Cusco in September
Visiting Cusco in September: 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
September is mostly dry and warm, with milder nights than mid-year. September is one of the best months for Cusco: good weather, warmer nights and fewer people than August. 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 September.
Cusco in September at a glance
| Season | Shoulder season |
| Temperature | Average high 22 °C, low 5 °C |
| Rain | 18 mm on average, on about 4 days |
| Crowds | Medium to 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 September
September is mostly dry and warm, with milder nights than mid-year. The first afternoon showers can appear, especially late in the month. Skies are usually clear in the mornings.
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 September for the weather there.
Is September a good time to visit Cusco?
September is one of the best months for Cusco: good weather, warmer nights and fewer people than August.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Mostly dry and warm | Occasional afternoon showers |
| Fewer crowds than August | Still busy early in the month |
| Great conditions for treks |
Festivals and events in September
- Virgen de la Natividad (around September 8): the festival of the Almudena neighborhood in Cusco.
- Spring equinox (around September 22): the start of spring in the Southern Hemisphere.
Things to do in Cusco in September
- Hike Humantay Lake, Rainbow Mountain or the Salkantay trek.
- Explore the city and the South Valley at a relaxed pace.
- Visit the Sacred Valley markets and Pisac.
- Hike the Inca Trail, often easier to book than in mid-year.
For more ideas, see our Cusco tours and the Cusco city tour.
Treks and day hikes in September
| Trek or hike | Conditions in September |
|---|---|
| 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 September
Medium to high. 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 September those dates are: 2026: All month; 2027: All month.
Tips for Cusco in September
- Choose the second half for fewer people.
- Carry a light rain jacket.
- Book Inca Trail permits 4–6 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 August and Cusco in October, 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 September a good time to visit Cusco?
Yes, it is one of the best months: mostly dry, warmer nights and fewer crowds than August.
Does it rain in Cusco in September?
A little, usually as short afternoon showers late in the month.
Is September good for trekking near Cusco?
Yes. Trails are dry and nights are milder than in June to August.
What should I pack for Cusco in September?
Layers you can add and remove, a light rain jacket, a warm fleece for the evenings, sunscreen and shoes with good grip.