What to expect in Cusco & Machu Picchu in March
March is a mixed month in Cusco & Machu Picchu. You get 19° / 6°, but manageable crowds at the big attractions. Worth it for the right traveller.
Cusco & Machu Picchu weather in March
Typical conditions in Cusco & Machu Picchu during March, based on long-run climate normals rather than any single year. Treat it as a planning guide, not a forecast.
| Average high | 19°C 66°F |
|---|---|
| Average low | 6°C 43°F |
| Rainfall | Wet 60/100 |
| Total rainfall | 107 mm4.2 in |
| Daylight | 12 h 10 min |
| How it feels | Mild — layers weather |
Average highs sit around 19°C with lows near 6°C. Expect a fair amount of rain, so plan indoor backups.
Crowds & demand
Crowd levels are Low for Cusco & Machu Picchu — plenty of space at the main sights.
Prices & value
This month counts as low season: some of the best deals of the year.
What to pack
Layers you can shed: 19°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
This is one of the cheaper months to visit Cusco & Machu Picchu. Flights and accommodation sit near their yearly floor, and you can usually book late without being punished for it. Compared with the most expensive month of the year, you are looking at roughly 53% 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 March, so the destination feels like its everyday self.
Cusco & Machu Picchu in March 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19° / 6° | Moderate | $$ | 60 |
| February | 19° / 6° | Low | $ | 70 |
| March · This month | 19° / 6° | Low | $ | 64 |
| April | 20° / 4° | Moderate | $$ | 59 |
| May | 20° / 2° | High | $$ | 55 |
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 March
If the destination is negotiable but the month is not, these places are at their best in March.
Figures are climate normals and modelled estimates — a planning guide, not a forecast. We separate fact, estimate and recommendation. Updated October 2026
