January · Peru
Best time to visit Cusco in January Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Cusco in January
Average temperature 12°C, 225 mm of rain, about 26 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 78% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
January score
6.0/10
Ranked #12 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 12°C
- Rainfall
- 225 mm
- Humidity
- 78%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 26
- Crowd Density
- Quiet / Uncrowded
- Average Expenses
- $ · Budget Friendly ($)
January in Cusco scores 6.0/10 for sightseeing and cultural travel - ranked #12 of 12. Expect around 12°C, 225 mm of rain, and roughly 26 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Inca stone streets and Sacred Valley day trips shine in the drier November-March window.
January in Cusco — workable with trade-offs
January averages 12°C (53°F) — jacket weather. Comfortable for walking and museums, too cool for anything water-based.
225 mm makes this the wettest stretch of the year, though about 26 days with 6+ hours of sunshine still appear — keep an indoor fallback ready.
It scores 6/10 here, 12th of 12 months, against 9.2/10 in the destination's best month.
Pack a mid-weight jacket, long sleeves and shoes you can walk 15 km in, a proper rain shell rather than an umbrella.
Plan for low-season pricing, with crowds are light for this destination.
Flexible dates? August scores 3.2 points higher here — enough to change the trip.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Cusco in January?
- In January, Cusco averages 12°C, 225 mm of rain, and about 26 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 6.0/10.
- Is January a good time to visit Cusco?
- January earns a 6.0/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Cusco in January?
- Expect about 225 mm of rain in January. Average humidity is 78% and there are about 26 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
Curated in Cusco
Tickets & experiences
Things to do in Cusco
Cusco, Peru. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.