To know what to pack for Cusco, keep two facts in mind: by day, in the sun, it is about 20–22 °C in any month of the year, and at night the temperature drops to between 1 and 8 °C depending on the season. The other variable is rain, which falls mostly from November to March. So you pack layers you can put on and take off, plus a waterproof if you travel in the rainy season. Here is what to wear month by month, the basic list and what you cannot take into Machu Picchu.
The rule: layers, not one thick coat
In a single day you go from a cold morning to a midday when you want to take everything off, and the cold returns at dusk. What works is a three-layer system:
- Base layer: a long-sleeved top, ideally thermal or technical fabric rather than cotton, which stays damp with sweat.
- Warm layer: a fleece or a light down jacket.
- Outer layer: a windproof, waterproof jacket. It covers the mountain wind and the rain.
With these three pieces you cover almost the whole trip. For nights from May to September, add a hat and gloves.
What to wear in Cusco by month
| Month | Day / night in Cusco | Rainy days | What to add to the layers |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21 °C / 8 °C | 20 | A proper waterproof, a poncho and shoes that do not soak through |
| February | 20 °C / 8 °C | 17 | Same as January: it is the wettest time |
| March | 21 °C / 8 °C | 16 | Waterproof and a dry change of clothes for the afternoon |
| April | 21 °C / 6 °C | 7 | A light waterproof in case of rain |
| May | 21 °C / 4 °C | 2 | A warm layer for the night |
| June | 21 °C / 2 °C | 1 | A proper warm jacket, hat and gloves for the night |
| July | 21 °C / 1 °C | 1 | Same as June: the coldest nights of the year |
| August | 22 °C / 3 °C | 2 | Windproof: it gets windy in the afternoon |
| September | 22 °C / 5 °C | 4 | A light warm layer for the night |
| October | 22 °C / 7 °C | 9 | A light waterproof: the first rains arrive |
| November | 22 °C / 8 °C | 10 | Waterproof for afternoon showers |
| December | 21 °C / 8 °C | 17 | Waterproof, poncho and shoes that do not soak through |
Average temperatures and rainy days at Cusco airport (NOAA 1991–2020 normals), rounded. The Sacred Valley is a little milder by day; see the Sacred Valley weather month by month. Which excursions suit each season, in the best time to visit Cusco guide.
Basic packing list for Cusco
- Clothes: two or three long-sleeved tops, a fleece or down jacket, a windproof waterproof jacket, comfortable walking trousers and something warm for the evening.
- Footwear: comfortable trainers or hiking shoes, already worn in. The streets of the centre are stone and there are many slopes and steps.
- Sun protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, UV-filter sunglasses, a cap or hat and lip balm with SPF. A 2006 study found Cusco has the highest average ultraviolet levels of any populated place on Earth, and it burns even when it is cold.
- For the altitude: your medication if your doctor has prescribed something, and a reusable bottle to drink often. How to plan the first days, in the acclimatisation guide.
- Money: soles in small notes and coins for community entrance fees, toilets and markets. On mountain excursions there are no cash machines and cards are not accepted.
What to take to Machu Picchu and what is banned
Machu Picchu sits at 2,430 metres, almost a thousand lower than Cusco, in the cloud forest: milder and more humid, with strong sun and showers that arrive quickly. Bring sunscreen, a cap, a light waterproof and insect repellent.
The official code of conduct sets what cannot go in:
- Backpacks, bags or purses larger than 40 × 35 × 20 cm.
- Food, plates, cutlery and thermoses.
- Umbrellas, walking sticks, folding chairs, tripods, monopods and selfie sticks.
- Any kind of aerosol: bring repellent and sunscreen as cream or lotion.
- High heels or hard-soled shoes.
If you stay in Aguas Calientes and want to visit the hot springs, bring a swimsuit: it is compulsory. We cover it in the Aguas Calientes guide, and the rest of the rules in the complete Machu Picchu guide.
For the mountain excursions
Humantay Lake, Rainbow Mountain, Palcoyo and the Ausangate 7 Lakes leave before dawn and go above 4,000 metres: at sunrise it is usually below freezing and at midday the sun burns. For those days add a hat, gloves, a neck buff, thick socks, one to two litres of water and something sweet for the climb. The full list, item by item, is in what to pack for Rainbow Mountain, and it works for any high-altitude excursion.
What you do not need to bring
- Trekking poles: they are included in our day hikes and on Rainbow Mountain, along with the first-aid kit.
- Oxygen: the guide carries emergency oxygen on the mountain excursions.
- Umbrella: it is banned at Machu Picchu and useless in the mountain wind. A poncho or waterproof jacket is better.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear in Cusco in June, July or August?
It is the dry season: sunny days of about 21–22 °C and nights of between 1 and 3 °C. Bring layers, a proper warm jacket for the evening, a hat and gloves. It hardly rains.
What should I wear in Cusco in the rainy season?
From November to March, the same layers plus a proper waterproof jacket, a poncho and shoes that do not soak through. Nights are less cold, about 8 °C.
Is it cold in Cusco?
Not by day: in the sun it is about 20–22 °C all year. At night, yes, especially from May to September, when it drops to between 1 and 5 °C.
What shoes should I bring to Cusco and Machu Picchu?
Comfortable trainers or hiking shoes, already worn in, with soles that grip. High heels and hard-soled shoes are not allowed at Machu Picchu.
What size backpack can I take to Machu Picchu?
At most 40 × 35 × 20 cm. Food, thermoses, umbrellas, walking sticks, tripods, selfie sticks and aerosols are not allowed either.
Can I bring an umbrella to Machu Picchu?
No, the code of conduct bans it. For rain, bring a poncho or a waterproof jacket.
Message us on WhatsApp with your dates and we will tell you what to pack for the excursions you plan to do.
