Los Cusqueños (residents of Cusco) say: “The climate in Cusco works like women. Your moods are simply unpredictable.”
Are you planning to visit Cusco or another city in Peru? and want to know what the weather is like during the winter in Cusco or also known as freezing weather which intersects with the high season and dry season during the months from May to August. At this time of year there is little rainfall and the drop in day and night temperatures is great due to the altitude and the extreme exposure to ultraviolet rays is unusual for many travellers and quickly causes colds and fever.
The days are often hot and hot and the nights are often very cold with temperatures below freezing. So, if you are travelling in various scenic areas (coast, Andes, jungle), you are guaranteed to enjoy a wide variety of weather conditions and you should take this into account when planning your luggage.
6 Tips for winter in Cusco
Tip 1: Schedule days off
Especially in the rainy season from October to March, you should plan days off for Cusco and places that are particularly important to you. So you are flexible when the weather is really bad in one day. There is no risk of rain throughout the year in Lima, only the coastal fog seeps in the photos of the holidays in the winter from May to August.
Tip 2: Dress like an onion
It is the best advice I can give you: choose clothes that you can combine with each other. A good example of this is a t-shirt (or top) + long sleeve + polar jacket + light rain jacket. In the Andes in particular, temperatures change dramatically during the day. Early in the morning, you leave your accommodation crowded and in the afternoon you get incredibly hot with things that are too thick. (Only when the sun is shining, otherwise it stays cold). Given this, zipper pants are a great invention. More about the clothes on my packing list for Peru.
Tip 3: Buy a poncho and leave the umbrella at home
As fun as you look in a poncho, it is always useful and is much more practical than a difficult-to-handle umbrella that doesn’t even keep you dry when it rains on your side. I personally never used an umbrella in Peru. You can still buy a poncho in Peru without any problem, otherwise you can also find good rain ponchos online.
Tip 4: Wear sunscreen even when the sky is cloudy
With sun or without sun, UV radiation in the Andes is so great that there is a risk of sunburn, even when the sky is cloudy. Therefore, apply cream at regular intervals, especially if you are outside all day. A sun hat or cloth and sunglasses are also useful.
Tip 5: Take a warm pajamas and thick socks with you
Peruvian homes and simple accommodations generally do not have heaters. Therefore, it is good to wear warm sleepwear and thick socks.
Tip 6: Wear sturdy shoes
Whether on the coast, in the Andes or in the jungle, resistant footwear is the most important thing for Peru. You will not only need trekking shoes, but also in rainy weather. The historic center of Cusco also consists of cobblestones and the risk of slipping on wet stones is 90%.
Tip 7: Choose a comfortable hotel
During any tour or trek you choose in Peru in winter, the nights are likely to be very cold. It is therefore essential to choose a hotel that offers the following comforts:
- Adequate Heating: Look for a hotel that has heating in the rooms. This will allow you to rest and relax comfortably after a day exploring the wonders of Cusco.
- Hot Water for Washing: Make sure the hotel offers 24-hour hot water. After a long day of hiking and touring, a hot shower is essential to recover and keep you clean and comfortable.
By prioritising these features, you will ensure you have a much more pleasant experience and be well prepared to enjoy your Machu Picchu adventure to the fullest. Have a great trip!
