Something that many people overlook when planning their trips is the season in which they will visit the different places. Although some destinations have sun and pleasant weather for most of the year, others vary significantly between seasons; the same is true of the tourism they receive. Cusco is no exception to this, so planning well to visit this wonderful city is essential.
Mainly, I enjoy Cusco at any time of the year, but that is because I have no problems with the cold weather. Still, I know that not all of us are the same, and that is why in this article, I will try to answer questions regarding the weather and the stations in Cusco and, in this way, try to help you when deciding to plan your adventure in Cusco.
When does it rains in Cusco?
First, we must know that the seasons in Cusco are divided into two: the rainy season, which runs from November to March, and the dry season, which runs from April to October. This is referential since precipitation can occur at any time of the year, although it is usually rare.
Something that you should keep in mind is that, depending on the months, the amount of tourism that arrives in Cusco can increase significantly, which is seen mainly between June to August. So the most recommended, in case you want to avoid crowds, is to visit Cusco in the months that are in the dry season, but with less influx of public.
What are the seasons in Cusco?
Rainy season:
Although only a few people like the rains, they are vital to the area’s agriculture and provide water to many parts of the region. Until about 10+ years ago, we could be guided by the changes of the seasons, since these were very marked and within everything, the months of the seasons were respected, which for hundreds of years they made people adapt very well to these (e.g. planting and harvest dates, times of construction, etc.)
Unfortunately, and as in the rest of the world, the impact of global warming and other factors have caused the areas of the Andes to be strongly affected by meteorological phenomena that bring destruction, extreme situations and, in some cases, death. This is also reflected in the delay of the seasons (rainy seasons) since agriculture depends directly on this.
Suppose the rainy season is delayed (as it was in 2022). In that case, the crops of the various products will not reach maturity on time and before the frost season, causing almost the entire crop to be lost. This has negatively impacted local producers since agriculture is their livelihood and their families.
Something to consider is that during the rainy season, the temperature oscillates between 17°C-25°C, so enjoying the city during this season is possible.
Dry season:
As its name indicates, it is the season in which the precipitations disappear. However, on rare occasions, they can occur a few times during this season. Although during this season, we can enjoy blue skies and the radiant Inti (sun in Quechua), with temperatures between 18°C and 32°C, it is also when it is coldest at night due to frost.
These bring with them temperatures that reach 0°C or sometimes a few degrees less. I remember going out to a party and returning to the hostel wearing only shorts and a singlet. I assume it is part of the heat that the nightlife in Cusco provides.
Regardless, there is no excuse not to enjoy Cusco to the fullest; if you do not enjoy the cold, it is always recommended to bring a coat, or otherwise, you can always buy an alpaca sweater or souvenir while you are in Cusco. If you need information on where to buy this or visit some stores, see the souvenirs and markets part in my article: What to do in Cusco?.
As some of you may know, the sun was the god of the Inca civilization and was attributed to the fact that the Inca was the sun’s son. During the dry season, in June, the most important festival is held and in which homage is paid to Inti (god of the sun).
This takes place on the winter solstice (June 24th). You will find more information about the significant Inti Raymi festival in the article I will publish later. But currently, the celebration begins in the morning at the Qorikancha temple, then moves to the main square to end with a great show in Sacsayhuaman. Admission for the part in the Plaza de Armas is free, and you can buy tickets for the other two HERE.
As additional data, if you plan to make the Inca Trail, it is essential to consider that this circuit closes in February and that it is highly recommended that you make reservations months in advance since there are only 200 places available daily. If you need help with this or to organize another type of tour, do not hesitate to contact Bloody Bueno Peru; they will take care of everything for you.
In 2023 Machu Picchu closed its entrance to the public from January 21 to February 11 due to the political crisis that the country was going through; this was an extraordinary measure that had not happened in the past. You must know that Machu Picchu usually is open throughout the year.
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