Best Time to Visit Cusco (Weather & Crowds)

Cusco is a historic city in Peru known for its rich Incan heritage and stunning mountain views. It serves as the gateway to Machu Picchu and offers a unique cultural experience. When you plan your trip, timing matters because weather, crowds, and costs change throughout the year.

The best time to visit Cusco depends on what you want from your trip. Some travelers prefer dry weather for hiking, while others want to avoid crowds or save money. Understanding Cusco's seasons will help you pick the right time for your visit.

Overall Best Time to Visit Cusco

The best months to visit Cusco are May through September. These months offer dry weather with sunny days and cool nights. The skies are clear, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing.

This period balances good weather with manageable crowds and moderate prices. It is perfect for travelers who want to explore Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley comfortably.

• May to September is the dry season, so you can expect less rain and more sunshine, which is great for outdoor adventures and photography.

• Crowds are higher in June, July, and August due to peak tourist season, but May and September are quieter and still have good weather.

• Prices for accommodation and tours tend to be higher during peak months but drop slightly in shoulder months like May and September.

• This period suits travelers who want to enjoy hiking, cultural tours, and festivals without heavy rain or extreme cold.

Choosing these months helps you avoid the heavy rains of the wet season and the cold, wet conditions that can make travel difficult.

Best Time to Visit Cusco by Month

January

January is part of Cusco's wet season. You can expect frequent rain showers and muddy trails. The city is less crowded, and prices are lower, making it suitable for budget travelers who don't mind wet weather.

• Weather is rainy with occasional heavy showers, which can disrupt outdoor plans and hiking.

• Crowds are low, so you can explore popular sites without many tourists around.

• Accommodation and tour prices are at their lowest due to the off-season.

• Best for travelers who want a quiet visit and are prepared for wet conditions.

Travelers should pack waterproof gear and be ready for some travel delays during this month.

February

February remains in the wet season with heavy rainfall. Some trails, including parts of the Inca Trail, may be closed for maintenance. Tourist numbers stay low, and prices remain affordable.

• Expect frequent rain and possible trail closures, limiting hiking options.

• Low crowd levels mean less busy tourist sites and a peaceful atmosphere.

• Costs for lodging and tours are generally at their lowest in the year.

• Ideal for travelers focused on cultural experiences rather than outdoor activities.

Be sure to check trail availability and weather forecasts before planning hikes in February.

March

March is the transition from wet to dry season. Rainfall decreases but can still be significant. Tourist numbers start to increase slowly, and prices begin to rise.

• Weather improves with fewer rain showers, but some wet days remain.

• Crowds are moderate as the high season approaches.

• Prices start to climb but are still lower than peak months.

• Good for travelers who want to avoid peak crowds but enjoy improving weather.

This month offers a balance between fewer tourists and better conditions for outdoor activities.

April

April sees a further decrease in rain and more sunny days. Tourist numbers grow, and prices increase as the dry season nears. The city becomes livelier with more events and festivals.

• Weather is mostly dry with occasional showers, improving hiking conditions.

• Crowds increase but remain manageable compared to peak months.

• Accommodation and tour prices rise due to growing demand.

• Suitable for travelers who want good weather and fewer crowds than summer.

April is a good month to enjoy Cusco’s cultural events while avoiding the busiest times.

May

May marks the start of the dry season. Rainfall is minimal, and days are sunny and cool. Tourist numbers rise, but the city is not yet crowded. Prices begin to increase but are still reasonable.

• Weather is dry and pleasant, ideal for hiking and sightseeing.

• Crowds are moderate, offering a comfortable experience at popular sites.

• Prices for accommodation and tours are moderate, balancing cost and quality.

• Perfect for travelers seeking good weather without peak season crowds.

May is one of the best months to visit Cusco for outdoor activities and cultural exploration.

June

June is the start of peak tourist season. The weather is dry and sunny, but temperatures can be cool, especially at night. Crowds increase significantly, and prices rise accordingly.

• Weather is excellent with clear skies and minimal rain, perfect for hiking.

• Crowds are high, especially around Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail.

• Accommodation and tour prices peak due to high demand.

• Best for travelers who want ideal weather and don’t mind busy sites.

Booking in advance is essential during June to secure accommodations and tours.

July

July is one of the busiest months in Cusco. The dry weather continues with sunny days and cold nights. Tourist crowds peak, and prices remain high. Festivals and events attract many visitors.

• Weather is dry and sunny, great for outdoor activities but chilly at night.

• Crowds are at their highest, leading to busy attractions and longer waits.

• Prices for lodging and tours are at their peak.

• Ideal for travelers who want to experience festivals and perfect hiking weather.

Prepare for crowded sites and book everything well in advance if visiting in July.

August

August continues the dry season with excellent weather. Crowds remain large, and prices stay high. This month is popular for trekking and cultural events, making it lively but busy.

• Weather remains dry and sunny, perfect for hiking and sightseeing.

• Crowds are still large, especially on weekends and holidays.

• Accommodation and tour prices remain elevated due to demand.

• Good for travelers who want reliable weather and active cultural scenes.

Expect busy conditions and plan ahead for accommodations and tours in August.

September

September marks the end of peak season. Weather stays dry and pleasant, but crowds start to thin. Prices begin to drop, making it a great time for travelers seeking balance.

• Weather is dry with sunny days and cool nights, ideal for outdoor plans.

• Crowds decrease, allowing for a more relaxed experience at popular sites.

• Prices for lodging and tours start to fall from peak levels.

• Perfect for travelers wanting good weather with fewer tourists and better prices.

September is often considered one of the best months to visit Cusco for comfort and value.

October

October is a shoulder season with increasing rainfall. Weather becomes less predictable, and tourist numbers drop. Prices continue to decrease, offering good deals for budget travelers.

• Weather is mixed, with some rain and variable temperatures.

• Crowds are low, providing a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.

• Accommodation and tour prices are more affordable than peak season.

• Suitable for travelers who don’t mind some rain and want to avoid crowds.

Be prepared for changing weather and pack accordingly if visiting in October.

November

November sees the start of the wet season. Rainfall increases, and days can be cloudy. Tourist numbers remain low, and prices are at their lowest, making it a budget-friendly month.

• Weather is rainy with occasional heavy showers, limiting outdoor activities.

• Crowds are minimal, so you can enjoy a quiet visit.

• Prices for accommodation and tours are at their lowest point.

• Best for travelers focused on cultural experiences rather than hiking.

Travelers should bring rain gear and plan indoor activities during November.

December

December is part of the wet season with frequent rain and higher humidity. Tourist numbers start to increase for the holiday season, but prices remain relatively low compared to peak months.

• Weather is rainy and humid, which can affect outdoor plans.

• Crowds begin to grow as holiday travel picks up.

• Accommodation and tour prices start to rise but are still moderate.

• Good for travelers who want to experience local festivals and don’t mind wet weather.

December offers a mix of cultural events and off-peak prices, but be ready for rain.

Crowds and Travel Costs Throughout the Year

Cusco experiences clear peaks and lows in tourist numbers and prices. Understanding these patterns helps you plan a trip that fits your preferences and budget.

Peak season runs from June to August when weather is best but crowds and prices are highest. Shoulder seasons in May and September offer good weather with fewer tourists and better prices. The wet season from November to March sees the fewest visitors and lowest costs but comes with rain and some closures.

• Peak season has large crowds, especially at Machu Picchu, which can affect your experience and require early bookings.

• Shoulder seasons balance fewer tourists and moderate prices, making them ideal for many travelers.

• Off-season offers the lowest prices but comes with weather challenges and limited hiking options.

• Prices for flights, hotels, and tours fluctuate significantly, so booking early during peak times is important.

Choosing when to visit Cusco depends on whether you prioritize weather, cost, or avoiding crowds.

Worst Time to Visit Cusco

The worst time to visit Cusco is during the wet season from January to March. Heavy rains can cause travel delays, trail closures, and muddy conditions that limit outdoor activities. This period also sees fewer services and some attractions may close.

Additionally, the combination of rain and cold nights can make your trip uncomfortable. Tourist infrastructure operates at reduced capacity, and some tours may be unavailable or canceled.

• Heavy rainfall disrupts hiking and outdoor plans, making it difficult to explore the region fully.

• Some popular trails, including parts of the Inca Trail, close for maintenance during February.

• Lower tourist numbers mean some businesses reduce hours or close temporarily.

• Travel costs are low, but the weather and limited activities make it less enjoyable for most visitors.

If you dislike rain or want to hike, avoid visiting Cusco during these months.

Special Travel Tips for Visiting Cusco

When visiting Cusco, packing and planning are key to having a smooth trip. Weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains, so be prepared for different conditions.

Booking accommodations and tours early during peak season helps secure your spot and better prices. Also, be aware of local festivals and holidays that can affect availability and crowds.

• Pack layers including warm clothing for cold nights and rain gear for wet season months.

• Book tours and accommodations well in advance if traveling between June and August to avoid sold-out options.

• Check local event calendars for festivals like Inti Raymi in June, which draw large crowds but offer unique cultural experiences.

• Avoid common mistakes like underestimating altitude sickness and not acclimatizing properly before hiking.

Planning ahead and preparing for Cusco’s unique environment will help you enjoy your visit fully.

Conclusion

The best overall time to visit Cusco is from May to September when the weather is dry, and outdoor activities are most enjoyable. This period balances good weather with manageable crowds and moderate prices.

However, each season has trade-offs. The wet season offers lower costs and fewer tourists but comes with rain and limited hiking. Shoulder months provide a good mix for travelers seeking value and comfort. Choose your travel time based on your priorities for weather, crowds, and budget.

FAQs

What is the cheapest time to visit Cusco?

The cheapest time to visit Cusco is during the wet season from January to March. During these months, prices for accommodation and tours are at their lowest due to fewer tourists and less demand.

Which month has the best weather in Cusco?

The best weather in Cusco is typically from May to September. These months have dry, sunny days and cool nights, ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

When is the peak tourist season in Cusco?

Peak tourist season in Cusco runs from June to August. This period has the best weather but also the highest number of visitors and prices.

Is it safe to visit Cusco during the off-season?

Yes, it is safe to visit Cusco during the off-season, but be prepared for heavy rain, possible trail closures, and fewer services. Proper planning and gear are important during this time.

What is the best time for first-time visitors to Cusco?

First-time visitors should consider traveling between May and September for the best weather and full access to attractions. This period offers a comfortable experience with fewer weather disruptions.