Cusco in March
In March, Cusco averages 20°C (68°F) during the day and 6°C (43°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 17 days of the month see precipitation (115 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
March offers comfortable temperatures in Cusco, with some rain to plan around.
How March compares to the rest of the year in Cusco
March is in the middle of the year for warmth in Cusco (9th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (4th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C below the annual average (21°C). March runs 1°C warmer than February (19°C) and warms a further 1°C into April (21°C).
March sunrise & sunset in Cusco
Times shown for Cusco local time (America/Lima), calculated for the 15th of March. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Cusco — March
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of March, in Cusco's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Cusco in March
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 March's tier (Shoulder) and Cusco's popularity.
March in Peru — events that affect travel
Known cultural, religious, or national events that surge prices, fill hotels, or close businesses during this month. Plan around them, or build your itinerary around the ones you'd like to see.
Holy Week processions, especially in Seville and Málaga. Hotels in Andalucía sell out a year ahead, prices 2-3x normal. Some banks and shops close.
Plan: Seville at peak is unforgettable but planning-intensive. Other Spanish cities are quieter and more affordable.
Crowds & pricing — March in Cusco
Cusco is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — March 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 March weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Cusco in March →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Cusco in March?
In March, Cusco averages a high of 20°C (68°F) and a low of 6°C (43°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Cusco in March?
March is quite rainy in Cusco, with about 17 rainy days on average.
Is March a good time to visit Cusco?
March 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 March?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full March packing list for Cusco for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.