There is no month that is better than the rest, but certain times of the year trump others. June and July are usually the most popular months to do tours in Cusco because it is the middle of the dry season. There are also many festivities in the city at this time of year.
However, the nights are also the coldest this time of year, so you might want to reconsider. May, September and October are the best three months to avoid freezing nights and also (hopefully) avoid rain.
The dry season brings with it plenty of sun and clear skies. You’re guaranteed some incredible views of the glistening snowy landscapes and crystalline lagoons. This does, however, draw more crowds to Cusco. But, as we’ve mentioned already, this trek is never overrun. To secure your spot, it’s always a good idea to book a bit in advance during this time of year.
Finally, May marks the official start of the dry season in the Cusco region. Don’t be surprised if you still see a shower or two, but the precipitation falls much less than in previous months. The nights will still be cold as they are always high up in the snowy mountains, but during the day, you must feel the warmth of the sun. We recommend this month to visit Cusco, since the big crowds have not arrived yet.
This is the driest month of the year and you will likely not see any rain. It’s also when the tourist season really ramps up, but you can avoid the crowds on this off-the-beaten-path route. The nights are getting colder and you will need a high quality sleeping bag to keep you warm until morning. During the day, the sun will be strong.
This is the coldest time of the year, and nights go well below 0°C. This does not mean that you will be cold all day. The sun heats things up for the afternoon and is very strong, make sure you stay well protected. July is usually very dry, but don’t be surprised by the occasional hail storm.
Winter is coming to an end, but the nights are still very cold. The days are getting warmer and this month is characterized by being very windy. Rainfall is low and you should experience some exceptional views of the Andean landscapes.
The nights are not so cold now, and you can expect the days to be beautiful with clear sunny skies and warm temperatures. You might experience the odd rain here and there, but nothing major.
This is the warmest month of the year and the weather is usually clear and very pleasant. However, with the arrival of the rainy season, you are a little more likely to get wet. This is the last month of the year for the best views of the mountains.
If there is one good piece of advice we can give you, it is: always be prepared! The weather in this region is very unpredictable, so you never know when it will rain. It could be sunny one minute and then start to rain or even hail the next.
For every hike you take, you should make sure you have a rain jacket or light poncho.
The months in which it is most likely to rain are between December and February. These are also the quietest months in Cusco, so this could be your idea of heaven if you prefer to avoid the crowds. However, the Ausangate Trek is never really busy as such, so this doesn’t make much of a difference here.
You may not see as much sun this month as dark clouds are frequent in the sky. The amount of rain is increasing, but there will still be gaps in the cloud for the sun to shine through, heating up the area quickly. Heavier rains will keep things a bit cooler overall this month.
The rains are even more intense in February, and during this month, many of the other trekking routes are closed, including the Inca Trail. This is because the trails can get slippery and they do maintenance as well. If you decide to go trekking this month, you will find that the weather is quite cold due to the rains and the sky is quite cloudy. Make sure you are prepared with plenty of rain gear and boots with good grip.
This month is usually when it rains the most throughout the year, so pack accordingly. The weather turns a bit warmer in March. Keep in mind that the path could still be slippery from all the rains.
Fortunately, we are now coming to the end of the rainy season and there is a dramatic decrease in the amount of rain. However, there will still be occasional showers, so this month is included in the rainy season. The skies will be clearer for spectacular views, and during the day you will be warm.
At the beginning of November, the landscape looks quite dry because it hasn’t rained for several months. During this month the showers will begin, although they will be a bit sporadic and will not occur every day. The temperature is relatively warm during the day with quite cold nights.
In the Cusco region, this is the beginning of summer. But remember, in Ausangate, you are at a very high altitude and between the glaciers, so don’t expect it to be too hot. If the day is dry, it will feel warm in the sun. However, this is when the real downpours also begin. However, you will still be able to travel. Just bring raincoats and you’ll be fine.
The coldest month of the year on the Inca Trail is July without a doubt. At night the temperature can drop as low as 32°F, but it still warms up again in the day to around 66°F. June comes in a close second with the nighttime temperature dropping to 34°F.
If you are traveling during these months, you should ensure that you bring warm clothing and a sleeping bag that can withstand colder climates.
You cannot fly directly to Ausangate. Instead, you have to fly to the city of Cusco. The flights usually run on time and they do not face any problems. However, during the rainy season, it occasionally rains heavily, which can cause flight delays or cancellations. Keep this in mind when traveling at this time of year.
