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Cusco in November

Cusco Weather in November

🇵🇪 Peru

17°C
High
8°C
Low
23
Rain Days
10h
Sunshine
82%
Humidity

South America🇵🇪 PeruCusco

Updated: March 2026

Is November a Good Time to Visit Cusco?

5/10
Fair

November is a fair time to visit Cusco (5/10). With 10 daily sunshine hours and only 23 rain days, this month delivers genuinely reliable outdoor conditions, ranking it 8th sunniest of the year in Cusco. Culture-focused travellers and those who prefer lighter crowds will find November a practical choice, with prices running lower than peak September without sacrificing all the good weather. December offers a similar profile at lower hotel rates if dates are flexible. Watch out for prolonged rain stretches: with 23 wet days, a fully outdoor itinerary is risky. Build in museum days and covered market visits as contingency. Planning tips: accommodation is generally available without long lead times, and flight prices are typically lower than peak season. Flexible travellers will find the best deals by booking 2-4 weeks ahead. Mid-week arrivals consistently unlock lower hotel rates than weekend check-ins.

vs October:17°C avg high

Planning a trip to Cusco in November? Days warm to 17°C on average while evenings hold at 8°C, giving you a clear sense of what to pack. The month delivers roughly 10 hours of sunshine per day and 117mm of rainfall spread across 23 wet days, so there is plenty of fair weather to work with.

17°C

Avg High

8°C

Avg Low

23 days

Rain Days

10h

Sunshine

82%

Humidity

Temperature in Cusco in November

The 9°C day-night temperature range is typical for continental climates: a light jacket in the morning that you shed by midday and need again after sunset. At 82% humidity, the 17°C daytime high feels 2-4°C warmer in practice: quick-dry fabrics and shade-seeking between noon and 3pm are the sensible response. UV index averages 8 this month, classed as high to very high. SPF 30+ sunscreen, a brim hat, and sunglasses are not optional between 10am and 4pm. Winds are calm at an average 8 km/h, so wind-chill is not a factor in planning your clothing. In Fahrenheit: 63°F average high, 46°F overnight low. Data sourced from Open-Meteo ERA5 climate reanalysis (1991–2020 normals).

Temperature in November

Monthly Precipitation (mm)

What to Wear in Cusco in November

Morning8°CBefore the day warms up
Afternoon17°CPeak daytime temperature
Evening11°CAfter sunset cools down

Packing for Cusco in November means dressing for 17°C days and 8°C evenings. A mid-weight jacket over a sweater handles 17°C daytime temperatures; the combination stays comfortable all day without overheating. Evening temperatures settle at 8°C, a modest 9°C drop that a light cardigan or denim jacket covers. Comfortable walking trainers are the versatile choice for both outdoor sightseeing and indoor venues. With 23 rain days expected, a compact travel umbrella is worth the bag space. A waterproof jacket is better than an umbrella if you plan full-day outdoor routes. At 82% average humidity, quick-dry synthetic or bamboo fabrics dry overnight and stay comfortable longer than cotton.

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Local tip: Cusco sees heavy rain periods where a compact travel umbrella can feel inadequate. A packable waterproof jacket offers better coverage for prolonged downpours and leaves both hands free for maps and cameras.

Events in Cusco in November

November has no major festivals or public holidays in Cusco, which is one of its practical advantages for independent travellers. Attractions run at lower capacity than during peak event periods, queues are shorter, and accommodation is easier to find without needing to book many months in advance. Local restaurants, markets, and transport operate at a relaxed pace, making this an ideal time for visitors who prefer a more authentic, unhurried experience of everyday city life rather than large crowds drawn in by a single major headline event.

What to Pack for Cusco in November

Based on 17°C average highs and 23 rainy days

  • Light jacket or cardigan for cooler evenings
  • Mix of short and long-sleeve layers
  • Comfortable walking shoes with good arch support
  • Compact folding umbrella
  • Waterproof outer layer or packable rain jacket
  • Quick-dry clothing that recovers fast after a shower
  • Universal travel adapter
  • Small day pack for city exploration
  • Reusable water bottle

Best Activities in Cusco in November

  • Explore the old town's cobblestone backstreetsMorning (9-11am)At 17°C, conditions are pleasant for unhurried exploration on foot
  • Visit hilltop viewpoints for panoramic city viewsLate afternoon (4-6pm)Low sun angle creates dramatic light for photography while temperatures remain comfortable
  • Bicycle rental for a half-day city circuitMid-morning startMild 17°C temperatures are ideal for extended cycling without excessive effort
  • Boat tour of the river, bay, or canal networkLate morning departureComfortable weather makes open-deck boats viable without wind-chill concerns
  • Spend a morning in the national or city art museumOpens at 10am; arrive earlyWith 23 rain days expected, having a full-day indoor plan is practical insurance
  • Cooking class focused on regional cuisineHalf-day sessions run 10am-1pm or 3-6pmIndoor activity that fills a rainy half-day with genuine cultural content
  • Visit covered historical sites: cathedral, palace, or bazaarAny time; most crowded middayRoofed monuments and covered markets provide exploration without weather exposure
  • Visit the main botanical garden or city park at seasonal peakYear-round; best light in morningNovember brings distinct seasonal changes to public green spaces worth exploring
  • Try the seasonal farmer's market for local produce and street foodSaturday morning markets typically 8am-1pmNovember seasonal produce is at peak availability, offering dishes not found at other times of year

Why is Cusco mild in November?

In November, Cusco sits in the dry season corridor, as the ITCZ shifts away from the region and trade winds bring drier, more stable air. This produces reliably sunny days reaching 17°C, with lower humidity than the wet months. Overnight lows of 8°C offer a pleasant reprieve from the midday heat. Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 (1991–2020).

Sunshine Hours

The average number of hours per day with direct sunlight. Calculated from satellite measurements. Days with more than 7 hours of sunshine are ideal for outdoor activities. Under 3 hours means overcast conditions dominate.

UV Index

A scale from 0-11+ measuring ultraviolet radiation intensity. UV 0-2: Minimal risk. UV 3-5: Moderate -- wear sunscreen. UV 6-7: High -- hat and SPF 30+ essential. UV 8-10: Very High -- limit midday exposure. UV 11+: Extreme -- seek shade between 10am-4pm.

Rain Days

A rain day is counted when precipitation exceeds 0.1mm. This threshold captures even light drizzle. Unlike total rainfall in mm, rain days tells you how often you might need an umbrella, which is useful for planning outdoor activities.

Humidity

Relative humidity as a percentage. Below 40%: Dry -- skin and throat may feel parched. 40-60%: Comfortable -- ideal for most people. 60-80%: Sticky -- light, breathable fabrics recommended. Above 80%: Muggy -- heat feels more intense; quick-dry clothing is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions: Cusco in November

In November, Cusco experiences average highs of 17°C (63°F) and lows of 8°C (46°F). Expect around 23 rainy days and 10 hours of sunshine per day, with humidity averaging 82%. The 9°C gap between daytime and overnight temperatures is worth planning around: light layers work for most visitors during the day, but an extra jacket is essential for evenings. UV index averages 8, so sun protection is advisable on clear days.
Cusco typically sees 23 rainy days in November, with total precipitation of around 117mm. This is a notably wet period. A waterproof jacket or compact umbrella is essential, and it is worth building indoor alternatives into your daily itinerary for the inevitable rainy stretches. For context, the driest month in Cusco typically sees 4-6 fewer rain days than November.
Pack a warm jacket, sweaters, and layering pieces for Cusco in November. Temperatures can drop to 8°C at night, so thermal underlayers are advisable for evening outings. Waterproof footwear is important with 23 rainy days expected. A scarf, hat, and gloves handle the windchill on clear cold days, which often feel colder than the thermometer reads.
November is a reasonable time to visit Cusco. Expect 23 rainy days, so pack a light rain layer for flexibility. Average temperatures of 17°C make outdoor exploration comfortable during the dry periods. With 10 daily sunshine hours, there are reliable windows of good weather to plan outdoor activities around, even if the month is not the driest on the calendar.
The average high temperature in Cusco in November is 17°C (63°F), and the average low is 8°C (46°F). The mean daily temperature is approximately 13°C (55°F). The day-to-night range of 9°C is moderate, meaning a single light jacket covers most situations. These are 30-year climate normals based on the 1991 to 2020 reference period; individual years will vary, particularly in transitional months like spring and autumn.
The best month to visit Cusco is generally May. May offers the most sunshine at 10 hours per day and only 8 rainy days. Average temperatures reach 15°C, making it comfortable for sightseeing, outdoor dining, and exploring the city. If your travel dates are flexible, planning your trip around May gives you the best chance of dry, bright weather.
November is shoulder or low season in Cusco, meaning fewer tourists and generally lower prices than peak months. With 10 sunshine hours and 23 rainy days, the weather is less of a draw for mass tourism. This is an advantage for travellers who prefer a quieter, more relaxed experience with shorter queues and easier accommodation availability.
In November, Cusco suits a range of activities thanks to cool conditions around 17°C. With frequent rain, indoor activities and covered attractions are a smart choice. Top options include exploring historic neighbourhoods, visiting museums and galleries, local food markets, and day trips to surrounding areas. With 10 hours of sunshine, parks and waterfront walks are particularly enjoyable.

November ranks 8th sunniest of the year in Cusco, with an average 10 daily sunshine hours. The driest months are June, July, and August. October is the hottest month (17°C avg high); January is the coolest (15°C). From here, temperatures fall 1°C into December. Compared to last month (October: 17°C high, 21 rain days), November is similarly warm and wetter. November sits in the middle of the annual sunshine ranking for Cusco, offering a reasonable balance of good weather and manageable crowds.

Year-Round Climate

MonthHighLowRain DaysSunDetails
January15°C8°C299hView
February15°C8°C269hView
March15°C8°C289hView
April15°C7°C1810hView
May15°C6°C810hView
June15°C5°C310hView
July15°C5°C310hView
August16°C5°C710hView
September16°C6°C1311hView
October17°C8°C2110hView
November17°C8°C2310hView
December16°C8°C289hView

Plan Your Trip to Cusco

Data Sources for Cusco

Climate normals represent 30-year averages (1991-2020). Individual years may vary.