Cusco in February
Not the best time
Still firmly in wet season territory with fewer tourists than January but plenty of mud. The famous Inca Trail stays closed, but you'll have Sacred Valley sites almost to yourself between rain showers.
Weather
February continues the rainy season with slightly less intensity than January but still expects rain most days. Temperatures hover between 6°C at dawn and 19°C in the afternoon. The humidity stays high and clouds roll through the Sacred Valley regularly, though you'll catch glimpses of snow-capped peaks when they clear.
19°C high6°C low15 rain days
Crowds & Cost
low crowds
~$48/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Carnaval de Cusco (varies by lunar calendar, usually February)
- •Comadres Thursday celebration
February Tips
- •The Inca Trail closes all of February for maintenance
- •Book cooking classes and indoor cultural activities
- •Carnival gets messy - locals throw water balloons at tourists too
All Months
May through September is dry season, which means clear skies and packed hostels. July is peak chaos—every gringo with a backpack and a Machu Picchu dream descends on the city. But the weather is perfect: sunny days, chilly nights, and no rain to turn those cobblestones into slip-and-slides.
June hits the sweet spot. The crowds haven't reached full insanity yet, but the weather is still reliable. Plus, you get Inti Raymi on June 24th—the Festival of the Sun that turns the city into one massive celebration. Just book accommodations months ahead.
September is underrated. The dry season is winding down, but you still get decent weather and fewer people fighting for the same Instagram shot at every viewpoint.
Avoid January through March unless you enjoy hiking in mud. The rain comes hard and often, turning Sacred Valley day trips into soggy slogs. But if you don't mind getting wet, hotel prices drop by half and you'll have Machu Picchu almost to yourself.
Cusco Scores
Solo
8/10
Couples
7/10
Families
6/10
Adventure
9/10
Budget
7/10
Luxury
6/10
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