Cusco in August
Visiting Cusco in August: weather, festivals, what to do in the city, which treks and day hikes are open, crowds and what to pack.
By J. José Rodríguez, Founder / CEO
August is dry and sunny, with cold nights that slowly get milder through the month. August is reliable for weather and treks, and still high season. Book ahead and bring a windproof layer. This guide, from our team in Cusco, covers the weather, what is on, what to do, which treks are open and how to plan your trip in August.
Cusco in August at a glance
| Season | Dry season |
| Temperature | Average high 22 °C, low 3 °C; some nights drop below 0 °C |
| Rain | 7 mm on average, on about 2 days |
| Crowds | Very high |
| Machu Picchu high-season capacity dates | 2026: All month; 2027: All month |
| Inca Trail | Open |
1991–2020 averages for the Cusco airport weather station (WMO climate normals, NOAA). High hikes such as Rainbow Mountain and Humantay are much colder.
Weather in Cusco in August
August is dry and sunny, with cold nights that slowly get milder through the month. Afternoons are often windy, and the hills around the city look golden and dry. The first light showers can appear at the very end of the month.
Cusco sits at 3,400 m, so the sun is strong even on cool days and nights are always colder than you expect. Machu Picchu, about 1,000 m lower, is warmer and more humid. See Machu Picchu in August for the weather there.
Is August a good time to visit Cusco?
August is reliable for weather and treks, and still high season. Book ahead and bring a windproof layer.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Dry, sunny weather | High-season crowds |
| Excellent conditions for treks | Windy afternoons |
| Milder nights than July | Inca Trail permits sell out early |
Festivals and events in August
- Pachamama day (August 1): offerings to Mother Earth across the Andes, a tradition many families keep through the month.
- Santa Rosa de Lima (August 30): a national holiday in Peru.
Things to do in Cusco in August
- Hike the Inca Trail or Salkantay in dry conditions.
- See families make offerings to the Pachamama (Mother Earth) during the month.
- Fly kites with local children on windy afternoons, an August tradition.
- Visit the Sacred Valley and Maras before the rains.
For more ideas, see our Cusco tours and the Cusco city tour.
Treks and day hikes in August
| Trek or hike | Conditions in August |
|---|---|
| Classic Inca Trail | Open; permits sell out early |
| Salkantay Trek | Open; cold nights |
| Lares Trek | Open |
| Rainbow Mountain | Good; freezing at dawn |
| Humantay Lake | Good |
| Ausangate | Very cold nights, clear skies |
Compare the multi-day routes in best treks to Machu Picchu and Inca Trail vs Salkantay.
Crowds, prices and booking in August
Very high. Book hotels, trains, Machu Picchu tickets and Inca Trail permits well ahead; prices are at their highest.
On the Ministry of Culture’s high-season dates, Machu Picchu admits up to 5,600 visitors a day instead of 4,500. In August those dates are: 2026: All month; 2027: All month.
Tips for Cusco in August
- Bring a windproof jacket.
- Have a backup trek (Salkantay or Lares) if Inca Trail permits are gone.
- Book hotels early.
- Take it easy on your first day: Cusco is at 3,400 m. Read our altitude guide.
Other months
Comparing dates? Read Cusco in July and Cusco in September, or see the whole year in our best time to visit Machu Picchu guide.
Tours
Plan this with a local team
Cusco day tour
Cusco City Tour
Half-day guided tour of Cusco: Qoricancha, the Cathedral, Sacsayhuamán and three nearby Inca sites. All entrance tickets included.
Cusco day tour
Sacred Valley Tour
Full-day tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas with buffet lunch and every entrance fee included. Classic or Maras & Moray route.
Machu Picchu journey
Machu Picchu 2 Days
Spend a night in Aguas Calientes and enter Machu Picchu early. Train, hotel, subject to availability ticket and guide included. Huayna Picchu add-on available.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers
Is August a good time to visit Cusco?
Yes for weather: it is dry and sunny. It is still high season, so book early.
Is it windy in Cusco in August?
Yes. August afternoons are often windy, especially on the high hikes.
Is the Inca Trail good in August?
Yes, but permits are among the first to sell out. Book 6–8 months ahead.
What should I pack for Cusco in August?
Warm layers, a down jacket, hat and gloves for the cold nights, plus sunglasses, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen.