Cusco in October
Visiting Cusco in October: 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
October is warm and mostly dry, with the first afternoon showers becoming more frequent toward the end of the month. October is a smart shoulder month: good weather, fewer people and easier booking. Plan outdoor activities for the morning. 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 October.
Cusco in October at a glance
| Season | Shoulder season |
| Temperature | Average high 22 °C, low 7 °C |
| Rain | 55 mm on average, on about 9 days |
| Crowds | Medium |
| 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 October
October is warm and mostly dry, with the first afternoon showers becoming more frequent toward the end of the month. Nights are mild for Cusco, and the hills start to turn green again.
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 October for the weather there.
Is October a good time to visit Cusco?
October is a smart shoulder month: good weather, fewer people and easier booking. Plan outdoor activities for the morning.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Mostly dry and warm | Afternoon showers late in the month |
| Fewer crowds than mid-year | Less predictable weather than mid-year |
| Better availability |
Festivals and events in October
- Battle of Angamos (October 8): a national holiday in Peru.
- Señor de los Milagros (October): Peru’s largest religious procession is in Lima, with smaller processions in Cusco.
Things to do in Cusco in October
- See the city and Sacsayhuamán in the morning light.
- Hike Rainbow Mountain or Humantay early in the day, before the afternoon clouds.
- Visit the Sacred Valley and Moray.
- Take a cooking class or visit museums on rainy afternoons.
For more ideas, see our Cusco tours and the Cusco city tour.
Treks and day hikes in October
| Trek or hike | Conditions in October |
|---|---|
| Classic Inca Trail | Open |
| Salkantay Trek | Open |
| Lares Trek | Open |
| Rainbow Mountain | Good |
| Humantay Lake | Good |
| Ausangate | Good |
Compare the multi-day routes in best treks to Machu Picchu and Inca Trail vs Salkantay.
Crowds, prices and booking in October
Medium. Book Machu Picchu tickets 3–6 weeks ahead and Inca Trail permits 4–6 months ahead.
On the Ministry of Culture’s high-season dates, Machu Picchu admits up to 5,600 visitors a day instead of 4,500. In October those dates are: 2026: All month; 2027: All month.
Tips for Cusco in October
- Plan hikes for the morning.
- Carry a light rain jacket every day.
- Book Huayna Picchu 1–2 months ahead.
- Take it easy on your first day: Cusco is at 3,400 m. Read our altitude guide.
Other months
Comparing dates? Read Cusco in September and Cusco in November, 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 October a good time to visit Cusco?
Yes. It is mostly dry and warm, with fewer crowds than June to September.
Does it rain in Cusco in October?
Some afternoons, more often toward the end of the month.
Is October good for Rainbow Mountain?
Yes, especially early in the month and early in the day, before afternoon clouds.
What should I pack for Cusco in October?
Layers you can add and remove, a light rain jacket, a warm fleece for the evenings, sunscreen and shoes with good grip.