Did you know that the rains begin in Cusco in December? Although it is the start of the wet season, it is also a month full of celebrations, green landscapes, and a unique energy in the city. With the right preparation, you can enjoy an unforgettable experience combining culture, tradition, and Andean nature.
Cusco Peru december weather
December in Cusco marks the official start of the rainy season, transforming the region into a lush and vibrant landscape. Rain showers become more frequent, especially during the afternoons and evenings, while mornings often remain clear and sunny. The air feels fresh and humid, with the scent of wet earth and blooming vegetation. Although rain is common, it usually comes in short bursts, allowing travelers to explore in between showers. The increased rainfall also enhances the beauty of the Sacred Valley and surrounding mountains, which appear greener and more alive than during the dry months.
Temperature in Cusco Peru in december
Temperatures during December remain mild throughout the day but drop significantly at night due to Cusco’s high altitude. Daytime temperatures usually range from 17°C to 20°C (63°F to 68°F), which is comfortable for walking, sightseeing, or visiting archaeological sites. Early mornings and late evenings can be chilly, with lows between 4°C and 7°C (39°F to 45°F). The overall average temperature stays around 12°C to 14°C (53°F to 57°F).
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Is december a good time to visit Machu Picchu?
December is a beautiful yet unpredictable month to visit Machu Picchu. The rainy season begins, bringing occasional showers that turn the valleys and mountains into a lush, vibrant green. While mornings are often clear and perfect for exploring, afternoons can bring light rain, so waterproof clothing is a must. On the bright side, there are fewer crowds compared to the busy dry season, making the experience more peaceful and intimate. Prices tend to be lower, and the atmosphere feels calm, though the last weeks of December get livelier as visitors arrive for the holidays. Overall, if you don’t mind a bit of rain, December offers a unique and serene way to experience Machu Picchu.
1. Weather and Trail Conditions
December marks the start of the rainy season in the Andes. While the landscape becomes lush and green, rain can make trails slippery and limit visibility at the site, especially in the afternoons.
2. Crowds and availability
Tourist numbers are generally lower in December, except around Christmas and New Year. This means easier access to tickets, trains, and accommodations, offering a more relaxed experience.
3. Scenic value and overall experience
Despite the rain, December offers dramatic views of a greener Machu Picchu. If you’re prepared for wet weather, the experience can be just as magical.
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What to do in Peru in december
From Christmas fairs in the Andes to flavorful coastal celebrations, the country offers a unique blend of culture, nature, and joy. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or a connection with authenticity, December is the perfect excuse to rediscover Peru from a warmer and closer perspective. Here are some of the best experiences and activities you can enjoy in Peru during this festive month.
Visit the Christmas Markets in Peru
When December arrives, the streets of Peru fill with color and festive spirit thanks to the traditional Christmas markets. In Cusco, for example, the famous Santurantikuy takes over the Plaza de Armas every December 24. Artisans from different parts of the Andes arrive with their hands full of talent: they sell everything from nativity scene figures to traditional snacks and handmade gifts.
Lima also gets into the Christmas spirit with several fairs where you can find everything from traditional sweets and unique decorations to that artisanal touch that only Peruvians know how to give. It’s the best time to get caught up in the local Christmas spirit.
Ring in the New Year Peruvian style
In Peru, the arrival of the new year is celebrated with everything. In Cusco, for example, people dress in yellow to attract good luck, walk around with empty suitcases to ask for trips in the coming year, and eat twelve grapes at midnight, one for each month filled with good wishes. The squares are filled with music, fireworks light up the sky, and the Andean energy gives the party a special flavor that is unforgettable.
Lights, decorations, and lots of Christmas spirit in Lima
The capital also dresses up for the festivities. The Plaza Mayor is illuminated with thousands of lights, a giant tree, and a traditional nativity scene that everyone wants to see. Walking through the decorated streets of Lima is like stepping into a Christmas story, where the colonial and the modern blend with the human warmth that characterizes Peruvians.
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Festivities for Cusco in December
Throughout the month, there is a festive atmosphere that brings entire communities together around faith, art, and joy. December in Peru is a month full of celebrations that combine religious traditions, cultural expressions, and popular customs, especially in the city of Cusco.
Feast of the Immaculate Conception – December 8
This holiday marks the beginning of the December celebrations. In honor of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, solemn processions are held through the streets of Cusco, accompanied by masses and various cultural activities. It is a special day for many faithful, who express their devotion through songs, flowers, and prayers, creating an atmosphere of spiritual contemplation.
Santurantikuy – December 24
On Christmas Eve, Cusco’s Plaza de Armas becomes the setting for one of the country’s most emblematic fairs: Santurantikuy, which in Quechua means “sale of saints.” From early in the morning, artisans from different regions gather to offer a variety of products such as religious figures, altarpieces, textiles, images of the Niño Manuelito, and other typical Andean Christmas ornaments. This fair is not only a place for commercial exchange, but also a living example of the popular art and spirituality that characterize the people of Cusco.
Midnight Mass – December 24 (midnight)
At midnight on the 24th, many families in Cusco head to the cathedral or their local churches to participate in the traditional Midnight Mass. It is customary to bring the figure of the Niño Manuelito to be blessed during the ceremony. After Mass, families return home to share a special dinner, which always includes tamales, panettone, and hot chocolate, in an atmosphere of family unity and spiritual reflection.
New Year’s Eve in Cusco – December 31
The end of the year in Cusco is celebrated with a large public party in the Plaza de Armas. Thousands of people, both locals and tourists, gather to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one with live music, traditional dances, fireworks, and Andean rituals. One of the most striking customs is to walk around the square to attract good luck, while others choose to wear yellow underwear, burn dolls representing the negative aspects of the year, or make offerings to Pachamama. It is a vibrant night, full of hope and renewed energy.
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Tips for traveling to Cuzco in December
Here are some key tips to ensure you have a comfortable and safe experience during the start of the rainy season in Cusco.
Packing for Cusco in December
- Long-sleeved and/or thermal shirts
- Lightweight sweater or fleece
- Waterproof or windproof jacket
- Comfortable pants (quick-drying, if possible)
- Thermal underwear (optional, but useful on cold nights)
- Warm socks
- Sleepwear (consider the cold at night)
- Comfortable walking shoes or boots
- Waterproof or water-resistant footwear
- Sandals or light shoes for indoors
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm with UV protection
- Sunglasses
- Hat or cap
- Folding umbrella or rain poncho
- Reusable water bottle
- Wet wipes and antibacterial gel
- Personal medications and altitude sickness pills (consult before traveling)
Waterproof bag to protect your belongings in case of rain
How to buy tickets and plan flights
Most international flights arrive first in Lima, so you will have to make a connecting flight to Cusco. This route is usually quick, but it is a good idea to book in advance to ensure good prices and convenient schedules.
Planning varies depending on where you are coming from. If you are coming from North America or Europe, it is best to look for flights with a short stopover in Lima. On the other hand, if you are coming from Oceania or Asia, consider spending a night in Lima to rest before continuing on to Cusco, as the journey is longer and can be exhausting.
When purchasing your ticket, check the exchange or cancellation conditions in case of unforeseen weather conditions. And if possible, choose flights that arrive in Cusco in the morning, as rain is more common in the afternoon.
| Region of Origin | Recommended Route | Key Advice |
|---|---|---|
| North America | International flight to Lima → connection to Cusco | Book in advance and look for short layovers to save time. |
| Europe | Flight to Lima (with or without a European stopover) → Cusco | Avoid long or complex connections; double-check arrival times. |
| Oceania / Asia | Long-haul flight to Lima → overnight in Lima → flight to Cusco | Consider resting one night in Lima to recover from the long journey and jet lag. |
General Tips:
- Most international flights arrive first in Lima.
- It’s a good idea to book domestic flights in advance to secure better prices and convenient schedules.
- Check the airline’s exchange or cancellation policy in case of weather-related disruptions.
- If possible, choose flights that arrive in Cusco in the morning, since rain is more common in the afternoon.
How to travel within and to Cusco
Once in Cusco, it’s best to take it easy on your first day to adjust to the altitude. The city is over 3,400 meters above sea level, and taking it slow will help you avoid altitude sickness.
To get around the city, you can use safe taxis (always ask for the price before getting in), walk around the historic center, or hire tourist services to visit places such as Sacsayhuamán, Pisac, or the Sacred Valley.
If you plan to visit Machu Picchu, be sure to book your train ticket or entrance ticket in advance, especially if you are traveling around Christmas or New Year’s, when demand increases. You can also combine your stay with cultural activities, food tours, or simply lose yourself in colonial streets and local markets.
