Middle of the wetter season · Weather & things to do
Cusco in January
Little changes in Cusco from December: highs stay near 61°F (16°C), lows near 43°F (6°C), and about 5.1 in (129 mm) of rain falls.
Its comfort score of 66/100 is still Good, though it ranks 11th of 12 here.
- Avg high
- 61°F (16°C)
- Avg low
- 43°F (6°C)
- Rain
- 5.1 in (129 mm)
- Humidity
- 83%
- Cloud cover
- 83%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 43 min
- Comfort score
- 66/100 · Good
What January feels like
Days are mild at around 61°F (16°C): comfortable for walking all day, with a layer for the evening.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 43°F (6°C).
Rain is a real factor, with about 5.1 in (129 mm) across the month.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 83%.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May – September.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, December – February.
- Comfort holds steady from December (68 → 66/100).
- Our Cusco & Machu Picchu route recommends May – Sep, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 43°F
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes5.1 in of rain on average
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Cusco in January
With 5.1 in of rain, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Museo del Pisco
Pisco bar with tasting flights and well-made pisco sours.
Why now A sit-down stop to wait out showers in a month with 5.1 in of rain.
Cusco Cathedral
16th-century cathedral with Cusco School paintings, including a Last Supper with guinea pig.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop for a month with 5.1 in of rain.
Mercado Central de San Pedro
Cusco's main market for fruit juices, soups, breads and local produce.
Why now Easy to slot in when January's rain moves in.
Chicha por Gastón Acurio
Gastón Acurio's Cusco restaurant for regional Andean dishes in a colonial building.
Why now Keeps part of the day dry on wetter January days.
San Blas
Steep artisan quarter of whitewashed lanes, workshops and a small colonial church.
Why now A good rainy-day backup in January.
Nearby in January
- Sacred Valley in January~16 mi · highs 63°F, 5.1 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Machu Picchu in January~46 mi · highs 67°F, 5.2 in rain · 3°C (6°F) warmer by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~3,740 m to Cusco's ~3,336 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Cusco in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Cusco?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 66/100, held back mainly by cloud cover. The best months are May – September. Expect highs of 61°F (16°C) and 5.1 in (129 mm) of rain. Our Cusco & Machu Picchu route recommends May – Sep, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Cusco in January?
Average highs are 61°F (16°C) and average lows 43°F (6°C), making it the 6th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Cusco in January?
Yes: about 5.1 in (129 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 28.3 in (718 mm).
What should I pack for Cusco in January?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 43°F), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (5.1 in of rain on average) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Cusco in January?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.