Cusco in December
In December, Cusco averages 21°C (70°F) during the day and 7°C (45°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 19 days of the month see precipitation (130 mm total).
High seasonConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
December offers comfortable temperatures in Cusco, with some rain to plan around.
How December compares to the rest of the year in Cusco
December is in the middle of the year for warmth in Cusco (8th of 12) and one of the wettest months (3rd of 12). Daytime temperature matches the city's annual average. December runs 1°C cooler than November (22°C) and cools 2°C in January (19°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Cusco
Times shown for Cusco local time (America/Lima), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Cusco — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Cusco's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Cusco in December
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 December's tier (High season) and Cusco's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Cusco
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: comfortable tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Cusco
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
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow 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 December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Cusco in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Cusco in December?
In December, Cusco averages a high of 21°C (70°F) and a low of 7°C (45°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Cusco in December?
December is quite rainy in Cusco, with about 19 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Cusco?
December is mild and pleasant but on the rainy side. 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 December?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Cusco for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.