Climate and monthly weather forecastCusco, Peru

The climate of Cusco

Situated in the southeastern part of Peru, Cusco possesses a characteristically warm summer marine west coast climate, formally labeled as Cfb by the Köppen climate classification. The dominance of this type of climate follows a pattern of pleasant temperatures and humidity levels, along with a generous contribution of rainfall throughout the year. Careful inspection of the climatological data reveals degrees of variation within each parameter across the span of twelve months.

The temperature in Cusco exhibits subtlety in fluctuations. Average high temperatures maintain a steady course, ranging from 18.8°C (65.8°F) to 20.9°C (69.6°F), while the average low temperatures display a progressively cooler curve, from 6.6°C (43.9°F) declining to a chilly 0.2°C (32.4°F) before rebounding back up to 6.5°C (43.7°F) within the year. The relative humidity follows a similar rhythm but in opposite direction, cresting from 64% to 66% before descending to a comfortable 46% and then rising anew.

The city receives the bulk of its rainfall in the initial months of the year, reaching a peak in January with 145mm (5.71") of precipitation falling over a period of 18 days. However, rainfall dramatically tapers off from April to Aug, falling from 43mm (1.69") to a meagre 2mm (0.08") and demonstrating minimal rainfall days. The trend reverses from September onwards, with increasing rainfall culminating in December's 123mm (4.84"). Cusco sees a consistently high UV index essentially unchanged across the year, while the city experiences moderate daylight hours from 11.3h to 12.9h, alongside an interestingly variable sunshine duration from 4.3h to 8.3h.

The best time to visit Cusco

Roads to the best time for a visit to Cusco could very well be paved in the sunlit hours of June and July. Despite these being the coldest months, as low temperatures can drop to 0.2°C (32.4°F) to 0.5°C (32.9°F), they mark the peak of sunshine received at 7.6h to 8.3h. Coupled with relatively lower rainfall, 2mm (0.08") and 4mm (0.16") respectively, these months offer more predictable weather for outdoor expeditions, making historical and cultural exploration more enjoyable.

The worst time to visit Cusco

By contrast, January and February align less favorably for tourism. The early-year combination of high rainfall, 145mm (5.71") to 134mm (5.28"), and a larger number of rainfall days, 18 and 13 days respectively, potentially poses disruptions to outdoor activities. Furthermore, the lower amount of sunshine, 4.6h and 4.3h respectively, may impact photographic pursuits and the overall vibrancy of the trip.

Spring weather in Cusco

As Cusco welcomes the spring season, which encompasses September to November, a shift in weather conditions can be noted. Temperature highs approach the 20°C (68°F) mark and lows range from 4°C (39.2°F) to 6°C (42.8°F). Rainfall exhibits an upturn but remains manageable, spanning from 22mm (0.87") to 72mm (2.83") over 7 to 12 days. The UV index remains consistently high, demanding diligence in sun protection. Days extend up to 12.7h of daylight with approximately 6.5h of sunshine.

Summer weather in Cusco

Summer in Cusco, spanning from December to March, ushers in a wet spell. Rainfall peaks in January at 145mm (5.71"), and although it reduces to 107mm (4.21") by March, it persists over a significant number of days. Concurrently, temperatures wander between highs from 20.6°C (69.1°F) to 18.8°C (65.8°F) and lows from 6.5°C (43.7°F) to 6.3°C (43.3°F), presenting a warm backdrop to the damp conditions. Despite the substantial precipitation, the sunshine duration remains steady at 5.1h to 5.5h.

Autumn weather in Cusco

April to June, the autumn months, bring a season of transformation for Cusco's climate. The high rainfall reduces remarkably from 43mm (1.69") to 2mm (0.08"), signaling a dry period. The drop in rainfall days from 8 to 2 confirms this trend. Correspondingly, temperatures display minor fluctuations, moving from highs of 19.7°C (67.5°F) to 19.2°C (66.6°F) and lows from 5.1°C (41.2°F) to 0.2°C (32.4°F). The daylight hours dip to 11.3h in June, yet the city's sunshine duration increases from 7h to 7.6h, favoring brighter vistas.

Winter weather in Cusco

During winter, that sets in from July to August, Cusco experiences its coldest and driest yet sunniest months. Minimum temperatures languish around 0.2°C (32.4°F) to 1.7°C (35.1°F), with maximum temperatures holding steady from 19.2°C (66.6°F) to 19.9°C (67.8°F). The city registers minimum rainfall, a sparse 4mm (0.16") increasing slightly to 9mm (0.35"). The sunshine duration picks up notably as well, extending from 8.3h up to 7.6h, contrasted by a slight increase in daylight hours from 11.4h to 11.7h.

Weather in January

The weather in January in Cusco, Peru, marks the start of the year with conditions typically damp and a bit chilly. While daily sunshine decreases compared to the latter part of the previous year, rainfall does surge this month, peaking at 145mm (5.71"), making it the wettest month. Weather in January »

Weather in February

Carrying over similar weather patterns from January, Cusco in February continues to experience relatively cooler temperatures and heavy precipitation. Falling precipitation retreats slightly to 134mm (5.28") this month, yet remains comparatively high. Weather in February »

Weather in March

As March sees the transition from the wet season, rainfall diminishes to 107mm (4.21") and spreads throughout 11 days of the month. Nevertheless, the weather holds onto its cooler temperatures and high humidity, characteristic of its tropical highland climate. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April in Cusco, Peru, experiences a marked shift as the dry season approaches. Rainfall further lessens to 43mm (1.69"), occurring over a shrunken span of 8 days. As precipitation dwindles, humidity also goes on a downward trajectory, making the atmosphere considerably drier. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May rings in the full onset of the dry season in Cusco, Peru, carrying along elevated sunshine hours and significantly reduced rainfall. With the coming of May, precipitation nosedives to an annual low of 9mm (0.35"), confined to just 3 days. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June situates itself comfortably in the dry season of Cusco, Peru, maintaining minimal rainfall and escalating sunshine hours. The recorded rainfall for this month is exceptionally low, falling to 2mm (0.08") over a period of only 2 days. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July continues the streak of the dry seasons in Cusco, Peru, with similar weather patterns as June. It is one of the coldest months with the lowest nightly temperatures, bottoming out at 0.2°C (32.4°F). However, the crisp cool temperatures coupled with increased sunshine hours create a unique climate ideal for exploration of the city's historic sites. Weather in July »

Weather in August

The trend of dry conditions follows through in August, with Cusco, Peru remaining predominantly rain-free. The recorded rainfall for the month equals that of July, measuring only 4mm (0.16"), but with a slight increase in night temperatures to 1.7°C (35.1°F). Weather in August »

Weather in September

September marks a gradual transition from the dry to the wet season in Cusco, Peru. Rainfall starts to rise, but remains relatively low at 22mm (0.87"), reserved for a minor 7 days in the month. As the return of the rainy season becomes more evident, there's a noticeable rise in humidity. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October welcomes the initial phase of the wet season with a considerable increase in rainfall. Precipitation doubles to 39mm (1.54") from the previous month, spreading over 8 days. Despite the rise in humidity and rainfall, the weather in Cusco, Peru still caters to outdoor activities and exploration. Weather in October »

Weather in November

With November, the rainy season in Cusco, Peru advances, bringing with it increased precipitation and humidity. Rainfall continues on an upward trend, observed at 72mm (2.83") for approximately 12 days of the month. Despite the spike in rain and clouds, the enriched greenery provides a picturesque backdrop. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December ushers in the culmination of the year marked with significant precipitation and cooler temperatures in Cusco, Peru. It stands as one of the rainiest months with significant rainfall registering at 123mm (4.84") marked across 16 days of the month. Weather in December »