People look at Cusco's highs of 17°C (63°F) to 20°C (68°F) and pack for spring. That's the mistake. The city sits at about 3,400 m, so the sun burns at midday and dry-season nights drop to 4°C (39°F), and you need to pack for both in the same day.
Cusco weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 17°C63°F | 17°C63°F | 17°C63°F | 17°C63°F | 18°C64°F | 18°C64°F | 19°C66°F | 19°C66°F | 20°C68°F | 19°C66°F | 19°C66°F | 18°C64°F |
| Low | 8°C46°F | 8°C46°F | 8°C46°F | 7°C45°F | 6°C43°F | 5°C41°F | 4°C39°F | 5°C41°F | 6°C43°F | 7°C45°F | 8°C46°F | 8°C46°F |
| Rain days | 27 | 28 | 26 | 19 | 9 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 14 | 22 | 25 | 27 |
Season by season
Wet season
December–MarchHighs stay at 17°C (63°F) or 18°C (64°F) and lows at 8°C (46°F), but it rains on 26 to 28 days a month, with February the wettest at 28. The Inca Trail closes every February. Bring a real waterproof shell, quick-dry layers and a dry bag for your camera.
Shoulder season
April–MayApril still has 19 rain days, then May drops to 9 as the dry season starts. Highs are 17°C (63°F) to 18°C (64°F) and lows fall to 6°C (43°F). This is a good window for the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu before the crowds.
Dry season
June–AugustThis is the busy season. Rain drops to 1 to 7 days a month, July is the driest with 1, and the lows fall to 4°C (39°F). Days are sunny and strong, nights are cold, and many guesthouses have little or no heating. Pack a warm layer, a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
Shoulder season
September–NovemberSeptember is the warmest month at 20°C (68°F), with 14 rain days. October has 22 rain days and November 25 as the rains return. Pack layers and a rain shell, and expect clear mornings and wet afternoons.
What to bring to Cusco
0 of 26 packedCusco gets rain on 26 to 28 days a month in the wet season, and a shell that packs into its own pocket is the one thing you'll use on every trek.
For him, the same call: it packs small into a daypack and comes out when the Sacred Valley afternoon turns wet.
- A warm wrapClothing
July nights drop to 4°C (39°F) and your guesthouse may have little or no heating, so a warm wrap pulls double duty on the bus and in bed.
- THRIAID Mini First Aid Kit, 100 piecesHealth & Safety
Blister care and tape matter on the Inca Trail, and this kit is sized for up to four people over about ten days, so add your own altitude meds.
- Nalgene 32 oz Wide Mouth BottleWater Bottles & Hydration
A tough 32 oz bottle that pairs with many water filters, which helps on long trail days where you'll want to drink plenty at altitude.
- Dramamine Less Drowsy ChewablesHealth & Safety
The roads into the Sacred Valley and out to Rainbow Mountain are long and winding, so take one of these before the van leaves.
- Peak Design Capture Clip V3Camera & Photo
Clip your camera to your backpack strap on the Inca Trail and it's out in a second for the view, not buried at the bottom of the bag.
Peru runs at 220V, and this adapter isn't a voltage converter, but it fits the sockets and gives you an AC outlet and five USB ports.
Clothing
- Fleece or warm midlayer · 1Dry-season nights drop to 4°C
- Puffy or warm jacket · 1Many guesthouses have little or no heating
- Quick-dry hiking trousers · 2Cotton jeans stay cold and wet on the trek
- Quick-dry base layers · 326 to 28 rain days a month Dec–Mar
- Warm hat and light glovesCold mornings and nights Jun–Aug
- Sun hatMidday sun burns at about 3,400 m
Footwear
- Broken-in trail shoes or light hiking boots · 1 pairSlick stones in San Blas and the Inca Trail
- Hiking socks · 4 pairs
Gear
- Daypack or travel backpackLuggage on the trains to Aguas Calientes is limited
- Dry bag for cameraWet season, February the wettest at 28 rain days
- SunglassesSunny, strong days in the dry season
Health and toiletries
- High-SPF sunscreenStrong sun at altitude
- Lip balm with SPF
- Altitude medicationTake it easy the first day or two at about 3,400 m
Documents and money
- PassportNeeded for Machu Picchu entry
- Travel insuranceTreks, altitude and remote trails
Tech
- Portable power bank
- Dual-voltage chargersPeru runs at 220V; an adapter doesn't convert voltage
What shoes should you pack for Cusco?
Bring broken-in trail shoes or light hiking boots with grip. The streets in San Blas are steep and the stones get slick, and the Inca Trail, Rainbow Mountain and the ruins at Sacsayhuamán are all uneven ground. Don't break in new boots on the trail; that's how you get blisters on day one.
What do people wear in Cusco?
Practical layers. Locals and travelers both wear fleece, a puffy or warm jacket, and comfortable trousers, peeling off layers as the sun comes up. A sun hat is common, and you'll see plenty of alpaca knits from the markets.
What plugs does Cusco use?
Peru uses types A and C at 220V. Flat US pins and round European pins both fit most sockets. US travelers should check that chargers and hair tools handle 220V, since an adapter doesn't change the voltage.
Tours and things to do in Cusco
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Cusco.
What should you leave at home for Cusco?
Leave the cotton jeans for the trek; they're cold when wet and slow to dry. Leave the big suitcase too if you're doing Machu Picchu by train, since luggage on the trains to Aguas Calientes is limited, so a backpack works better.
Around Cusco
Packing for Cusco: questions people ask
What should I wear in Cusco in July?
Layers. Days reach about 19°C (66°F) in strong sun, but nights drop to 4°C (39°F), so bring a warm jacket, a hat and sunscreen.
When is the rainy season in Cusco?
Roughly November to March, with rain on 25 to 28 days a month. February is the wettest, and the Inca Trail closes that month.
Is Cusco cold at night?
Yes, especially from June to August when lows hit 4°C (39°F) or 5°C (41°F). Many guesthouses have little heating, so pack a warm layer for evenings.
What shoes do I need for Machu Picchu?
Broken-in walking or hiking shoes with good grip. The paths are stone steps and get slippery when wet.
Do I need a plug adapter in Peru?
US plugs fit type A sockets, but the voltage is 220V, so check your devices. UK and Australian travelers need an adapter.
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