Cusco in June
Visiting Cusco in June: 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
June is dry and sunny, with the coldest nights of the year starting to arrive: about 2 °C on average in the city, some nights below 0 °C, and well below freezing on the high hikes. June is Cusco’s festival month. It is dry, sunny and busy, especially around June 24. Book everything early and pack for freezing nights. 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 June.
Cusco in June at a glance
| Season | Dry season |
| Temperature | Average high 21 °C, low 2 °C; some nights drop below 0 °C |
| Rain | 3 mm on average, on about 1 day |
| Crowds | High, very busy around June 24 |
| Machu Picchu high-season capacity dates | 2026: From June 19; 2027: From June 19 |
| 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 June
June is dry and sunny, with the coldest nights of the year starting to arrive: about 2 °C on average in the city, some nights below 0 °C, and well below freezing on the high hikes. Days are pleasant in the sun and chilly in the shade.
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 June for the weather there.
Is June a good time to visit Cusco?
June is Cusco’s festival month. It is dry, sunny and busy, especially around June 24. Book everything early and pack for freezing nights.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The driest weather and clear skies | High-season crowds and higher prices |
| Cusco’s biggest festivals | Freezing nights |
| Great conditions for every trek | Hotels around June 24 sell out early |
Festivals and events in June
- Corpus Christi (June 4, 2026; May 27, 2027): saints from Cusco’s parishes are carried to the cathedral, with chiriuchu as the traditional dish.
- Parades all month: schools, neighborhoods and institutions dance in the Plaza de Armas through June, Cusco’s jubilee month.
- Inti Raymi (June 24): the Inca festival of the sun, re-enacted at the Qoricancha, the Plaza de Armas and Sacsayhuamán.
Things to do in Cusco in June
- See the parades in the Plaza de Armas through the month.
- Watch Inti Raymi at the Qoricancha, the Plaza de Armas and Sacsayhuamán on June 24.
- Hike the Inca Trail, Salkantay or Rainbow Mountain under clear skies.
- Taste chiriuchu, the festive dish of Corpus Christi.
For more ideas, see our Cusco tours and the Cusco city tour.
Treks and day hikes in June
| Trek or hike | Conditions in June |
|---|---|
| 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 June
High, very busy around June 24. 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 June those dates are: 2026: From June 19; 2027: From June 19.
Tips for Cusco in June
- Book hotels for June 24 weeks or months ahead.
- Decide early whether to buy an Inti Raymi seat at Sacsayhuamán or watch from the free areas.
- Pack a down jacket, hat and gloves.
- Take it easy on your first day: Cusco is at 3,400 m. Read our altitude guide.
Other months
Comparing dates? Read Cusco in May and Cusco in July, 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 June a good time to visit Cusco?
Yes. It is dry, sunny and full of festivals, but busy; book early.
When is Inti Raymi?
Every June 24, with ceremonies at the Qoricancha, the Plaza de Armas and Sacsayhuamán.
How cold is Cusco in June?
Days reach about 21 °C, but nights average about 2 °C in the city, with some frosty nights, and below freezing on the high hikes.
What should I pack for Cusco in June?
Warm layers, a down jacket, hat and gloves for the cold nights, plus sunglasses, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen.