Visit Cusco in November: Your Complete Guide to Peru’s Imperial City
Planning a Visit Cusco in November? This guide will help you learn everything you need to know about visiting Peru’s ancient Inca capital during this special time of year. From the weather and what to bring, to cultural events and how to plan your budget, you’ll discover why November offers a great mix of good conditions and authentic experiences.
Weather and Climate in Cusco During November
Temperature and General Conditions
November starts the rainy season in Cusco, but it still has many features of the dry season. The temperature in November ranges from comfortable 8°C to 22°C (46°F to 72°F), with average highs around 21°C (70°F) and lows around 7°C (45°F).
The temperature changes a lot between day and night, so you’ll need to dress in layers. During the day, the weather is pleasant and warm, but evenings and early mornings can be quite remarkable.
Rainfall Patterns and Precipitation
November sees more rain as the rainy season starts. However, the amount of rain is still not too high compared to later months, with around 2 inches (50mm) expected for the whole month. Rain usually comes as afternoon showers, leaving clear mornings perfect for sightseeing.
The chance of rain increases from 24% at the start of the month to 34% by the end of November. Cloudy weather is typical, with 85% to 91% of days being cloudy, making the ancient sites feel more mysterious.
Humidity and Sky Conditions
November brings very high humidity, sometimes reaching nearly 100%. The sky is clear or sunny for an average of 4 hours each day, but morning fog is common at places like Machu Picchu, followed by more chances of rain in the afternoon.
Advantages of Visiting Cusco in November
Fewer Crowds and Better Availability
One of the best things about visiting Cusco in November is the lower number of tourists. Since it’s part of the shoulder season, you’ll find fewer people at famous places like Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and Cusco’s historic center. This means better chances for photos, more personal experiences at historical sites, and it’s easier to book hotels and tours.
Competitive Pricing
November is a great time to visit if you’re looking for good deals. Hotels in Cusco average about $223 per night, which is much cheaper than peak season, where prices can go up to $521 in June. Budget travelers can find great hostels for as little as $7-12 USD per night, while mid-range options cost between $20-100 USD.
Pleasant Daytime Temperatures
Even though November is the start of the rainy season, it still has pleasant temperatures that make it a good time to explore. The weather is comfortable, so walking around, visiting markets, and doing outdoor activities during the day feels great.
Lush Green Landscapes
The first rains of the season turn the scenery into bright green, making it perfect for taking photos. The plants become greener and more colorful, giving a fresh look to the Sacred Valley and nearby places. Thats why we recommended to Visit Cusco in November
Cultural Events and Festivals in November
Religious Celebrations
November starts with two important religious holidays that give a special look into local culture:
Día de Todos los Santos (All Saints’ Day) – November 1st: Families make traditional “t’anta wawa” bread shaped like babies and go to cemeteries with food, flowers, and offerings for the deceased.
Día de los Difuntos (Day of the Dead) – November 2nd: This day comes right after All Saints’ Day and is a time to remember the dead. Families gather for meals, traditional foods, and church services.
Festival of the Virgin of Almudena – November 5th
This big religious event honors one of Cusco’s principal saints with colorful parades, processions, and local performances. There’s traditional music, dancing, and food stands that serve dishes like cuy and anticuchos.
Local Anniversary Celebrations
During November, different areas around Cusco celebrate their anniversaries with parades, music, and food events. These happen outside of usual tourist spots and offer real cultural experiences.
Visiting Major Attractions in November
Machu Picchu in November
Weather at Machu Picchu: Since it’s not as high as Cusco, the weather there is a bit warmer. The temperature usually goes from 12°C to 20°C, which is about 54°F to 68°F. Machu Picchu is open every day from 6 AM to 5 PM all year long.
Visitor Numbers: In November, about 3,200 people visit Machu Picchu each day. That’s much fewer than in August, when around 4,800 visitors come daily. This means you’ll have a more peaceful visit with shorter lines and better chances to take great photos.
Photography Opportunities: In the mornings, there is often a light fog that gives the site a magical look, making it great for taking dramatic photos. The best time for photography is during the golden hour, between 6 AM and 8 AM, when the light is soft and perfect for capturing the famous ruins.
The Salkantay Trek In November
Even though it gets cooler during the dry season, the Salkantay Trek is more comfortable in November. The long-awaited rain will start to come, which helps the plants grow and makes the scenery along the hike even more beautiful.
Inca Jungle Trek In November
This is an alternative to the Inca Trail. You’ll spend less time walking and more time doing exciting activities like white water rafting. November is still a good time for these activities, but you should bring a rain poncho and follow the advice of your tour leader carefully.
Sacred Valley in November
The Sacred Valley has pleasant weather with daytime temperatures between 16°C and 21°C, or 61°F to 70°F, and nighttime temperatures that drop to 6°C to 11°C, about 43°F to 52°F. The area gets around 64mm of rain over 21 days, primarily as short afternoon showers. If you want to explore our Complete Sacred Valley Tour, click here.
Advantages: Popular places like Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and the Maras Salt Mines are less crowded. You can also book tours and hotels last-minute if you want.
What to Pack for Visit Cusco in November
Essential Clothing Items
Layering System: Bring clothes that are easy to take on and off as the weather changes throughout the day:
- Lightweight shirts that wick away sweat
- Light sweaters or fleece jackets
- A warm jacket or puffer coat for the cooler evenings
- Comfortable hiking pants and jeans
- Shorts for when it’s warm in the afternoons
Rain Protection: Important things to have during the start of the rainy season:
- A waterproof rain jacket
- A rain poncho for when you’re outside
- Hiking boots that resist water
- Clothes made from materials that dry quickly
Footwear and Accessories
- Footwear: Wear comfortable, well-worn hiking boots that have a good grip for walking on cobblestone streets and slippery trails.
- Sun Protection: Even during the rainy season, there is still a lot of UV light at higher altitudes:
- A wide-brimmed hat
- Good quality sunglasses
- Sunscreen with a high SPF
- Lip balm to help with dry lips
Cold Weather Gear: For chilly mornings and evenings:
- A warm hat and gloves
- A scarf or buff
- Thick socks for sleeping at night
Food and Dining in November
Traditional Cusqueño Cuisine
Visit Cusco in November is a great time to experience the rich food of Cusco.
Try traditional dishes like Chiri Uchu (a cold ceremonial dish often eaten during festivals), Lomo Saltado (stir-fried beef), and fresh trout ceviche.
Recommended Restaurants
Budget-Friendly: Local markets like San Pedro offer full meals for around $3 to $5 USD. Pachapapa in San Blas serves fantastic traditional dishes at fair prices.
Mid-Range: Chicha (Gastón Acurio’s restaurant) uses regional ingredients, while Kusykay offers “Peruvian craft food” made with organic, local ingredients.
Fine Dining: Cicciolina gives a romantic feel with Italian-Peruvian fusion dishes, and Uchu Peruvian Steakhouse serves high-quality meat dishes.
Photography and Sightseeing Tips
Best Times for Photography
Golden Hour: Early mornings between 6:00 and 7:30 AM offer soft, warm light that’s great for taking pictures of buildings and landscapes.
Weather Considerations: Morning fog at ancient sites creates a mysterious atmosphere, while afternoon light between 3:30 and 5:00 PM gives warm colors.
Recommended Viewpoints in Cusco
San Cristóbal Viewpoint: Provides sweeping views of the city with red-tiled roofs beside mountain backgrounds. Best to visit before 5:00 PM.
Cristo Blanco: Offers a high view of the city and surrounding mountains. You can walk there or take a taxi.
San Blas Neighborhood: Has narrow cobblestone streets and cozy viewpoints that are perfect for taking cultural photos.
The Main Disadvantages Of Visiting Cusco In November (Rainy Weather)
November is the beginning of the rainy season, so there will be more rain compared to the winter months. On average, about 2 inches of rain fall during the month, which means there will be some showers now and then in Cusco. When you hike in the Sacred Valley, you might experience more rain because the weather can change a lot as you go up the mountains. Because of this, it’s a good idea to bring waterproof clothes and a rain poncho to stay dry if it rains while you’re on your hike.
However, the rain in November doesn’t get heavy until the end of the month. This means you only have to worry about light, occasional rain, not the heavy downpours that happen in December, January, and February. This makes hiking more comfortable in the first few weeks of November. It also means you don’t have to worry as much about landslides or problems with the roads you might take to get to hiking areas, because they are less likely to get flooded and blocked.
Is It Worth Visiting Cusco In November?
That’s all for this guide on visiting Cusco in November. Visit Cusco in November marks the start of the wet season, so many people worry if it will rain every day in Cusco. But this isn’t true—rain only becomes more frequent towards the end of the month. On the other hand, there are some benefits to visiting in November. The weather is warmer than before, and there are fewer tourists. Plus, there are some special traditional events happening during this time that you can experience if you’re interested in culture.
