Many travelers tailor their vacation plans to the expected weather in Cusco, but it’s important to note that the weather here can be highly unpredictable. While it’s challenging to forecast the specific conditions you might encounter during your visit, locals are always prepared for a mix of intense sunshine, cold temperatures, winds, and rain at any time. Fortunately, Cusco experiences two primary seasons: dry and rainy. This distinction can help guide your preparations, but it’s wise to be ready for all types of weather regardless of the season.
Dry season in Cusco
The dry season in Cusco typically starts in May and lasts until October. During this period, the weather is mostly sunny with significantly less rainfall compared to other months, making it an ideal time for tourists to explore the city and its surrounding attractions. Nights can be cold, but the days are pleasantly warm, offering clear skies and excellent conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing. This season is particularly popular among visitors aiming to hike trails such as the Inca Trail, as the dry paths and clear weather provide safer and more enjoyable hiking conditions.
May: the weather of Cusco
In May, Cusco welcomes the beginning of the dry season with pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall. Daytime temperatures average around 16°C, dipping to cooler averages at night, around 4°C. This month, you can expect an average of 6 rainy days with a total precipitation of about 33 mm, making it relatively dry compared to other months.
The month also enjoys considerable sunshine, averaging around 239 hours, which contributes to a pleasant and vibrant feel throughout the city. It’s advisable to prepare for sunny days by taking precautions against UV radiation, as the UV index reaches a high level of 11, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.
As the dry season kicks off, you might encounter occasional showers, but these are typically light and infrequent. The weather conditions make May a great time for outdoor activities such as cycling and walking, which you can comfortably enjoy thanks to the moderate temperatures and mostly clear skies.
Overall, if you’re planning a visit to Cusco in May, it’s a wonderful time to explore the area with less rainfall and enjoy the natural beauty as the peak tourist season hasn’t fully started yet. Remember to layer your clothing as it can get chilly, especially during the night.
Inca Trail in the dry season
Some reccomedations for this season
Here are some recommendations for making the most of your visit to Cusco during the dry season:
- Outdoor Activities: Take advantage of the clear, dry weather to explore outdoor attractions. Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu or other trails like Salkantay and Lares is ideal during this season due to the lower risk of rain and mud.
- Plan Ahead for Accommodations and Tours: Since this is a peak tourist season, it’s wise to book your accommodations, tours, and tickets (especially for Machu Picchu) well in advance to ensure availability.
- Dress Appropriately: Although days can be warm, temperatures often drop significantly at night. Packing layers is crucial—include warm clothing and a sturdy jacket for the evenings.
- Sun Protection: With many sunny days and high UV exposure, carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect against the sun, especially when at higher altitudes.
- Stay Hydrated: The dry season can also mean drier air; keep hydrated, particularly when engaging in physical activities like hiking.
- Cultural Festivals: Check out local festivals and events. The dry season coincides with some vibrant cultural celebrations in Cusco, including the famous Inti Raymi festival in June.
- Wildlife and Nature: Visit the surrounding valleys and wildlife sanctuaries where you can enjoy the lush scenery and spot local wildlife more easily during the dry months.
These tips will help you enjoy a safe and fulfilling experience in Cusco during the dry season.
We hope you liked this travel blog, if you have any questions or suggestions feel free to comment! Great day to you!
Another interesting blogs:
- Colors of the Sacred Valley: Mystique of the Pisac Market
- Mystic Peaks: Let’s know more about Huayna Picchu
- Perolniyoc’s Secret: A Nature’s Masterpiece
- Cusco’s San Pedro Market: Flavors and Colors of Tradition