Cusco, Peru Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Cusco
Located in Peru, Cusco experiences a subtropical highland climate with spring-like temperatures nearly all year thanks to its elevation. Afternoon temperatures peak near 65°F (18°C) in November and dip to about 62°F (17°C) in June, with around 46.3 inches (1176 mm) of precipitation falling across the year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: November - highs near 65°F (18°C)
- Coldest month: June - highs near 62°F (17°C)
- Record high: 74°F (24°C) · Record low: 31°F (0°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: January (28 rainy days) · Sunniest: August (11.1 h sun/day)
- Climate type: subtropical highland - spring-like temperatures nearly all year thanks to its elevation
- Snow: about 2 days a year
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on November. Highs average 65°F (18°C) and overnight lows stay near 47°F (8°C). The coolest month is June, with typical highs of 62°F (17°C) and lows around 41°F (5°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 74°F (24°C) and dropped as low as 31°F (0°C).
Rain, sun and snow
January is usually the wettest month. It brings about 8.5 inches (217 mm) of rain over 28 days, while June is the driest. August brings the most sunshine, averaging 11.1 hours of sun a day. Snowfall is rare but not unheard of.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 62° | 46° | 28 | 8.5 in | 9.4 h/day | 78% |
| February | 61° | 47° | 26 | 8.0 in | 8.8 h/day | 80% |
| March | 61° | 46° | 26 | 6.0 in | 9.6 h/day | 79% |
| April | 62° | 45° | 19 | 3.0 in | 10.1 h/day | 76% |
| May | 62° | 43° | 10 | 1.3 in | 10.4 h/day | 70% |
| June | 62° | 41° | 2 | 0.3 in | 10.4 h/day | 64% |
| July | 64° | 40° | 3 | 0.4 in | 10.8 h/day | 60% |
| August | 64° | 42° | 7 | 0.8 in | 11.1 h/day | 62% |
| September | 65° | 44° | 11 | 1.4 in | 11.0 h/day | 65% |
| October | 65° | 46° | 20 | 3.4 in | 10.6 h/day | 68% |
| November | 65° | 47° | 23 | 5.7 in | 10.1 h/day | 72% |
| December | 63° | 47° | 27 | 7.4 in | 9.4 h/day | 76% |
Cusco month by month
Cusco weather in January
January brings highs around 62°F (16°C), lows near 46°F (8°C), about 28 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Cusco.
Cusco weather in February
February brings highs around 61°F (16°C), lows near 47°F (8°C), about 26 wet days.
Cusco weather in March
March brings highs around 61°F (16°C), lows near 46°F (8°C), about 26 wet days.
Cusco weather in April
April brings highs around 62°F (16°C), lows near 45°F (7°C), about 19 wet days.
Cusco weather in May
May brings highs around 62°F (17°C), lows near 43°F (6°C), about 10 wet days.
Cusco weather in June
June brings highs around 62°F (17°C), lows near 41°F (5°C), about 2 wet days - typically the coldest month and the driest month of the year in Cusco.
Cusco weather in July
July brings highs around 64°F (18°C), lows near 40°F (5°C), about 3 wet days.
Cusco weather in August
August brings highs around 64°F (18°C), lows near 42°F (5°C), about 7 wet days - typically the sunniest month of the year in Cusco.
Cusco weather in September
September brings highs around 65°F (18°C), lows near 44°F (6°C), about 11 wet days.
Cusco weather in October
October brings highs around 65°F (18°C), lows near 46°F (8°C), about 20 wet days.
Cusco weather in November
November brings highs around 65°F (18°C), lows near 47°F (8°C), about 23 wet days - typically the hottest month of the year in Cusco.
Cusco weather in December
December brings highs around 63°F (17°C), lows near 47°F (8°C), about 27 wet days.
Seasons in Cusco
September through November
September through November in Cusco is mild, with daytime highs averaging 65°F (18°C) and nights around 45°F (7°C); expect showers on roughly 54 days across the season.
December through February
December through February in Cusco stays on the cool side of mild, with daytime highs averaging 62°F (17°C) and nights around 47°F (8°C); expect showers on roughly 82 days across the season.
March through May
March through May in Cusco is mild, with daytime highs averaging 62°F (16°C) and nights around 45°F (7°C); expect showers on roughly 55 days across the season.
June through August
June through August in Cusco stays on the cool side of mild, with daytime highs averaging 63°F (17°C) and nights around 41°F (5°C); rain falls on about 13 days over the three months.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Cusco?
Is Cusco hot in summer?
Is Cusco cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Cusco get in a year?
Best time to visit Cusco
The best time to visit Cusco is generally May to September, when warm days, manageable rainfall and plenty of daylight line up. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 63°F (17°C).
Pack for Cusco with a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - November nights average 47°F (8°C).
Cusco temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.