Cusco in August

In August, Cusco averages 21°C (70°F) during the day and 1°C (34°F) at night, with only about 2 rainy days.

High season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Skies are generally dry and clear.

August is a great month to visit Cusco: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.

21°C
Avg high
1°C
Avg low
2
Rain days
10 mm
Rainfall

How August compares to the rest of the year in Cusco

6th
warmest month of the 12
10th
wettest month of the 12
1%
of yearly rainfall falls in August
11 h 39 min
daylight on the 15th

August is in the middle of the year for warmth in Cusco (6th of 12) and one of the driest months (10th of 12). Daytime temperature matches the city's annual average. August runs 1°C warmer than July (20°C) and stays flat into September.

August sunrise & sunset in Cusco

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:02 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
5:42 PM
Day length
11 h 39 min

Times shown for Cusco local time (America/Lima), calculated for the 15th of August. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Cusco — August

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of August, in Cusco's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:02 AM – 5:42 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:42 AM – 6:42 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:02 PM – 6:02 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:02 PM – 6:42 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Good
Galactic core is up but lower on the horizon; head well outside city limits for a clean view.

📅 When to book — Cusco in August

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on August's tier (High season) and Cusco's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
2-3 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-3 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.

Crowds & pricing — August in Cusco

High season

This is a busy month in Cusco — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: excellent tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — August in Cusco

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
11.2
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●○○○
Low
Mosquitoes present but manageable. Pack repellent (DEET 10-20%) for evenings near water.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Cusco in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 19°C / 66°F 7°C / 45°F 165 mm 21 0
February 19°C / 66°F 7°C / 45°F 145 mm 19 0
March 20°C / 68°F 6°C / 43°F 115 mm 17 0
April 21°C / 70°F 4°C / 39°F 50 mm 9 0
May 21°C / 70°F 2°C / 36°F 10 mm 3 0
June 21°C / 70°F 0°C / 32°F 5 mm 1 0
July 20°C / 68°F -1°C / 30°F 5 mm 1 0
August 21°C / 70°F 1°C / 34°F 10 mm 2 0
September 21°C / 70°F 3°C / 37°F 25 mm 6 0
October 22°C / 72°F 5°C / 41°F 70 mm 12 0
November 22°C / 72°F 6°C / 43°F 80 mm 14 0
December 21°C / 70°F 7°C / 45°F 130 mm 19 0

Other cities with similar August weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Cusco in August →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Cusco in August?

In August, Cusco averages a high of 21°C (70°F) and a low of 1°C (34°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Cusco in August?

August is generally dry in Cusco, with about 2 rainy days on average.

Is August a good time to visit Cusco?

August is mild and pleasant and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Cusco in August?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full August packing list for Cusco for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Cusco on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.