Cusco Weather in December

🇵🇪 Peru

16°C

High

8°C

Low

Rain Days

Sunshine

82%

Humidity

South America › 🇵🇪 Peru › Cusco

Updated: March 2026

Is December a Good Time to Visit Cusco?

5/10

Fair

December is a fair time to visit Cusco (5/10). With 9 daily sunshine hours and only 28 rain days, this month delivers genuinely reliable outdoor conditions, ranking it 12th sunniest of the year in Cusco. Culture-focused travellers and those who prefer lighter crowds will find December a practical choice, with prices running lower than peak September without sacrificing all the good weather. January offers a similar profile at lower hotel rates if dates are flexible. Watch out for prolonged rain stretches: with 28 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 November:17°C avg high

Planning a trip to Cusco in December? Days warm to 16°C on average while evenings hold at 8°C, giving you a clear sense of what to pack. The month delivers roughly 9 hours of sunshine per day and 191mm of rainfall spread across 28 wet days, so there is plenty of fair weather to work with.

16°C

Avg High

8°C

Avg Low

28 days

Rain Days

Sunshine

82%

Humidity

Temperature in Cusco in December

The 8°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 16°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 7 km/h, so wind-chill is not a factor in planning your clothing. In Fahrenheit: 61°F average high, 46°F overnight low. Data sourced from Open-Meteo ERA5 climate reanalysis (1991–2020 normals).

Temperature in December

Monthly Precipitation (mm)

What to Wear in Cusco in December

Morning8°CBefore the day warms up

Afternoon16°CPeak daytime temperature

Evening11°CAfter sunset cools down

Packing for Cusco in December means dressing for 16°C days and 8°C evenings. A mid-weight jacket over a sweater handles 16°C daytime temperatures; the combination stays comfortable all day without overheating. Evening temperatures settle at 8°C, a modest 8°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 28 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 December

December 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 December

Based on 16°C average highs and 28 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 December

Explore the old town's cobblestone backstreetsMorning (9-11am)At 16°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 16°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 28 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 morningDecember 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-1pmDecember seasonal produce is at peak availability, offering dishes not found at other times of year

Why is Cusco mild in December?

Cusco's December climate is governed by the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which draws moisture-laden trade winds across the region, producing the characteristic wet season rainfall of warm tropical cities. Daytime heat peaks around 16°C, moderated slightly by afternoon convective showers. Overnight temperatures remain warm at 8°C because the humid air retains heat effectively. 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 December

In December, Cusco experiences average highs of 16°C (61°F) and lows of 8°C (46°F). Expect around 28 rainy days and 9 hours of sunshine per day, with humidity averaging 82%. The 8°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 28 rainy days in December, with total precipitation of around 191mm. 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 December.

Pack a warm jacket, sweaters, and layering pieces for Cusco in December. Temperatures can drop to 8°C at night, so thermal underlayers are advisable for evening outings. Waterproof footwear is important with 28 rainy days expected. A scarf, hat, and gloves handle the windchill on clear cold days, which often feel colder than the thermometer reads.

December is a reasonable time to visit Cusco. Expect 28 rainy days, so pack a light rain layer for flexibility. Average temperatures of 16°C make outdoor exploration comfortable during the dry periods. With 9 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 December is 16°C (61°F), and the average low is 8°C (46°F). The mean daily temperature is approximately 12°C (54°F). The day-to-night range of 8°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.

December is shoulder or low season in Cusco, meaning fewer tourists and generally lower prices than peak months. With 9 sunshine hours and 28 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 December, Cusco suits a range of activities thanks to cool conditions around 16°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 9 hours of sunshine, parks and waterfront walks are particularly enjoyable.

December ranks 12th sunniest of the year in Cusco, with an average 9 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 January. Compared to last month (November: 17°C high, 23 rain days), December is cooler and wetter. December is one of the least sunny months, but that often means lower prices and fewer fellow tourists.

Year-Round Climate

Month	High	Low	Rain Days	Sun	Details
January	15°C	8°C	29	9h	View
February	15°C	8°C	26	9h	View
March	15°C	8°C	28	9h	View
April	15°C	7°C	18	10h	View
May	15°C	6°C	8	10h	View
June	15°C	5°C	3	10h	View
July	15°C	5°C	3	10h	View
August	16°C	5°C	7	10h	View
September	16°C	6°C	13	11h	View
October	17°C	8°C	21	10h	View
November	17°C	8°C	23	10h	View
December	16°C	8°C	28	9h	View

Other Months in Cusco

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Plan Your Trip to Cusco

Best Time to Visit Cusco

Data Sources for Cusco

Cusco on Wikipedia Open-Meteo Climate API NOAA National Centers UK Met Office WMO GeoNames

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