What to expect in Cusco & Machu Picchu in December
December is a mixed month in Cusco & Machu Picchu. You get 20° / 6°, but manageable crowds at the big attractions. Worth it for the right traveller.
Cusco & Machu Picchu weather in December
Typical conditions in Cusco & Machu Picchu during December, based on long-run climate normals rather than any single year. Treat it as a planning guide, not a forecast.
| Average high | 20°C 68°F |
|---|---|
| Average low | 6°C 43°F |
| Rainfall | Wet 60/100 |
| Total rainfall | 123 mm4.8 in |
| Daylight | 12 h 55 min |
| How it feels | Mild — layers weather |
Average highs sit around 20°C with lows near 6°C. Expect a fair amount of rain, so plan indoor backups.
Crowds & demand
Crowd levels are Moderate for Cusco & Machu Picchu — manageable crowds at the big attractions.
Prices & value
This month counts as shoulder season: prices close to the yearly average.
What to pack
Layers you can shed: 20°C by day and about 6°C after dark is a two-jacket kind of month. Add a compact rain shell and shoes you do not mind soaking; this is one of the wetter months.
What it costs
Costs in December sit around the yearly average for Cusco & Machu Picchu — neither a bargain nor a squeeze. Booking a few weeks out is usually enough. Compared with the most expensive month of the year, you are looking at roughly 41% less.
Who this month suits
- Anyone travelling on a budget
- People who would rather have space than perfect conditions
Events & what’s on
No major festivals fall in December, so the destination feels like its everyday self.
Cusco & Machu Picchu in December compared with nearby months
If your dates are flexible by a few weeks, this is what shifting them actually buys you.
| Month | Temp | Crowds | Price | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October | 21° / 5° | Moderate | $$ | 59 |
| November | 21° / 6° | Moderate | $$ | 61 |
| December · This month | 20° / 6° | Moderate | $$ | 59 |
| January | 19° / 6° | Moderate | $$ | 60 |
| February | 19° / 6° | Low | $ | 70 |
These months score higher for Cusco & Machu Picchu on the same blend of weather, crowds and price. Same destination, better odds.
Or go somewhere else in December
If the destination is negotiable but the month is not, these places are at their best in December.
Figures are climate normals and modelled estimates — a planning guide, not a forecast. We separate fact, estimate and recommendation. Updated October 2026
