Cusco in September: Weather Guide, Pros & Cons – Is it the Best Time to Visit?
Cusco is famous for its snow-capped mountains, ancient Inca sites, and charming colonial buildings. It’s a wonderful place to visit. September is a shoulder season, and it’s the last month with relatively little rain. This makes it a good time to see the attractions without too many people around.
In this guide, we’ll talk about what it’s like to visit Cusco in September. We’ll cover the weather, the pros and cons of staying in this month, and other essential things you should know.
Why September is Special in Cusco
It’s not as busy as the winter months, like June and July, but there are still plenty of great reasons to visit in September.
First, the weather is much nicer, with warmer temperatures than in the earlier parts of the season. This is especially true at night, where the cool temperatures aren’t as cold (you won’t necessarily need extra layers, a hat, or gloves while in the city.
Although September is a transitional month between the dry and wet seasons, it remains relatively dry. This makes it an excellent time for hiking and trekking in the area. Later in this guide, we’ll go into more detail about the weather and how to prepare for it.
Things to Know:
September is the warmest of all the winter months, making it a good time to visit if you don’t like cold nights.
Trekking in September can still be very popular, so it’s best to book treks like the Inca Trail and Ausangate at least six months in advance to ensure you secure a spot.
You should pack a variety of layers, because the weather can change quickly—hot during the day and cool at night.
Pros:
- In September, you’ll experience some of the best hiking weather of the year, with clear skies and nicer temperatures.
- Although Cusco remains busy, September is actually the quietest month during the popular winter season, which spans from June to September.
- There is very little rain in September, so you won’t need a poncho when exploring Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
Cons:
- Temperatures can drop quite fast in the evenings, so if you’re out in the afternoon, it’s a good idea to bring a jacket or sweater.
- The most popular multi-day treks, such as the Inca Trail, can book up quickly in September.
- Some attractions in Cusco might have longer lines during the day, so it’s best to visit early to avoid the crowds.
Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Cusco In September
Below, we’ll now explore what September in Cusco is like.
This includes what the weather will be like, as well as the other main advantages and disadvantages of visiting during this month.
The Weather Of Cusco In September
- September marks the start of the transition from the cooler winter to the warmer summer season. There are two main changes in the weather during this time, though they aren’t huge.
- The first change is the amount of rain. During the wet season, there are more storms and more frequent rain showers. However, because September is a shoulder month, there’s only about 0.5 inches of rain throughout the month, so it still feels quite dry.
- The second change is the temperature. As the dry season gives way to the wet season, temperatures start to rise. The average temperature rises to 49°F, with daytime highs peaking at 65°F. The most significant change is the warmer nights. Nighttime temperatures are significantly higher than in August, typically ranging from 39°F to 40°F.
What To Do In Cusco In September
With the pleasant weather conditions, September is an ideal time to visit and experience many different things in Cusco. One of the most requested is the day tour to Machu Picchu
In the city, you can explore the historic center and the San Blas neighborhood. These areas are renowned for their stunning plazas, distinctive architecture, and captivating archaeological museums. While it’s not as busy as August or other winter months, some popular spots like Sacsayhuamán and the temple of Qorikancha can still get crowded. You may want to get up early to avoid the crowds.
September is also one of the best times of the year to go to visit the Sacred Valley or you can do it the Super Sacred Valley tour in 1 day, and the surrounding Peruvian Andean mountains. The Inca Trail is one of the top hikes, offering amazing scenery and ancient ruins. Other hikes, such as the Salkantay Trek and those near Ausangate, also have better conditions during this time of year.
Hiking Around Cusco In September
September is a shoulder month, so some people wonder if the rain will affect their hiking experience. However, only about 0.5 inches of rain is expected all month, making it an excellent time for hikes with slightly warmer temperatures. Below are details about what you can expect on some significant hikes during this month.
The Inca Trail in September
September is an ideal time to start this trek because the weather is warmer and the rainfall is minimal. However, since there can still be some rain, you might notice more flowers and plants growing along the path. September is also one of the best times to see the Cock-of-the-rock, a bright red bird that is very active during its mating season in this month.
The Salkantay Trek in September
This is definitely one of the best months to do the Salkantay Trek because the cold winter temperatures are starting to warm up. There’s still not much rain, and there will be fewer hikers on the trail, especially if you go towards the end of the month. Make sure to check the availability of the Salkantay Trek and start planning ahead.
Inca Jungle Trek in September
If you’re looking for an exciting adventure, the Inca Jungle Trek is a great choice. On your way to Machu Picchu, you’ll take part in various outdoor activities. September is a good time because the rain is still light and won’t affect your activities. It’s also a less busy month, making it a good alternative to the Inca Trail, along with October.
Choquequirao Trek in September
This hike is ideal for those who want to experience ancient ruins without the crowds of places like Machu Picchu. Towards the end of the month, it’s even less busy. September is still a good time to go because there’s not much rain and the days are warmer. You can learn more about the Choquequirao Trek and why it’s becoming a popular alternative to the Inca Trail.
Ausangate Trek in September
The weather is warmer in September compared to the previous months (June to August). As we move out of winter, the trails won’t be covered in snow. Evenings and mornings will also be warmer and more comfortable. Plus, there will be fewer hikers on the route during this month.
Lares Trek In September
Like most treks, September is one of the best times to go on the Lares Trek. There will be some rain, but not a lot, and it won’t significantly hinder your hiking experience (though it’s a good idea to bring a poncho just in case). In fact, the rain during this month helps many plants bloom, making the views along the trail even more beautiful.
Huchuy Qosqo Trek In September
This trek to the ancient ruins isn’t as popular as others, so you won’t have to deal with big crowds. September is also a good time to go because the weather is warmer and the heavy rains haven’t started yet. You can find out more about the Huchuy Qosqo Trek and the available dates.
Since September is a shoulder season, there are some hidden benefits to visiting during this time. One is the changing scenery, which occurs due to a slight increase in rainfall. Even though the total rainfall for the month is only about 0.5 inches, it’s enough to start a nice process of plants growing and blooming. While not as colorful as the wet season, September offers more bright green views on treks and in the Sacred Valley, without the risk of getting too wet.
The weather is another great reason to visit in September.
As mentioned before, there’s not much rain, and most of it comes towards the end of the month. Daily temperatures are also starting to get warmer, making it more comfortable to be in Cusco compared to the colder months of June, July, and August.
This is especially true for treks in the surrounding Peruvian Andes and Sacred Valley, where nights aren’t as cold. However, it’s still a good idea to bring a chullo (a traditional Peruvian hat) and gloves, especially for higher-altitude hikes like the Salkantay and Ausangate trails.
Final Verdict
September is one of the best times to visit Cusco. It’s usually not too hot, the crowds aren’t too big, and prices are pretty good. The weather is dry, which makes it great for seeing the sights. Since it’s not the peak season, you can enjoy a more real and peaceful experience of this amazing Andean city.
If you plan for the changing temperatures and the effects of high altitude, September is a great time to visit.
You can walk through ancient Inca sites, take a stroll through colonial streets, or go on adventures in the Sacred Valley. September makes for the perfect time to have a memorable trip to Peru.
Make sure to bring layers of clothing, strong sun protection, and be ready for one of the best months to discover the beauty of Cusco, Peru.
