle areas than in central highland Cusco. Use repellent and cover exposed skin when travelling to warmer valleys or the Amazon. Avoid floodwater, muddy soil and contaminated fresh water after heavy rain because of melioidosis risk (
cdc.gov |
- Yellow fever vaccine is not recommended for travel limited to Cusco city, the Inca Trail or Machu Picchu, all above 2,300 m. It is recommended for some lower-elevation areas of the Cusco region and other forested parts of Peru, and entry requirements can apply when arriving from certain risk countries (
- Exercise increased caution in Peru because of crime, unrest and localized terrorism risks. The VRAEM, including Vilcabamba, and several named towns in the wider Cusco department are under “Do Not Travel” warnings, but Cusco city, the Sacred Valley, the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are specifically excluded. Keep valuables concealed, use reputable taxis, avoid isolated streets and ATMs after dark, and check for road or protest disruptions before travelling (
state.gov |
gov.au).
Recent News
- On August 20, 2026, a strong earthquake in the Ayacucho region was felt in Cusco and other parts of southern Peru. Reports described landslides and damage in parts of the wider Ayacucho and Cusco regions, but no major casualties or widespread damage in Cusco city were immediately reported. Mountain roads and remote excursions may be affected by aftershocks or landslides, so check local conditions before departing (
express.co.uk |
yahoo.com).
