When to visit Cusco?

When to visit Cusco?

The best time to visit Machu Picchu and Cusco is during the dry season, typically from May to September. During this time, you can expect sunny days and cooler temperatures, making exploring the ancient ruins and city of Cusco easier.

If you plan to visit during the peak tourist season from June to August, booking your accommodations and transportation well in advance is essential. The crowds can be pretty significant, and availability can be limited.

When to visit Cusco?

If you prefer to avoid crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder season, which runs from April to May and September to November. The weather is still pleasant, and there are typically fewer tourists. However, remember that there may be some rain during these months.

If you’re looking for the lowest prices and fewer crowds, consider visiting during the off-season, which runs from December to March. However, be prepared for cooler temperatures, rain, or even snow, particularly at higher elevations. Additionally, some Inca Trail routes may be closed during this time.

To explore Cusco will depend on the type of weather you like. The rainy season in Cusco goes from November to April, while May to October is the dry season. But regardless of the time of year, you decide to come.

It would be best if you were always prepared for the weather. Although we can visit Cusco throughout the year, the months from June to October and the weeks leading up to Christmas and New Year are usually the busiest times for travelers worldwide. Since Cusco is a tourist city with many festivals and celebrations, you should plan your trip well, including or avoiding them.

What is the best month to travel to Cusco?

As mentioned, you can visit Cusco at any time of the year. However, there is a very low possibility of rain in May; the mountains are lusher, and the landscape greener. Likewise, this month’s influx of visitors is usually a little quieter.

The best months to travel to Cusco are May to September, which is the dry season. During these months, you can expect sunny days and cooler temperatures, making exploring the city and its surroundings easier. Additionally, this is the peak tourist season, so you can expect a bustling atmosphere with plenty of activities and events.

If you prefer to avoid crowds, consider traveling during the shoulder season, which runs from April to May and September to November. The weather is still pleasant, but fewer tourists make it a great time to explore the city and its surroundings without the crowds.

If you’re looking for the lowest prices and don’t mind cooler temperatures, consider traveling from December to March during the off-season. However, be prepared for some rain or even snow, particularly at higher elevations. Additionally, some Inca Trail routes may be closed during this time.

Dry season (May to October)

The dry season in the imperial city of Cusco runs from May to October. The weather is primarily dry during this season, especially in June, July, and August. The days are warm, with an average temperature between 16 °C and 18 °C.

The nights are more relaxed during the dry season, and temperatures in June and July rarely descend below 0 °C. Although the dry season is considered the best time to travel, it also has the highest visitor influx.

The rainy season (November to April)

The rainy season runs from November to April. At this time, the imperial city of Cusco experiences the highest yearly rainfall. Statistical data reveals that January and February receive the heaviest rains.

It is summer in the southern hemisphere during the rainy season, so average daytime temperatures are slightly higher than in the dry season and middle 18 °C. However, overnight temperatures are significantly higher, with an average temperature of 8 °C. Fewer people choose to visit Cusco during the rainy season.

The abundance of rain makes the region much more lush and green than in the dry season, when the vegetation usually looks brown or gray. During the rainy season, rain may fall all day, but it often comes in intermittent bursts, lasting from 20 minutes to a few hours.

Usually, rain falls in the afternoon, but precipitation may occur at any time of the day, so do not rely on it.

What are the disadvantages of the rainy season?

Undoubtedly, the most significant disadvantage of making your trip in the rainy season is the greater probability of landslides in the southern region of Peru and Cusco, especially in the Machu Picchu region. Landslides can cause delays in the train transfer from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). These can cause minor inconveniences or delays lasting up to 48 hours.

We know from experience that landslides occur more frequently in February, when the earth has suffered more erosion due to the constant rainfall of previous months.

We know that coming to Cusco in the rainy season can cause concern since you want to visit Machu Picchu. We recommend that you plan your trip very well and try to leave free time around it; avoiding any disappointment is essential.

Cusco in Festive Season

The Cusco festivities calendar is too big to include here. However, it would be best to consider that hotel prices in Cusco could double during the weeks adjacent to Inti Raymi (June 24). Also, hotels tend to increase their tariffs at Christmas and New Year.

Cusco holiday calendar

Several holidays and festivals throughout the year may impact your travel plans in Cusco. Here are some of the most important dates to keep in mind:

• New Year’s Day, January 1: This is a national holiday, and many businesses and attractions may be closed.
• Three Wise Men Day, January 6: This day is celebrated with parades and feasts, particularly in the Andean villages outside of Cusco.
• Holy Week, typically in March or April, is a week-long celebration that includes processions, music, and religious ceremonies, particularly on Holy Thursday and Good Friday.
• Labor Day, May 1: This is a national holiday, and many businesses and attractions may be closed.
• Inti Raymi, June 24: This is the most important festival in Cusco. It celebrates the winter solstice with colorful parades, music, and dancing.
• Independence Day, July 28th and 29th: These are national holidays, and many businesses and attractions may be closed.
• All Saints’ Day, November 1: This day is celebrated with processions and visits to cemeteries to honor loved ones who have passed away.
• Christmas Day, December 25: This is a national holiday, and many businesses and attractions may be closed.

Remember that many businesses and attractions may have limited hours or be closed during holidays and festivals, so it’s a good idea to plan and check schedules before you travel.