Cusco & Machu Picchu month by month

The best time to visit Cusco & Machu Picchu

For most travellers, the sweet spot in Cusco & Machu Picchu is May · June · July: 20° avg. high, prices close to the yearly average. Peak season brings the biggest crowds of the year, while the quiet months trade weather for space and value.

Climate through the year

Month	Temp	Crowds	Price	Verdict
January	19° / 6°	Moderate	$$	Fair
February	19° / 6°	Low	$	Avoid
March	19° / 6°	Low	$	Fair
April	20° / 4°	Moderate	$$	Great
May	20° / 2°	High	$$	Ideal
June	20° / 0°	High	$$$	Ideal
July	20° / 0°	High	$$$	Ideal
August	20° / 1°	High	$$$	Ideal
September	21° / 3°	High	$$	Great
October	21° / 5°	Moderate	$$	Great
November	21° / 6°	Moderate	$$	Fair
December	20° / 6°	Moderate	$$	Fair

Best months May June July August

Months to avoid February

The year in Cusco & Machu Picchu

Four broad seasons, and what each one actually feels like on the ground in Cusco & Machu Picchu.

Spring Great

Sep–Nov · highs around 21°C · Dry and warmer, crowds ease slightly

Sep ·Oct ·Nov

Summer Fair

Dec–Feb · highs around 19°C · Wet season starts, holiday travelers arrive

Dec ·Jan ·Feb

Autumn Ideal

Mar–May · highs around 20°C · Dry season begins, clear mountain views

Mar ·Apr ·May

Winter Ideal

Jun–Aug · highs around 20°C · Driest month, cold nights, Inti Raymi crowds

Jun ·Jul ·Aug

When to go, depending on what you want

Best weather

The months where climate comfort peaks, whatever else is happening.

May ·June

Best value

Still a good trip, at the lowest prices of the year.

March ·January

Fewest crowds

When you get the main sights closest to yourself.

March ·January

Biggest events

When the calendar gives you something the other months do not.

May ·June

Practical basics

Region: South America
Local currency: PEN
Hemisphere: Southern (summer in Dec–Feb)
Yearly range: 0° – 21°
Strongest months: May, June, July
Good for: culture · adventure · nature

Events in Cusco & Machu Picchu

May–Jun Q'oyoriti Pilgrimage — Thousands trek to a glacier shrine high in the Andes.
Jun Inti Raymi — Elaborate Inca sun-god reenactment fills Sacsayhuamán with pageantry.
Jun Corpus Christi — Saints' statues from Cusco's churches parade through the main square.

Every month in Cusco & Machu Picchu

A dedicated breakdown for each month — weather, crowds, prices, events and a verdict.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best month to visit Cusco & Machu Picchu?

What is the cheapest time to visit Cusco & Machu Picchu?

March — This month counts as low season: some of the best deals of the year. Save 53%.

When should you avoid Cusco & Machu Picchu?

February.

What is the weather like in Cusco & Machu Picchu?

Average highs sit around 21°C with lows near 0°C. Rainfall is moderate; the odd shower is likely.