2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Cusco — December

It's a rainy period, but great for indoor activities, museums, and lower prices.

☔ Climate Overview

December is a wet time to visit Cusco. Warm weather with highs of 19°C—great for outdoor activities. This is one of the wettest months—waterproof gear is essential. Temperatures vary significantly between day and night—layering is recommended. Being off-peak, you'll find better deals and fewer crowds.

6.5
GoTripzi Score Good

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

19°C

Avg Low

9°C

Rainy days

27days

Daylight

12.9h

Rainfall

186mm

Sunshine

9.3h/day

Humidity

74%

Humid
Sun Strength

8

Very High
Wind

7 km/h (gusts 28)

Is December a good time to visit Cusco?

It's a rainy period, but great for indoor activities, museums, and lower prices.

Now

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Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
UV Index --
Local time —

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Very Quiet
  • Travel Costs Shoulder Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

05:16

Sunset

18:11

12.9h daylight

Visiting Cusco in December: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing
  • Abundant sunshine for beach and outdoor fun
  • Fewer crowds and better hotel deals

Cons

  • Frequent rain may disrupt outdoor activities
  • Very high UV — sunscreen and shade essential

Things to Do in December

Recommended for This Weather

🏛️ Museums & galleries
🍳 Cooking classes & food tours
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Cusco Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 18°C 9°C 27d (214mm) 9.2h
78% Humid
7.8 Very High
Wet
Feb 18°C 9°C 27d (210mm) 8.6h
80% Very Humid
7.3 Very High
Wet
Mar 18°C 9°C 28d (197mm) 8.8h
80% Very Humid
7.2 Very High
Wet
Apr 18°C 8°C 17d (76mm) 9.8h
74% Humid
7.3 Very High
Wet
May 18°C 7°C 8d (35mm) 10h
68% Humid
6.9 High
Excellent
Jun 18°C 5°C 2d (6mm) 10h
59% Moderate
6.6 High
Excellent
Jul 19°C 5°C 1d (9mm) 10.2h
53% Moderate
7.4 Very High
Excellent
Aug 20°C 6°C 5d (13mm) 10.5h
55% Moderate
8 Very High
Excellent
Sep 20°C 7°C 10d (33mm) 10.7h
60% Moderate
8.6 Very High
Excellent
Oct 20°C 8°C 19d (78mm) 10.6h
64% Moderate
9.1 Very High
Wet
Nov 20°C 9°C 22d (118mm) 9.9h
67% Humid
8.6 Very High
Wet
Dec Current 19°C 9°C 27d (186mm) 9.3h
74% Humid
8 Very High
Wet

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Your Best MonthNovScore: 7.6
1.Nov
7.62.Dec
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6.75.Feb
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6.77.Apr
6.28.Jun
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4.310.Aug
4.311.May
3.812.Sep
3.8

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Cusco – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

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Cusco

Inca capital and launchpad for Machu Picchu treks. Discover Sacsayhuamán.

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What to Pack for December

Dress in layers — a mix of long sleeves, light sweaters, and a versatile jacket works best for changeable conditions. A waterproof jacket and shoes are non-negotiable — showers are frequent.

Moderate Very Quiet

🎒Personalized Packing List

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📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Cusco?

💰 Off-peak — great deals available now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is December a good time to visit Cusco?
December is typically wet for visiting Cusco, with average highs of 19°C and around 27 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Cusco in December?
Nights in Cusco during December are cool at around 9°C. Bring a jacket or sweater for evenings, especially if you plan to dine outdoors or take evening walks. The temperature drop from day to night can be noticeable.
What should I pack for Cusco in December?
With highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C in December, we recommend: Warm layer for evenings, Compact umbrella, Waterproof jacket/shell, Water-resistant shoes. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Cusco in December?
Cusco typically sees around 27 rainy days in December. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
How many hours of daylight are there in Cusco in December?
In December, Cusco gets approximately 12.9 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is December peak season in Cusco?
No, December is not peak season in Cusco. Expect better value on accommodation, shorter queues at attractions, and fewer tourists at popular spots. This is an excellent time to experience the city like a local and enjoy a more authentic atmosphere.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: America/Lima)

Last Updated: March 2026

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