Peru Cusco Weather in December — Climate Guide
December in Cusco is moderate
December is moderate for Cusco.
December brings genuine wet-season conditions (15 rain days, 130mm rainfall, sunshine drops to 5 hours/day) but the cultural calendar makes it the year's most underrated month. Santurantikuy Christmas Eve Market on December 24 fills Plaza de Armas with 600+ artisan stalls selling hand-carved nativity figures, alpaca textiles, native-ingredient Andean foods, and ceremonial items — one of South America's largest and most authentic Christmas markets, almost entirely Peruvian shoppers and almost no international tourists. Christmas Eve mass at Cusco Cathedral runs to a packed congregation. New Year's Eve in Plaza de Armas sees yellow underwear and grape rituals (traditional Peruvian luck superstitions). Hotel rates climb for the Christmas + New Year week (especially December 27-January 2) to around 80% of June-August peak, but Cusco still 20-30% cheaper than peak. Wet conditions match November. Sacred Valley overnight remains the strategic move — Belmond Río Sagrado and Tambo del Inka offer Christmas + New Year packages with private dining + Andean ceremonies. Skip Rainbow Mountain (cloud + mud unchanged from November).
Travel score
Santurantikuy Christmas Eve Market (Dec 24) — South America's most authentic Andean Christmas
December Weather at a Glance
December averages 68°F / 20°C highs and 45°F / 7°C lows with 15 rain days and 130mm rainfall. Humidity 70%, UV 12, 5 hours sunshine. Mornings mostly clear; afternoon thunderstorms reliable. Sunrise 5:15 AM, sunset 6:25 PM.
December Travel Advice
If Santurantikuy Christmas Eve Market (Dec 24) is the draw, book Centro Histórico hotels 2-3 months ahead (mid-range Christmas boutique pricing $150-280), arrive Cusco Dec 22-23 for full market evening Dec 24, attend Cusco Cathedral midnight Christmas mass. Sacred Valley luxury Christmas packages (Belmond Río Sagrado, Tambo del Inka, Sol y Luna) book 3+ months ahead for the December 24-January 2 week — even at 20-30% off, peak Christmas week premium remains. Skip Rainbow Mountain. Plan PeruRail buffer day for landslide cancellations.
Flying In from Overseas
Christmas / New Year week (Dec 24-Jan 2) brings global holiday travelers. North American family travelers. South American summer holiday peak. Direct flights Lima→Cusco $130-200 1.5h during Christmas/NYE week, $90-140 outside.
December Pricing Trends
Mixed: Dec 1-22 wet-season pricing (Belmond Monasterio $500-900), Dec 23-Jan 2 Christmas/NYE surge ($800-1,400). JW Marriott $300-650 → $550-1,000. Sacred Valley Belmond Río Sagrado $500-950 → $700-1,300. Centro Christmas boutique $150-280. Machu Picchu Vistadome $200 RT (Christmas week sold out). Flights Lima→Cusco $100-160 → $150-220 holiday week.
Cusco December Weather Stats
Avg High
20°C
Avg Low
7°C
Rainy Days
15
130mm total
Sunshine
5h
Daily avg
Humidity
70%
Humid
UV Index
12
Extreme
Wind
10 km/h
Gusts 22
Sea Temp
0°C
N/A altitude city
Crowds
Moderate
At attractions
December Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
15 μg/m³
PM10
30 μg/m³
Status
good
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
18°C
Nighttime
5°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
10 km/h
Max gust 22 km/h
Activities Recommended for December
December Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Santurantikuy Christmas Eve Market (Dec 24) authentic + iconic
- Christmas + New Year Andean culture access
- Sacred Valley luxury hotels still 20-30% off peak
Cons
- 15 rain days — wet trail + ruin conditions
- Christmas + New Year week hotel surge
- Machu Picchu sunrise low reliability (40-50%)
December Events & Festivals
- **Santurantikuy Christmas Eve Market (Dec 24 — 600+ artisan stalls fill Plaza de Armas)**
- Christmas / New Year peak
Cusco in December — Full Picture
December brings genuine wet-season conditions (15 rain days, 130mm rainfall, sunshine drops to 5 hours/day) but the cultural calendar makes it the year's most underrated month. Santurantikuy Christmas Eve Market on December 24 fills Plaza de Armas with 600+ artisan stalls selling hand-carved nativity figures, alpaca textiles, native-ingredient Andean foods, and ceremonial items — one of South America's largest and most authentic Christmas markets, almost entirely Peruvian shoppers and almost no international tourists. Christmas Eve mass at Cusco Cathedral runs to a packed congregation. New Year's Eve in Plaza de Armas sees yellow underwear and grape rituals (traditional Peruvian luck superstitions). Hotel rates climb for the Christmas + New Year week (especially December 27-January 2) to around 80% of June-August peak, but Cusco still 20-30% cheaper than peak. Wet conditions match November. Sacred Valley overnight remains the strategic move — Belmond Río Sagrado and Tambo del Inka offer Christmas + New Year packages with private dining + Andean ceremonies. Skip Rainbow Mountain (cloud + mud unchanged from November).
What to Wear & What to Pack
Wet + Christmas season. Waterproof shell, hiking boots, fleece + light down nights (7°C). Festive layer for Santurantikuy market evening.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
19.7°C
5°C
9.7/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
19.3°C
1°C
2.7/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
20.7°C
4.7°C
7.7/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
Current19.3°C
7°C
16.7/mo
Cusco Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19° | 7° | 18d·160mm | 4h | 75% | 11 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 19° | 7° | 17d·150mm | 4h | 75% | 11 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 19° | 7° | 15d·130mm | 5h | 73% | 11 | Quiet | Low season | |
| April (Best) | 20° | 5° | 9d·60mm | 7h | 65% | 11 | Moderate | Shoulder |
| May (Best) | 20° | 3° | 5d·20mm | 8h | 60% | 12 | Moderate | Shoulder |
| June (Best) | 19° | 1° | 3d·10mm | 8h | 55% | 12 | Very busy | Peak |
| July (Best) | 19° | 0° | 2d·5mm | 8h | 50% | 12 | Very busy | Peak |
| August (Best) | 20° | 2° | 3d·10mm | 8h | 50% | 12 | Very busy | Peak |
| September (Best) | 20° | 3° | 4d·20mm | 7h | 55% | 12 | Busy | Shoulder |
| 21° | 5° | 8d·50mm | 7h | 60% | 12 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 21° | 6° | 11d·80mm | 6h | 65% | 12 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 20° | 7° | 15d·130mm | 5h | 70% | 12 | Moderate | Shoulder |
View Other Months
Cusco December Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to visit Cusco?
Cusco in December is moderate. Tourist crowds are moderate and flight/hotel prices are shoulder.
What's the average temperature in Cusco in December?
Cusco December averages a high of 20°C and a low of 7°C.
Does it rain much in Cusco in December?
Cusco December averages 130mm of rainfall over about 15 rainy days.
What should I wear in Cusco in December?
Wet + Christmas season. Waterproof shell, hiking boots, fleece + light down nights (7°C). Festive layer for Santurantikuy market evening.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Cusco in December?
Cusco December sunrise is 05:15 and sunset is 18:25, with 13h 10m of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Cusco in December?
Cusco December air quality (AQI) averages 40, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 15μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Cusco in December?
In December, Cusco is great for Santurantikuy Christmas Eve Market (Dec 24), Cusco Cathedral Christmas mass, Sacred Valley overnight Christmas/NYE package.
Is December peak season in Cusco?
Cusco December crowds are moderate and prices are shoulder. You can travel relatively comfortably without long queues.
Best Months to Visit Cusco
View Other Months
Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.