Cusco is way up in the Andes mountains at around 11,400 feet (3475 meters) high. Because of this high altitude the weather can really change quickly. It’s pretty unpredictable sometimes. There are two main weather periods here the dry time and the rainy time. These seasons affect Machu Picchu visits too. So you gotta be ready for whatever when you plan your trip.
The Dry Time
The dry season runs from May through October. Lots of travelers like to visit Machu Picchu then because you often get sunny days and clear blue skies. But nights get super cold like sometimes dropping below freezing point around -2ºC (28ºF) especially in June and July. Just know this is when the most people visit so expect crowds and maybe waiting in lines at popular spots.
- Usually sunny clear days
- Can be really cold at night
The Rainy Time
The rainy season goes from November until April. Down on the coast of Peru this is summer but up here in the mountains it’s different. You’ll see more rainy days cloudy skies and it feels humid. But you can get sunny breaks too especially in November and April. On days when it’s not raining it’s warmer and nights aren’t as cold as in the dry season. The land looks really green which is pretty cool. And way fewer people are traveling then. February is usually the wettest month so keep that in mind.
- Land is green fewer crowds
- Can be rainy and cloudy
Deciding When to Visit
Lots of travelers think the best time to come to Cusco is during the dry season or just before or after it. This includes April May September October and sometimes November. The weather is often still good then you get some sunshine but there aren’t as many crowds as in the middle of the dry season. It’s a good balance for exploring everything.