The Best Time To Travel To Cusco

Best Time To Travel To Cusco: The Summer And Winter Seasons

Visiting Cusco In Winter (June – September)

Although the morning and afternoon temperatures get chilly, this is a good season to visit Cusco. The Peruvian winter spams from June through September, in which June and July are the driest months with mostly sunny days, and that is to say, when trolling around the tourist spots, you have clear vistas most of the time.  The average temperature fluctuates between 4 ° C (39 ° F) and 20 ° C (68° F) anywhere below Cusco, but at a higher elevation, it drops as low as – 10 ° C (14 ° F).

Many people used to walk around Cusco’s downtown on winter nights, and the next day the streets used to become busy again very early as tour groups and cars ran in all directions. It used to be so before the COVID-19 had shaken the world. Now, in attempts to travel to Cusco once more and tourism restart, wintertime in Cusco will surely be different, with days mostly sunny as always but fewer crowds.

Key Events: 

• Qoyllority (June, full moon weekend)
• Corpus Christy (June)
• Festival of the Sun (June 24)
• Virgen del Carmen (July 16)
• Independence Day (July 28)
• Andean New Year (August 1)
• Fiesta de la Virgen de Natividad (September 8)

Visiting Cusco In Summer (December – March)

February is the wettest month, January and March are quite the same, but temperatures get warmer. These months should be avoided if you are not a big fan of rain, but if you are somewhat used to travel on those months, do it because it leads you to get high bargaining power on restaurants and hotels. In addition to that, the outskirts of Cusco and the landscapes display blanketed by lush green pastures and booming flowers. Also in the sacred valley or Chinchero plains, the rainbow arises after some downpour, so that is a pretty amazing natural phenomenon to see. 

Key Events:

• Santurantikuy (December 24th)
• Fiesta de los 3 Reyes Magos (January 6)
• Fiesta de San Sebastian (January 20)
• Carnival (February)

Visiting Cusco In Shoulder Seasons (October, November, April, May)

Mid seasons are a good choice too, which is when the rain is about to start in October through November or after rainy months in April. Most of the tourists found it the best months to travel to Cusco with pretty fabulous weather and fewer guests at hotels, on trains, and sidestepping overcrowded archaeological sites. Even though rain is unpredictable and can come in downpours; months like April, May, and September to November suit well for anyone.

Key Events:

• Señor de Torrechayoc (May)
• Fiesta de los 3 Cruces (Mayo 03)

The Low Tourist And High Tourist Seasons For Cusco

Another important thing to consider, aside from the weather, are the various tourist seasons throughout the year. Below we’ll take a look at them, and how your experience can vary with each.

The Low Tourist Seasons

Much less popular than the high season months, for Cusco these include February, March (early in the month), May, October and November.

During these months crowds are much lower than usual, which is perfect for exploring the city without so many heaving crowds. This is also ideal since queues will be much less at popular sites around the city, such as Qorikancha Temple, the ruins of Sacsayhuamán, as well as the San Pedro Market.

This overall makes Cusco quieter, and feel more authentic for travellers who want to see the real Andes without too much commotion and noise. The low season months are also ideal to head on certain multi-day treks like the Inca Trail (in months like May, October and November).

The High Tourist Seasons

Now we enter the busier months of Cusco, which is where large crowds often come here during their summer holidays, for Christmas, or for visiting during Peruvian festivals. This includes early April, June-September, December and January.

The main benefit of a visit during this period is that Cusco comes into full flow and glow. Here there are often big parades celebrating national holidays and festivals, so we can spectate traditional Andean dances and folk songs. Whilst we can expect more noise, it really is an unforgettable time to be in the city.

There are however a couple of things to be mindful of when coming to Cusco during the dry season. Firstly, costs will be higher, which includes international flights and hotel costs in the city. Secondly, if you’re planning to head on treks like the Inca Trail or to Machu Picchu, then you’ll want to book months in advance – since they can often sell-out extremely quickly.

Is Cusco Worth Visiting?

Based on the overwhelming reviews about visiting Cusco, yes!, It is worth it. Because there so many things to see and experience: From the iconic Rainbow Mountain to low land valleys and waterfalls and the jungles of the Inca trail and Machu Picchu, which is Peru´s highlight. Not only those natural wonders but the local food and cultural festivities, such as seeing people performing dances with great joy and excitement. Honestly, time is just not enough to see everything Cusco has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Time To Travel To Cusco

Below we’ll now answer some of the most frequent questions we get about the best time to travel to Cusco, as well as anything else important that you need to know.

What Is The Best Month To Visit Cusco?

It really depends on you and what you most want to see and experience, however if we had to choose one then it would be either April or October. Shoulder season months, they are both great for solid weather, things to do and aren’t heaving with tourists like the high season months do.

When Not To Visit Cusco?

Again there’s no right or wrong answer here for all, however most tourists tend to avoid February. The wettest months of the year, it causes the closure of many hiking treks like the Inca Trail, and sometimes those of the Salkantay Trek and others. The perks however are that you’ll get to experience this incredible city with very few tourists around.

What Is The Rainiest Month In Cusco Peru?

February is by far the wettest month in Cusco for the year. Here it’s not uncommon to have heavy showers arrive out of nowhere – although the benefit is that they are often over just as quickly. If heading to Cusco during February, then be sure to bring a Poncho and solid hiking boots.

Overview Of The Best Time To Travel To Cusco

And that’s all for this guide on when is the best time to travel to Cusco.

One of the most famous and popular cities to visit in all of South America, Cusco is a timeless destination that all travellers itch to visit a second time around. Not only are there incredible Inca ruins and beautiful architecture to witness here, there’s also events and perks of visiting both during the dry and wet seasons.

Are you planning to visit Cusco soon and want to see the very best highlights? Then join our Cusco City Tour where we will take you to all of the very best sites in the city – with private transport included as well as one of our expert guides who will lead the entire experience for you.