Cusco in January
In January, Cusco averages 19°C (66°F) during the day and 7°C (45°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 21 days of the month see precipitation (165 mm total).
High seasonConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
January offers comfortable temperatures in Cusco, with some rain to plan around.
How January compares to the rest of the year in Cusco
January is one of the coolest months in Cusco (11th of 12) and one of the wettest months (1st of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C below the annual average (21°C). January runs 2°C cooler than December (21°C) and stays flat into February.
January sunrise & sunset in Cusco
Times shown for Cusco local time (America/Lima), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Cusco — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Cusco's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Cusco in January
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 January's tier (High season) and Cusco's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — January 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 Southern Hemisphere summer holidays
Sun & mosquito risk — January 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 January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Cusco in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Cusco in January?
In January, Cusco averages a high of 19°C (66°F) and a low of 7°C (45°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Cusco in January?
January is quite rainy in Cusco, with about 21 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit Cusco?
January 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 January?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full January packing list for Cusco for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.